Categories Electrician, Maintenance, Residential, Safety

Is electrical outlet repair a DIY job?

Is electrical outlet repair a DIY job?

Q: How many Seahawks does it take to change a light bulb?
A:
One, but it never gets done. They just hold the bulb up and wait for the world to revolve around them.

With the exception of changing a light bulb, most electrical jobs involve wiring. And no electrical wiring job – including electrical outlet repair – is DIY (do-it-yourself).

Signs You Need Electrical Outlet Repair

An electrical outlet is the wall receptacle that connects an electrical device plug to the electricity supply. They can be installed in floors and ceilings but are usually installed in walls.

There are different types of electrical outlets. Travelers often need adapters to convert the voltage in European outlets to accommodate U.S. electrical devices.

8 Signs you need electrical outlet repair include:

  1. Cracks/chips – Cracks in or chipped areas on the faceplate or outlet are more than cosmetic. Dust and dirt can build-up behind the faceplate and, like kindling, spark a fire.
  2. It isn’t working – Make sure the other room outlets work, then call your local electrician.
  3. Loose plugs – If your electronic plug-ins fall out of the outlet frequently, it’s time to replace those outlets.
  4. Power surges – If your device flickers on-and-off after you plug-in, your outlet could be “overpowered.” It shouldn’t be. It’s either damaged, outdated, worn-out, or all three.
  5. Scorching/melting – Burn marks or signs of melting plastic on the faceplate, the outlets, or the wall are major red flags. Contact your Phoenix- or Scottsdale-area electrician immediately.
  6. Smoke/sparks – If you see smoke or sparks near an outlet, call your electrician right away.
  7. Two-prong holes – If your electrical outlet has only 2 holes, it’s not just old; it’s not grounded. Replace those outdated outlets as soon as possible.
  8. Warmth/heat – If an outlet feels warm, you may have damaged or frayed wiring. In new homes, this indicates the wiring was improperly installed. Contact a licensed, bonded electrician asap.

When you believe electrical outlet repair is needed, you must contact a professional electrician. Some electrical outlet repair situations require immediate attention, but all of them are dangerous. Don’t delay.

Why You Need a Licensed Electrician for Electrical Outlet Repair

First, there’s really no such thing as “electrical outlet repair.” If you have problems, you need an electrical outlet replacement, not a repair.

Almost everyone understands DIY electrical wiring is risky at best. You risk damaging your property. You also risk serious injury and even death. It’s not worth the risk.

What many people don’t know is if you DIY an electrical project and later a fire or other damages occur that can be traced to that job, your insurance company can deny coverage. You need to be able to prove a licensed, insured, and bonded electrician did the work.

TIO Electric: Solutions for Maricopa County

Turn It On Electric inspects and replaces commercial and residential property outlets for Phoenix, Scottsdale, and nearby neighborhoods. In addition to being licensed and bonded professionals, we are also LEED-certified. This means we will offer sustainable, energy-saving options that will save money and increase your property value.

We recommend GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets for every property. If there’s a problem with the electrical flow, GFCI outlets shut off. If you have GFCI outlets but your home is older than 10 years, it may be time to replace them.

Our company believes in safety first. For our friends and neighbors with small children and grandchildren, we recommend tamper-resistant outlets.

Let’s plan this year’s electrical upgrade project before electrical emergency service is needed. Contact TIO Electric for a free consultation.

Categories Electrical Wiring, Residential, Safety

What to do when your circuit breaker keeps tripping

What to do when your circuit breaker keeps tripping

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it’s a major red flag, especially if it’s caused by your home office or kitchen appliances. Your circuit breaker keeps tripping because your electrical system is warning you something’s wrong. It’s trying to protect you from electrocution and fire hazards.

Electrical failures or malfunctions were the second leading cause of U.S. home fires . . . Fires involving electrical failures or malfunctions accounted for the highest share of civilian deaths and direct property damage.

NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)

6 Reasons Why Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

NFPA also says the majority of electrical home fires are caused by arcing. “Arcing” is what happens when a circuit is overloaded. When your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it’s a warning that overloading may be an immediate threat. If you ignore it, the damaged circuit breaker will stop tripping and allow electricity to flow, causing a fire.

Reasons your fuses (older homes) or circuit breaker keeps tripping include:

  1. Age – Some of the common protections in place in newer wiring may be missing in your older or historical home. Older homes with aging wiring need a professional, residential electrical inspection. The oldest type of wiring (circa the 1940s) is dangerous when the insulation erodes.
  2. Arc fault – The NEC (National Electrical Code has increased requirements for AFCI (arc-fault circuit interrupter) in newly built or renovated homes. Your AFCI breaker triggers tripping when circuit overloads, ground faults, or short circuits occur. It can also sense power fluctuations; an important safeguard.
  3. Ground fault – This is a type of short circuit. It occurs when a hot wire touches a ground wire, wall box, or wood framing. These are especially dangerous in moisture-heavy areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
  4. Overloaded circuit – If you’re using a lot of power strips in your home office, you may have a heavier electrical load than your wiring can handle. If your circuit breaker keeps tripping in the kitchen, you need to upgrade the load-carrying capacity of your wiring.
  5. Poor wiring – If your wiring wasn’t installed by a licensed electrician or was badly installed in the first place, your circuit breaker will warn you there’s a problem.
  6. Short circuit – This is a more serious reason why your circuit breaker keeps tripping. It can be because a hot wire touches a neutral wire or because an appliance has a wiring problem. If you have a short circuit, it will trip immediately after you reset it. Contact your local electrician right away.

Scottsdale & Phoenix Licensed Electrician

Any electrical problem in your Scottsdale or Phoenix-area home is not something you can DIY (do-it-yourself). It’s never worth the risk of injury to your loved ones or property. Also, if damage occurs later your insurance company can deny coverage if you didn’t use a licensed electrician for repair or maintenance.

If you have a circuit breaker that keeps tripping, it’s time to call the professionals at Turn It On Electric. We understand the need for affordable electrical work, but your well-being is our priority. We’ll tell you what you need now and what you may need later, but we won’t compromise your safety.

Let’s discuss your options. Contact Turn It On Electric today for a safer new year.

Categories Electrical Wiring, Electrician, Residential, Safety

Hire a professional for your electrical outlet install

Hire a professional for your electrical outlet install

There are many reasons why you might need an electrical outlet install for your home or business. For example, you might be constructing a new home and wish to choose exactly where the outlets will be. Similarly, you could be renovating your property and need a new electrical outlet installed to replace one lost in the renovations.

Or you may simply be looking to make your Phoenix home more functional and convenient. Whatever your reasons for needing new outlets, you should always call in a licensed, professional electrician for your electrical outlet install. 

Protect Your Property and Loved Ones 

Any type of electrical work, including an electrical outlet install, can be fraught with peril. When you are dealing with exposed wires, there is always the risk of electrocution.

Is it really worth risking your life or that of your loved ones over a simple electrical outlet install? Undoubtedly not. With a professional electrician, you can sit back and relax, knowing that everything is taken care of. Both in the moment and for the long haul.

Minimize the Risk of Electrical Fires 

Electrical fires are one of the most dangerous aspects of working with electricity. When outlets or wires give off sparks, they can ignite your carpet, curtains, furniture, or other items, potentially spreading the fire quickly throughout your home. Professional electricians are highly trained to prevent electrical fires and get them out quickly on the rare occasions they do occur. 

Ensure the Work Is Done Properly on Your Electrical Outlet Install

One of the biggest risks in doing electrical work on your own is making mistakes. Even with careful research and meticulous attention to detail, you still run the risk of doing something incorrectly. The less experience you have, the more likely you will be to make significant errors during your electrical outlet install.

Even tiny mistakes can come back to haunt you in the future. The outlets may stop working entirely, or they may spark, increasing the risk of fire and electrocution. A professional electrician will make sure the job is done right the first time. 

Gain Access to New Safety and Performance Features 

Although electrical outlets may appear simple, they are actually more complex than you might realize. In addition to simply providing access to electricity, they can also add important safety measures and improve performance.

One of the most commonly requested of these features is tamper-resistant outlets. Young children are notorious for sticking items into electrical outlets, putting them at risk for electrocution. Tamper-resistant outlets cover the ports when not in use and can only be operated by pressing all ports at the same time when plugging something in. This simple feature is powerful for keeping your kids safe, so be sure to ask for it during your electrical outlet install. 

Call Us for Your Phoenix Electrical Outlet Install 

For electrical outlet installation you can trust in Phoenix, reach out to Turn It On Electric. Our team is here to help with all your electrical needs, from initial installation to ongoing repair to full replacement. We\’ll be happy to provide a free consultation to discuss your electrical needs. 

When you work with us, you can rest assured that you are in the best, most experienced hands. We are proud to be the preferred electrical service provider in the Phoenix area. That pride is evident in each and every service we complete.

We take your satisfaction and safety seriously, so you can count on us for a job well done. Reach out to our team today to make an appointment to review your home\’s electrical requirements and upgrade your system with new outlets. 

Categories Electrical Wiring, Electrician, Maintenance, Residential, Safety

When is it time for electrical outlet replacement?

When is it time for electrical outlet replacement?

Have you been meaning to get around to electrical outlet replacement but haven\’t yet? This seemingly small home maintenance task may appear insignificant. But in the grand scheme of things, it is actually much more important than you might realize.

Not only are faulty outlets inconvenient, but they can also be dangerous. Here\’s what you need to know about electrical outlet replacement and why it needs to be on your to-do list today.

Why You Need to Replace Bad Outlets 

When one of your outlets isn\’t working properly, it can be easy to fall into the trap of ignoring it. You simply use other outlets instead. However, faulty outlets are at much greater risk of sparking or catching fire, potentially putting your home and loved ones at risk.

What\’s more, if your outlets are linked to one another, a single bad outlet could render even more of them useless. While this probably isn\’t dangerous, it can definitely be inconvenient. 

When You Need Electrical Outlet Replacement 

In general, outlets last about 15 to 20 years before they need to be replaced. But the specific timeline depends on a variety of factors, including frequency of use and types of appliances. Modern electronics have higher energy demands than those of the past, so they can sometimes overwhelm older outlets. 

Even if your outlets have not yet reached the 15-year mark, they may still need to be replaced. Faulty parts, incorrect wiring, and other complications can lead your outlets to stop working. Be on the lookout for crackling or sparking noises, unusual smells, and power fluctuations to identify when it\’s time for electrical outlet replacement. 

Inspect Your Outlets Regularly 

The best way to keep all of your electrical outlets working properly is to keep up with regular inspections and maintenance. Electrical work can be highly dangerous, so it is always best to work with a professional electrician. Here at Turn It On Electric, we are proud to serve the Phoenix area with our electrical services, including electrical outlet replacement. 

If you are concerned about the state of any of your outlets, or are simply seeking some peace of mind, our team will be more than happy to schedule an inspection for you. We\’ll come out to your Phoenix home to identify any outlets that are in need of repair. We\’ll let you know which outlets you\’ll need to replace and which can be fixed without requiring electrical outlet replacement. 

Use Electrical Outlet Replacement to Upgrade Your System 

When you replace your existing outlets, you\’ll likely be getting a serious upgrade in terms of electrical technology. This means that you\’ll get better energy efficiency, which could save you money on your utility bills. You\’ll also gain access to additional features, like USB charging ports, safety capabilities, and more. 

One of the best modern safety features is tamper resistance. With tamper-resistant outlets, you can have confidence that your children are not in danger around your outlets. The ports are covered when not in use. They prevent babies and kids from sticking toys, sticks, or other items into the outlets. A slightly higher outlet cost is a small price to pay to ensure your children\’s safety, so be sure to consider this option during your electrical outlet replacement service. 

The Turn It On Electric Difference 

When you work with us, you can rest assured that you and your property are in good hands. We are committed to excellence at every turn, from our electrical outlet replacement and inspection services to our friendly customer service.

Reach out today for electrical outlet replacement and all your other electrical needs. 

Categories Electrician, Lighting, Outdoor, Residential

Indoor/outdoor ideas for holiday lighting in general

Indoor/outdoor ideas for holiday lighting in general

Our emotions and feelings of wellbeing can be shaped by holiday lighting in general. Fall and traditional year-end celebrations give many of us an excuse to use holiday decorations to add more excitement both indoors and outside.

And as days grow shorter, we tend to increase holiday lighting in general. And why not? Let\’s light up our streets and spread some cheer!

Types of Holiday Lightbulbs

These include:

  • Ceramic – Classic; look as if they are painted
  • Globe – LEDs inside globe-shaped bulbs
  • Incandescent – Filament-based bulbs for a warm glow (handle carefully; they get hot)
  • LED – Long-lasting and emits a bright light
  • Net – Minilights on a webbed circuit
  • RGB – Programmable and can display multiple colors
  • Transparent – Colored with visible filaments

Outdoor Holiday Lighting in General

Every neighborhood has at least one home in which the owner puts small white lights in every bush and tree for a winter holiday. It\’s snowy wonderland vibe that\’s timeless! They’re attractive, uplifting, and celebrate every day with holiday lighting in general.

Popular Mechanics defines outdoor lighting for holidays in 3 easy-to-remember styles:

1. Holiday Classic

Tasteful but celebratory, the “holiday classic” style of exterior lighting uses symmetry to put white LED lights along gutters/eaves, windows, and on large trees or shrubs. The three main types of LED white lights are:

  • Bright
  • Polar
  • Warm

Avoid bright-white bulbs unless you like the deer-in-the-headlights approach to décor, says PM magazine. Try warm-white lights on the house and polar-white lights on trees and shrubs. The two tones work well together and provide dimension.

2. The Delightful Monstrosity

What Clark Griswold didn’t understand was the difference between “garish” and “festive.” The number of lightbulbs and the color impact holiday lighting in general.

Go with “multicolored strands along the gutter. Beneath that, hang a string of icicle lights,” says PM magazine. Different-size bulbs create greater visual interest. “Bigger C9 bulbs are best installed along the roofline and gutters; C7s are better for around windows and doors…Wrap your mailbox, too, if you’ve got easy access to electricity.”

3. The Minimalist

The minimalist hangs a real pine wreath on the front door. It’s illuminated by an E17 LED warm-white spotlight. And that says it all in a simple fashion.

Indoor Lighting Sets the Stage for Fall and Winter

This year’s holiday lighting in general needs to convey comfort. When choosing lights for interior decorating, pay attention to the strands’ lengths and how many strands can be connected to one outlet.

Talk to us about the best indoor lighting! See the options:

  • Color – Strands of mini-bulbs in blue, green, orange, pink, and red. If one burns out, the others stay lit.
  • Extra-long – Impressively long strands that can link to additional sets.
  • Extravaganza – These can be phone-controlled and come with flashing modes.
  • Novelty – Twinkle lights are just plain fun with operating modes including slow fade, twinkle, wave, and more.
  • White – These high-quality, top-rated strands are best for both traditionalists and minimalists.

Holidays are Happier When Safety is a Priority

As with all things electrical, professional service is the best way to protect your family, friends, and property this time of year. Before you risk overloading your circuits, please ask us what your safest options are for holiday lighting in general. 

Need help with setup for all the fall and winter festivities? You\’re busy, so let us help. You\’ll have the holiday home you\’ve dreamed of – without all the hassle. Our licensed electricians know how to make your indoor and outdoor spaces secure and bright.

Contact Turn It On Electric today for experienced, trustworthy electrical service. And give the gift of light to your friends, family, and neighborhood this holiday season!