Residential Archives - Page 28 of 35

Electrical panel maintenance? What you need to know

9Jul2020

Professionalism defines an attitude toward what we do. It’s something we now expect when we buy products or services. Your property’s electrical system needs professional maintenance and regular inspections. Electrical panel maintenance should be part of all residential and commercial property upkeep.

What is Electrical Panel Maintenance?

If you’re buying a new-to-you home, ask when the last professional electrical panel maintenance was provided. Most electrical service companies recommend professional panel maintenance every 2-3 years. If it’s more than 30 years old, consider panel replacement.

A visual inspection is a homeowner’s first electrical panel maintenance task. When the lid is shut, check for dust and dirt, rust, or signs of moisture. Open the electrical panel door and inspect the inside. Corrosion and even dust build-up can cause problems with your electrical service. Most electrical panel malfunctions are dangerous.

Professional Panel Maintenance: What We Do

There are clues your electrical panel is outdated or problematic. Some you can see; others may be subtle but are red flags. A professional electrical panel maintenance visit will address any electrical issues you may have noticed. We will also explore the electrical panel box form and function.

1. Visual Inspection

If the breaker box has a brand name of “Federal Pacific Electric” or “Zinsco,” it may be unsafe. Even if it has a reassuring “GTE Sylvania” label inside, it may be one of the recalled Zinscos. Federal Pacifics may have a “Stab-Loc” label inside the panel.

(Older Zinscos and all Federal Pacifics might not trip, causing overheating and fires. Federal Pacifics went out of production in the 1980s, but not before millions of properties were affected.)

If we discover old fuses and aging fixtures during the electrical panel maintenance, we will probably recommend an upgrade.

2. Fire Evidence

With no “fuel” available, fires inside closed panel boxes usually extinguish themselves. There may have been a previous panel fire if there are burn marks or discolorations in or near the panel box.

3. Frequent Circuit ‘Trips’

It is not normal to have to “reset the breaker” because you have a power outage in one area. Most property owners go years without their circuit breakers flipping off. Breaker-tripping tells us there’s some kind of deterioration going on.

4. Plastic-Burning Smell

Plastic electronics have a distinctive odor when they are burning. If you smell plastic burning near the circuit box, schedule an electrical panel maintenance inspection immediately.

Electrical Demand is Property-Specific

Your property may have the same layout or floor plan as others. But how you use your space – how many people, rooms/offices, and electronic devices used – is unique. Working at home may lessen travel time and fuel consumption, but homeowners’ electricity usage increase proportionately. Office spaces and commercial buildings need basic services 24/7.

Turn It On Electric of Arizona recommends electrical panel maintenance as part of your annual or bi-annual property inspection. We’ll ensure breakers, connection points, components, and wires are tightened and functioning. We will also assess your usage levels to determine if your property’s wiring is keeping up.

If you have any questions or electrical concerns, contact us immediately. We’re your local electric service professionals for Phoenix-area communities and neighborhoods, including:

Carefree
Cave Creek
East Valley
Glendale
Paradise Valley
Peoria
Scottsdale

It’s not what we do…but how much love we put into it. – José, Journeyman Electrician

Outdoor, Residential

Adding Garage Lights

9Jul2020

You’ve installed attractive lighting throughout your home. Your property has lighting for safety and landscape enhancement. But what about your garage lights?

It\’s not quite inside, not quite outside and never well-lit. The low-wattage light on the door opener rarely provides enough illumination and it shuts off when you’re only halfway to the door.

Garage Lights: Many Options

Garages are probably one of the most versatile rooms in your house. You can use your garage for one thing (parking cars) or several:

Auto repair/restoration
Crafts
Game room
Recreation area
Storage
Workshop

Your garage needs proper lighting no matter how its space is used. What’s confusing is there are many types of lights available. First, identify your “essential areas.” These can include:

Above the door of the garage (an ideal place for storage)
Electrical appliances
Storage/seasonal tools
Where you hang frequently used tools
Workbench

Then decide if and where motion-sensor garage lights would provide value. If you have small children, you want to know their whereabouts at all times, so motion sensor lighting at all garage entrances would be effective.

Types of Garage Lights

Lighting is either accent, ambient, or task. “An ideally lit garage should have all three,” says HomeStratosphere. Layered illumination is perfect for a multipurpose space like a garage.

Here are 11 tips for installing garage lights:

“Shop” lights – These are new-and-improved fluorescent garage lights. They are cost-effective and provide more illumination for small spaces.
CFL – Compact fluorescent lights replace incandescent bulbs. They’re the twisty-spiral bulbs used in most table lamps. They are energy-efficient, cost-efficient, and provide an illumination that feels more natural.
Consider CRI – Color rendering index measures how well a bulb illuminates all the colors in an area. High CRI bulbs render wood colors as well as painted walls.
Don’t skimp on wattage – A lot depends on your garage size. The bigger the area, the more you should invest in good illumination.
Equal distribution – Flush-mounted fixtures should be evenly spaced. Ambient lighting should deliver even distribution of light across the floor. Accent should distribute light directly on an area of focus.
Flush lighting – These are more decorative but they are extremely versatile too. Three-light flush-mount garage lights are trending. They have 3 light sources on one base and offer form and function.
Halogen bulbs – These are considered among the most efficient garage lights. They produce a white light that reduces eye strain and can be 10%-20% more energy-efficient than other light sources.
High bay LED lights – These offer a whopping 40-times-longer lifespan and provide excellent illumination.
Incandescent – These are traditional, inexpensive garage lights that produce a warmer, yellow-white color. One bulb can last for 1 year, however, they may not be available in your area.
LED technology – Shop lights with LED technology can out-perform fluorescents. They offer greater efficiency and longer life. All LED garage lights can make this space a safer place to work and play. They’re the most energy-efficient.
Recessed lighting – When properly installed, recessed lighting can cover a lot of space.

Turn It On Electric for Safe Lighting Installation

There are many DIY (do-it-yourself) tasks for homeowners to tackle. Electrical installation isn’t one of them. It’s simply not worth the risk of endangering your family and property. You also don’t want to jeopardize your insurance coverage.

Let’s team to make your garage lights more efficient and attractive. Contact Turn It On Electric today.

Lighting, Residential

The Best Night Lighting for Entertaining

12Jun2020

Nothing is more inviting than mood-enhancing entertainment lighting. If you’re considering outdoor night lighting for summer entertaining, be willing to make a commitment. “As with most things related to homeownership, landscape lighting systems require ongoing maintenance and tuneups,” says Green Industry magazine.

Indoor lighting is best served by – you guessed it – natural sunshine. And lights definitely impact your guests’ comfort levels. A room with warm, inviting lighting sets the stage for a relaxing evening. You can design lighting to encourage engaging conversation. But a roomful of harsh LED lights? A definite party darkener.

Inside Night Lighting for Entertainment

We’re drawn to and fascinated by lights. One of the best indoor night lighting ideas is to present a beautiful yard bathed in wondrous lights. Guests will gravitate to your uncovered windows to admire the scenery.

Another mood-enhancing idea is a dimmer installation in living and dining rooms as well as kitchen areas. You can have the lights dim during the meal and mingling.

You won’t have to say, “Party’s over! Goodnight!” Just slowly ease the lights up to full brightness.

Indoor lighting ideas include:

Art highlights – A lovely way to exhibit collectibles and family art.
Bathrooms – Auto/on-off lights are convenient (and impressive).
Chandeliers – Nothing speaks to elegance more than a sparkling chandelier.
Entrance lighting – There are some stunning hallway and entrance light fixtures available to today’s homeowners.
Recessed lighting – Recessed ceiling lights are subtle and sophisticated.
Wall sconces – Enjoy being surrounded by wall sconces that can be flame-like, ultra-modern, or shabby-chic.

Summer and Fall Outdoor Get-Togethers

Phoenix-area homeowners have a tradition of gracious outdoor entertaining all year-round. But evening summer and fall parties are especially pleasurable.

To begin your lightscaping project, define exactly what you want to achieve. Do you want to illuminate a walkway or garden path? How will your night lighting integrate with furniture and seating arrangements? Do you need lighting for a one-time, large event or permanent fixtures for long-term entertaining, or both?

Once you’ve determined how your outdoor night lighting will best serve, make a “blueprint” of your yard. It doesn’t have to be perfectly scaled. Indicate ground, tree, exterior home, and fixture lighting areas.

Points to consider:

Low-voltage lighting can cost less than high-voltage, depending on the design.
Solar lighting is a good choice for sunny Arizona and it’s the least expensive option.
There are safety precautions for outdoor night lighting strands and especially ground fixtures.
Your lighting budget should include the cost of an electrical contractor to install the wiring.

Residential Lighting for Beauty and Safety

Turn It On Electric offers over 20 years’ experience in superior electrical service. Turn It On Electric\’s team of professionals live and work in:

Anthem
Cave Creek
Chandler
Gilbert
Glendale
Mesa
Paradise Valley
Phoenix
Scottsdale
Tempe

We are passionate about home safety and can share several ideas for home lighting that will not only enhance the quality of your life; it will increase your property value. Contact Turn It On Electric today to design a customized night lighting package for your home.

Residential, Safety

What Kind of Security Cameras Are Best for My Home?

10Jun2020

There are plenty of reasons your home needs security cameras.

Nanny and nursery security cameras are fixtures in households with babies and babysitters. Your kids may be old enough to stay home alone, but your 13-year-old thinks he’s a master chef. With kitchen cams, you can monitor kids’ safety while allowing them creative freedom.

Outside, yard monitoring and safety is another issue for which home security cameras are the solution. Most home robberies are opportunity-based. Locked doors and windows are the best precautions. But motion-light sensors are terrific deterrents.

Indoor Security Cameras

When your mom said she had “eyes in the back of her head,” you thought she was kidding. Today, Mom has eyes in her ceiling fans and corners of almost every room in the house. Indoor security cameras have quickly resolved “He did it!” “No, she did it!” disputes.

Timed lighting devices and cameras are powerful indoor security tools for homeowners. In May 2020, NY Times Wirecutter released its best indoor security cameras list:

Logitech Circle 2 – Continuous recording, 180-degree view, smart geofencing, user-friendly, and sharp 1080p video give Logitech the vote for best indoor wifi camera. Integrates support with Amazon, Apple, and Google.
Google Nest Cam Indoor – Records 24/7, delivers alerts, and links to other smart home devices.
Arlo Q – Customizable activity zones, alerts, and 7-day video storage. After about 3 years, the video gets a pinkish tint, but customer service responds quickly, even after the warranty expires.
Wyze Cam v2 – These indoor security cameras deliver a lot of bang for about $25 bucks. They integrate with Alexa, Google, and IFTTT.

Security Cameras for Your Pets

Indoor pet cams are increasingly popular. You can alleviate separation anxiety (your pet’s and your’s) while away from home. Top-rated pet cams include:

Pawbo Life – This device comes with a treat dispenser and an integrated laser for game-playing. 720p HD resolution, 130-degree view, no night vision but 2-way audio. Special ringtone alerts pet you are “tuning in” for a chat.
Furbo – 1080p HD resolution with a 16-degree view, night vision, and 2-way audio. When your dog barks, it triggers an alert on your smartphone. Lights cue your dog that you’re about to speak and a treat dispenser reinforces training and rewards.
PetChatz PawCall – Chew-resistant design with 720p HD resolution, 65.5-degrees view; no night vision. Allows pets to “see” you during a call. It comes with a paw pad so your pet can signal you when lonely. Integrated treat dispenser and a calming aromatherapy option.

Outdoor Security Cameras

Some say a mean dog is the best outdoor security, but that may no longer be the case: Ring outdoor floodlight camera and siren is a best-seller because it has an evolutionary protection system:

A loud security siren-alert
Real-time motion-detection or recorded views
Two hardwired, super LED floodlights
Wide-angle, customizable field-of-view zones video camera

In addition to the Ring outdoor floodlight system, Review.org’s May 2020 picks for outdoor security included:

Amchrest 4k Dome
Arlo Ultra
Google Nest Cam IQ
Vivint Outdoor

Turn It On Electric Security Cameras Installations Protect Loved Ones and Increase Property Values

Turn It On Electric of Arizona is an electrical contracting company serving Maricopa County and nearby communities. We often recommend Ring security systems for all-around, whole-house indoor, and outdoor security installation. Ask us about an estimate for security lights, cameras, and motion sensors. It’s a smart investment in your home and family.

Outdoor, Residential, Safety

Are Ring Doorbells Really Worth It?

24May2020

This year, you’ve likely personalized several standard security options (cellphone password plus thumbprint authentication, for example). Your financial service providers have also personalized data protection. And now, ring doorbells are being replaced by more personal technology: video identification.

Disadvantages of Traditional Doorbells

In Arizona, one property crime occurs about every 3 minutes. Burglary ranks as the number-one crime committed here. Video doorbells are “smart home” technology, but they also serve as security cameras.

Traditional ring doorbells:

Put you at risk. You must get near the door to verify the identity of your visitor or delivery person.
Put your home at risk. You must open the door to address the need.
Puts your possessions and valuables at risk. When you don’t respond to the doorbell, it verifies the house is empty. Thieves will take advantage of your absence.

Advantages of Video Doorbells

Video doorbells can be the “eyes” and “ears” of home security. Their capabilities and technology alone are worth the investment. Video doorbells increase your property value. They need professional installation, but once in place, the mechanics are easy to implement.

Buzzer
High-definition 1080p camera
Smartphone connectivity
Two-way audio

You can always view who is at your door using live video. You can talk using the audio function. The two-way audio function also works from your cellphone, so if you’re not home, the visitor or delivery person won’t know.

Video doorbells put a safe distance between you and your unknown visitor. This is something that will prove beneficial beyond 2020.

Images are amazingly clear.
Infrared night vision allows you to see who’s outside, 24/7.
Suspicious activity can be recorded.
You can photograph who’s on your doorstep.
Wifi capabilities are available in most models.

Hardwire vs. Battery Video Doorbells

Some video doorbell installation kits come with a rechargeable battery. It will need to be recharged regularly, depending on its battery life. In bad weather, battery-powered video doorbells have difficulty holding a charge and can fail completely.

If your video doorbell is hardwired, there is no battery to worry about. An electronic video doorbell uses between 8-24 volts AC (alternating current).

The Best of 2020

“If you’re looking for the best video doorbell*, chances are it’s among those we’ve tested,” said CNET. This year you might consider replacing your ring doorbell with a . . . Ring doorbell.

Saving space and competitive pricing make the Ring Video Doorbell Pro a good fit for most doorframes and budgets. Doorbells average 7.6 centimeters and you wouldn’t think size matters that much.

But just slightly larger units can lead to rewiring, re-routing wiring, or worse – rerouting through bricks or siding. A few centimeters can make a big difference. Ring Doorbell Pro is a compact 4.7cm and transmits in terrific 1080p HD resolution.

The Ring Doorbell alerts you even when visitors don’t ring the doorbell and includes:

Wide-angle video shows people from head to toe
Continuous recording for up to 30 days
Advanced Motion Detection
Two way talk with noise cancellation
1080p HD Video
Video history for 60 days (with subscription)
Live View
Near motion zone motion capability

Knock, Knock! Who’s There?

Turn It On Electric is open for business.

Now’s a good time to replace your ring doorbell with the kind of protective technology you need. Turn It On Electric continues to install security lights and motion detection lighting. We believe video doorbells address additional security solutions for Phoenix homes. They can serve you well for many years.

Turn It On Electric is available for all your home automation needs, including smart doorbells. We’re your Phoenix-area electricians. Call or email us to learn more.

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Chuck P

01:46 23 Jan 25

Friendly, communicative, and professional.High quality work.

Renee Delu

18:10 11 Jan 25

Mike you are the best!! God bless you for comming out saturday when I blew my fuse trying to vacumm and shout out to Josh who although not have sat office hours called me anyway after I left a voicemail. .Bob Best was here and gave me amazing information that NO OTHER electrician had. .!! I'm happy to say this is an amazing caring company...and I'm a customer for life!! Please recognize and reward Mike And Josh for them saving me on Saturday as my security system had no power and my smoke alarm had been beeping for hours. These men deserve kudos. .if you are looking fir honest and highly qualified electrical work. This is where to go. I'm thankful and grateful. Bob is now an instructor ..I'm happy to know future electricians are being schooled and trained by him. Thanks to you all

Wally Johns

01:31 11 Jan 25

Good work and very polite guys.

Rebecca RB

01:03 21 Oct 24

This company literally saved us! We had some electrical issues discovered that were rather alarming and created an issue with the garage door opener completely lost power as well as our outdoor dusk to dawn lighting and the interior garage lights. Mike the electrician came to the rescue! He listened to the issues in my non electrical language (haha) translated it and solved everything with confidence! Knowledgeable, Friendly, prompt, professional and efficient! Highly recommended! Will definitely call for future needs!

luci redmond

15:28 12 Oct 24

Great customer service & a job well done!

Samuel Heffner

17:04 14 Aug 24

I called TIO Electric because a friend referred them and they did not disappoint. I had an issue and it was rough identifying the source of the problem. Miguel and Conrad worked together to identify and solve the problem quickly. As a services based business it was extremely important to get the repair done quickly and the team stayed to ensure the job was done before they left. I expected to have to schedule another visit due to the complexity of the case, but they understood I needed to be back up and running as soon as possible and got the job done in just a few hours. They were very professional and personable and the cost was in line with what I expected.Update 8/14/24: TIO helped me again. This time with an issue I was having at my home. Marcus was very nice and knowledgable and was able to identify the problem and make the repair in quick time. I had a secondary issue I wasn't too worried about, but Marcus took care of that as well. These guys know what they're doing. Still highly recommend.They did a great job. I would definitely recommend them for projects big and small.

Caren Zellmer

12:46 03 Jul 24

Excellent service!! Marcus has been to our house a couple of times and completed the work doing an AMAZING job. He was very polite, professional and explained every process to us. His work was also completed in a timely manner. It is very rare to find anyone with great work ethic anymore! This company is very lucky to have him. We would definitely recommend and use Turn It On Electric again.

Bob

14:42 10 Jun 22

They were on time, clean, friendly, professional and did an amazing job. I would have to say that the price was fair considering the amount of work done. Highly recommend Turn It On Electrical!

Category Archives: Residential