Safety – Page 5 – Turn It On Electric

What does a GFCI do

6Jul2021

“What does a GFCI do?” is a question asked by property owners throughout Pima and Maricopa counties. A ground fault is an electrical path between an electric source and a grounded surface.

“GFCI” is the acronym for “ground fault circuit interrupter.” GFCIs monitor the flow of electricity.

Outdoor home and commercial property receptacles have been in compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) since the early 1970s. Later, bathroom and garage wall receptacles were included. It wasn’t until 1987 that the GFCI codes included kitchens.

What Does a GFCI Do and Where Does It Go?

If there’s an imbalance between the electrical current flowing through your circuit and the power returning to the circuit, the GFCI shuts off the electricity. This can prevent shocks and fire.

All breakers, circuits, sockets, and switches should be GFCI-protected for safety, especially in rooms where water is used. What is a GFCI device? It may be the very thing that keeps you safe if there’s an electrical mishap.

There are 3 types of GFCI devices:

Circuit breakers – GFCI circuit breakers provide protection against overloads. They protect all fixtures on that circuit; appliances, fans, lights, outlets, etc. Retrofitting a home with GFCI circuit breakers is easier than replacing numerous outlets. But if you have a “fuse box,” you may want to consider replacing it also.
Portable GFCIs – If you need GFCI protection but don’t have a nearby outlet, you can use a portable GFCI strip.
Receptacles – A receptacle is a plug-in site or GFCI outlet. Re-wiring an older receptacle to become a GFCI outlet is a job for your local electrician.

DIY Test for GFCI Outlets

Just as you schedule annual plumbing inspection and bi-annual HVAC maintenance, GFCI testing is something your Phoenix-area local electrician does during routine maintenance.

You can DIY (do-it-yourself) test GFCI outlets:

Look at the outlet cover. Between the 2 plug-ins are two buttons, “test” and “reset.” (If it’s red, it’s the reset button. Test buttons are sometimes black.)

Press the test button. You may hear a “Snap!” sound. That means you turned off the power.
Press the reset button to restore power.

GFCI Tester

A GFCI tester has 3 lights that can tell you if the outlet is correctly wired. It can also reveal problems:

Open/improper ground
Open hot/neutral
Reversed hot/ground
Reversed polarity

To use a GFCI tester:

Press the reset button on the outlet.
Plug in the portable tester.
Push the test button on the tester.
The power should shut off.
Press the reset button on the outlet.

If the power remains on, you need to replace the GFCI. A GFCI tester is a good investment for your home. Speak to your professional electrician about this.

Ask Questions Before You DIY

Knowledge is power. It’s okay to call Turn It On Electric with questions about electrical wiring for your home or business. We’ll answer your questions honestly and we won’t try to “lock you into” electrical service you don’t need or want. Contact Turn It On Electric to learn more.

Ceiling Fans, Residential, Safety

Why ceiling fan direction is important

29May2021

We all agree ceiling fans are terrific energy-savers. You can save power every season by coordinating your ceiling fan with your thermostat. They circulate cooling air or warmth throughout each room. Did you know ceiling fan direction impacts your comfort level?

How Ceiling Fan Direction Impacts Comfort

The benefits of ceiling fans are without argument. And the latest styles are attractive. Some can actually make your ceiling fan a room’s focal point.

In the summer, the fan blades should rotate counterclockwise. The air blows gently against your skin and creates a minor “wind chill factor.” This makes you feel cooler than you would without the fan. Your air conditioning system doesn’t have to work harder for you to keep your cool.

Hot air rises. When it’s cold weather, the ceiling fan direction should be reversed. The rotation draws cool air upwards and circulates the warm air downwards. This downdraft circulates warmth throughout the room.

Don\’t DIY: Here\’s Why

One of the reasons ceiling fan installation isn’t a DIY (do-it-yourself) project is you need to have advanced knowledge about electrical wiring. It’s not worth the risk to you or your family. And you won’t win anybody’s admiration if the ceiling fan falls on the family cat. Another reason is, if your DIY electrical installation causes a fire, your insurance company can refuse to cover the damages.

The fan and its light fixture require correct wiring. You must also have the appropriate UL-listed metal outlet box mounted above the ceiling. The box should be mounted at the point where the ceiling fan is connected. If you’re replacing a light fixture with a ceiling fan light fixture, the electrical box will probably need to be replaced.

Ceiling fans can weigh as much as 50 pounds. Balancing on a ladder, juggling the ceiling fan motor and anchoring it to a ceiling joist is challenging. If the joist isn’t in the middle of the ceiling, you’ll need a special mounting bracket with spiked ends installed between the joists.

Technology Advancements Save Money; Save the Planet

Everyone wants to save energy. Even the most narcissistic humans acknowledge saving energy saves money. It’s a win-win.

DC technology is gaining sophistication so you might consider installing a DC ceiling fan. The motor powers up when a small electrical current passes through a magnetic field coil. This results in a magnetic force that causes the motor to rotate the fan blades. A DC ceiling fan can save as much as 70% of the electricity used.

Smart home ceiling fans take convenience and savings to new heights. Your options are to upgrade a current ceiling fan or buy a new, smart ceiling fan. New smart ceiling fans cost between $300-$1,000. Both involve using a certified professional electrician in the Phoenix area.

Smart ceiling fans coordinate with your home’s Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. You can program them on your way home. You can pre-program them to turn on and off at certain times of every day. Your smart ceiling fan will use LED lights that offer degrees of brightness.

Other ceiling fan advancements include:

Infrared remote control
Occupancy sensor
Smartphone app
Temperature/humidity sensor
Timer/scheduler
Voice control
Z-wave wall switch

TIO Electric for Home Electrical Technology

You want a technology-trained professional for your home improvement project. For Phoenix residential or commercial electrical projects, Turn It On Electric is Maricopa County’s choice. Contact TIO Electric today.

Electrical Wiring, Residential, Safety, Tucson

Best Electrical Repair in Tucson

4May2021

You’ve decided on some minor repairs and a few electrical upgrades to your home. These will increase your property value and add value to your quality of life. You’ve contacted a local company requesting installations and some level of electrical repair in Tucson.

A shabby-looking van pulls up and the service technician hops out wearing torn, dirty clothing and smoking a cigarette. Don’t open the door.

If service professionals don’t take pride in their company or personal appearance, how will they take care of your home and possessions? (They won’t.)

What to Look For: Professional Electrical Repair in Tucson

From the first communication to the electrical project’s completion, you should expect electrical repair in Tucson to be nothing less than professional and customer-care oriented. It should go without saying that you should receive superior quality electrical services, but that’s not always the case.

Look for an established business that’s here to stay. A service company that has been in business over the years is likely invested in your community. Shoddy workmanship and low customer satisfaction ratings aren’t even a possibility for your family’s local Arizona electrician.

Here are some things to look for when you’re planning a renovation project or need electrical repair in Tucson:

Ask for proof of insurance – The contractor should have insurance that protects your home/property and on-the-job employees that might be injured.
Buyer beware – Anyone offering electrical work under $1,000 doesn’t need a license. That means you get what you pay for and your “handyman” isn’t required to take responsibility for poor quality work or even damages. Verify your electrician has a contractor license issued by the Registrar of Contractors. Professional electrical contractors must have training, pass a trade/business/law exam, and submit proof of a bond.
Check the BBB rating – An electrical contractor with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating is preferred.
Google them – Independent testimonials are valuable.
LEED-certified – Energy-saving installations and electrical repair will increase property value and save money on electric bills. LEED is the sustainable building standard of the United States Green Building Council.
Money talks – Your electrician will be upfront about costs and scope of work. If the conversation seems to be vague or has an unnecessary sense of urgency (“We need to do this today while this price is good…”), walk away.
Request license verification – You need an R-11 license to be a Maricopa County electrician in Arizona.
Talk about technology qualifications – If the electrician isn’t sure how to install a garage charging station for your hybrid car, chances are the company employees don’t receive ongoing education.
Technology training is required for electrical:
- Car charging station(s)
- Light timers/photovoltaic panels
- Security installations
- Smart-home thermostats
- Solar-ready panels
- Water heater timers

TIO Electric: The Best Electricians in Tucson, Phoenix, & Scottsdale

For more than 10 years, Turn It On Electric has been driven by customer care and safety. In order to be the best in a competitive business, we make recommendations based on what you need and what you can afford.

We also want your electrical work to be environmentally safe, so please ask questions. The more you know, the better your decisions will be. After all, we’re not “just” your service partner. We’re your neighbor.

Contact Turn It On Electric today.

Baby Proofing, Residential, Safety

Everything You Need to Know About Tucson Baby Proofing

31Mar2021

Residential electrical accidents in Tucson are few and far apart. Pima County residents are diligent homeowners and even better parents. If you live in Tucson, baby proofing is something you care about.

Even if your children are in elementary school, don’t relax your guard for home safety. Tucson baby proofing is a good idea for any home in which children live and play.

Tucson Baby Proofing and Child Safety

Your kids, grandkids; all children visitors should be able to move freely and safely in your home. Here are some Tucson baby proofing tips for homeowners.

Get on the floor. Literally, lie on the floor in every room and look around to see what a crawler or toddler sees. If something might be dangerous, fix it. You don’t take chances when it comes to kids’ safety.

Falls are the leading cause of injuries in children.

Attach barrier along banisters/railings.
Attach furniture that can be tilted/toppled to the wall.
Avoid playgrounds with concrete/hard surfaces.
Consider wall-mounted television for flat screens.
Do not use cribs with drop-side rails.
Don’t let kids lean on window screens.
Examine playground equipment for open spaces and be there to catch them.
Install stairway/bedroom safety gates.
Never use accordion gates.
Secure outdoor play equipment.
Use museum putty to secure heavy shelf items.
Use window guards and locks.

Approximately 100 children die every year from electrocution.

Young children, particularly toddlers, experience electric shock most often when they bite into electrical cords or poke metal objects such as forks or knives into unprotected outlets or appliances. These injuries can also take place when electric toys, appliances, or tools are used incorrectly… Christmas trees and their lights are a seasonal hazard.
–healthychildren.org

Tucson Baby Proofing for Electrical Safety

Preparing for a new family member is an exciting time! And the time when they become curious crawlers isn’t far off.

The terms “wall outlet,” “electrical receptacle,” “plug-ins,” and “electric outlets” are synonymous. They are the most likely sites for electrocution. If your Tucson home was built after 2008, it has tamper-resistant electrical outlets. If your home is older, ask your local electrician to replace receptacles.

Here’s what you need to know about Tucson baby proofing and child electrical safety:

Do:
- Be vigilant about frayed cords
- Make family rules about who can plug-in/turn-on electronics
- Provide opportunities to use electronics under supervision
- Watch electrical safety videos together
Don’t:
- Leave appliances plugged-in when not in use
- Put electronics near water
- Put fun/colorful items near electrical outlets
- Work with electronics, cords, outlets, etc. while children are watching
Hide electrical cords. Curious babies put everything in their mouths.
Long cords are strangulation hazards. Get cord shorteners, cord sleeves, or covers.
Safeplates cover electrical outlets to provide another child safety option.
Unplug unused electronics. Put toasters, hairdryers, etc. out of sight.
Use outlet plug caps. They’re cheap. Children watch you and will mimic pulling out an outlet plug cap.

Powerstrips Increase Danger

Imagine a power strip from a baby’s perspective. Holes, cords, a flip-switch… It’s another version of a Playskool® learning toy to them.

There are several powerstrip issues.

First, if you’re using a lot of powerstrips, you need a professional electrical inspection. You may be overloading your wiring and need an upgrade.

The powerstrip’s unused outlets are a shock hazard. But toddlers can and will unplug what’s plugged in. Invest in a childproof power strip cover. Then duct-tape all gaps and cords.

TIO Electric Offers Tucson Baby Proofing Inspections

A Turn It On Electric pro will inspect your home and offer childproofing suggestions. Your electrician may spot other issues that need attention, as well.

During these inspections, we most often hear, “The baby won’t ever be alone in that room…” He or she will be in that room as soon as possible. Never take chances with children.

Contact Turn It on Electric to schedule a Tucson baby proofing inspection today.

Electrician, Maintenance, Residential, Safety

Can You Repair Your Circuit Breaker Box?

31Mar2021

Circuit breaker boxes came into use in the 1960s and represented “a new age of resettable devices,” unlike traditional fuses that had to be replaced when they blew. The newer, more technical terms are “electrical service panel” or “electrical panel.”

Circuit breaker box repair is also more technical today. It simply isn’t your grandma’s breaker box.

Circuit Breaker Box Repair and SES

To understand circuit breaker box repair, you must have a fundamental knowledge of SES (service entrance section). The SES is the outside electrical service point where electricity enters the house. Its components are one hot cable and 1 neutral cable that run from the utility wires to an inside entrance line. That line connects to the electrical service panel.

10 Signs You Need Circuit Breaker Box Repair or Replacement

If your electrical panel is more than 20 years old, you should prepare for replacement. The 2021 cost to replace an electrical panel is between $851-$4,000. The cost depends on your location, architecture, size of your home, and the number of circuits you need.

Wiring problems can sometimes be managed with repair, not replacement. You may need connections tightened or components replaced. If you have a Zinsco brand breaker box, it must be replaced.

Signs you need replacement include:

Age – Circuit breaker boxes can last up to 40 years. If your electrical panel is more than 20 years old. If you have fuses instead of circuit breakers, consider an upgrade. Your system’s wear-and-tear depends on:
- Manufacturer
- Number of power surges in your area
- Use
Appliance upgrades – Large electronic appliances pull more power, especially smart appliances. If you have a kitchen renovation with all-new appliances, consider an inspection by a licensed electrician.
Burning smell – It might be plastic or wood but it is critical. Contact your electrician immediately.
Direct damage – If something heavy falls into your circuit breaker and it suffers direct damage, contact your local electrician to inspect it for safety.
Feels warm – If you feel any heat coming from your electrical panel, contact your electrician immediately.
Frequent breaker tripping – This is protecting your property from fire and it’s a red flag. It’s an indicator you need a circuit breaker box repair or upgrade.
Lights dim/flicker – Your lights shouldn’t dim or flicker when you draw extra power by turning on a vacuum cleaner, for example.
Noises – Hissing, popping, buzzing…all are warning signs. Your electrical panel may be repaired unless you “let it go” too long. Then, you’ll need a replacement.
Rust/corrosion – This means your electrical panel has suffered water damage. You need the panel inspected. You also need to find the source of the leak.
Too many power strips – This means you don’t have enough outlets and you’re taxing the system that was originally installed. You will need circuit breaker box repair or replacement.

Common Causes of Electrical Panel Problems

Rust and corrosion are obvious signs of electrical panel problems. The two main causes of panel issues are inadequate capacity and overcrowding.

A ten-year-old home probably has a 200-amp electrical panel. That’s sufficient for an average residence. Homes built before 1990 and starter homes may have 100-amps. That’s not likely to be sufficient to accommodate today’s electrical devices and smart appliances. Overcrowding and inadequate capacity occur when you’re trying to pull 200-amp service from a 100-amp panel.

The Best Way to Avoid Circuit Breaker Box Repair

Savvy homeowners retain a local, trusted and experienced electrical contractor. Your electrical maintenance company will track your home’s inspections, upgrades, and remind you when it’s time for your annual inspection. You’ll never be surprised because you’ll know exactly what’s going on with your home’s electrical system.

It’s a small investment that can prevent major expenses.

The best way to avoid circuit breaker box repair is to contact Turn It On Electric. Our team of electrical service professionals is eager to partner with you for safer, more energy-efficient living.

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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!