Electrical Safety Tips – Turn It On Electric

Residential

Essential Electrical Upgrades for Your Home Office

16Aug2024

More people are setting up dedicated home offices to stay productive and comfortable while working from home. However, creating an efficient and safe home office isn’t just about choosing the right desk or chair—your electrical system plays a crucial role as well. Proper electrical upgrades can ensure that your home office is not only functional but also optimized for the modern demands of technology. Let’s explore some of the best electrical upgrades for your home office.

Dedicated Circuits for Your Home Office

Why You Need a Dedicated Circuit

If you’re using your home office for work every day, chances are you’re running multiple electronic devices—computers, monitors, printers, and more. These devices can put a significant load on your home’s electrical system. A dedicated circuit for your home office can prevent overloads, reduce the risk of tripped breakers, and ensure a stable power supply for your essential equipment.

How to Install a Dedicated Circuit

Installing a dedicated circuit involves adding a new circuit breaker to your electrical panel and running new wiring to your office space. This is not a DIY job; it’s important to hire a licensed electrician to perform the installation. A professional will ensure that the circuit is properly rated for your equipment and meets all local building codes.

Advanced Surge Protection

Protecting Your Equipment

Your home office likely contains expensive and sensitive electronics. Power surges, which can be caused by lightning strikes, power outages, or even turning on a high-powered appliance, can damage or destroy these devices. Advanced surge protection is essential to safeguard your investments.

Whole-House vs. Individual Surge Protectors

There are two main types of surge protection: whole-house surge protectors and individual plug-in devices. Whole-house protectors are installed at your electrical panel and provide broad protection against surges entering your home. Individual protectors are plugged directly into outlets and protect specific devices. For the best protection, consider using both types in conjunction.

Proper Grounding for Sensitive Electronics

Understanding Grounding

Grounding is an essential safety feature of any electrical system. It provides a path for electrical currents to safely dissipate into the earth, protecting your devices and reducing the risk of electrical shock. In a home office, proper grounding is especially important for protecting sensitive electronics like computers and networking equipment.

Upgrading Your Grounding System

If your home is older, it may not have adequate grounding. An electrician can assess your current system and make necessary upgrades to ensure that your home office is properly grounded. This may involve adding ground rods, upgrading outlets, or installing grounding conductors.

Upgraded Lighting for Productivity

Choosing the Right Lighting

Good lighting is critical for maintaining productivity and reducing eye strain in your home office. The right lighting can improve your mood, enhance focus, and even make video calls look more professional. Natural light is ideal, but if your office lacks windows, LED lighting is a great alternative.

Options for Home Office Lighting

Consider installing adjustable LED lighting that allows you to control brightness and color temperature. Dimmable lights or smart lighting systems can give you the flexibility to change the lighting based on your needs throughout the day. Task lighting, such as desk lamps with adjustable arms, can also help illuminate your workspace without causing glare on screens.

Power Management and Outlet Placement

Strategic Outlet Placement

One of the most common frustrations in home offices is the lack of accessible power outlets. When setting up your office, consider where you’ll place your desk, computer, and other equipment. Installing additional outlets in convenient locations can eliminate the need for extension cords and reduce clutter.

Installing USB Outlets

The Convenience of USB Outlets

Many modern devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and wireless accessories, charge via USB. Installing USB outlets in your home office can free up standard outlets for other devices and reduce the need for bulky adapters. These outlets combine standard AC outlets with USB ports, providing a streamlined charging solution. This is another task best handled by a professional electrician, who can ensure that the new outlets are safely installed and properly wired.

Backup Power Solutions for Your Home Office

Ensuring Uninterrupted Power

Power outages can be particularly disruptive when you’re working from home. Having a backup power solution in place can keep your essential equipment running and prevent data loss during an outage.

Best Backup Power Options

Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) are the most common backup power solution for home offices. A UPS provides short-term power to your devices, giving you time to save your work and safely shut down. For longer outages, consider investing in a home generator or battery backup system.

Network and Connectivity Enhancements

Structured Wiring for Internet Stability

A strong, reliable internet connection is crucial for remote work. Structured wiring, such as Ethernet cables, can provide a faster and more stable connection compared to Wi-Fi, particularly in areas with thick walls or interference.

Energy Efficiency in Your Home Office

Smart Thermostats and Energy Management

Working from home means you may be using more energy during the day than before. A smart thermostat can help manage your heating and cooling efficiently, saving energy when you’re not using your office and maintaining comfort when you are.

Choosing Energy-Efficient Equipment

Investing in energy-efficient computers, monitors, and lighting can reduce your overall energy consumption. Look for ENERGY STAR-rated devices and consider using power-saving modes to cut down on electricity use.

Safety Considerations

Regular Electrical Inspections

Safety should always be a priority in your home office. Regular electrical inspections can help identify potential hazards, such as outdated wiring or overloaded circuits, and ensure that your office setup meets current electrical codes.

Childproofing and Fire Safety

If your home office is accessible to children, consider childproofing outlets and keeping cords out of reach. Additionally, make sure your office is equipped with a working smoke detector and fire extinguisher for added safety.

Professional Help for Your Electrical Upgrades

When to Call an Electrician

While some electrical upgrades can be handled by handy homeowners, others require the expertise of a professional electrician. If you’re unsure about your ability to safely complete an upgrade, it’s best to call in a professional.

Conclusion

Your home office is more than just a place to work—it’s a space that should be safe, comfortable, and conducive to productivity. By making the right electrical upgrades, you can create a home office that meets all your needs and supports your remote work lifestyle. Take the time to assess your current setup, and consider implementing some of these essential upgrades to enhance your workspace. Contact Turn It On Electric today to schedule for a no cost, onsite consultation!

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Residential

The Most Common Causes of Circuit Breaker Tripping and How to Address Them

5Apr2024

Experiencing a tripped circuit breaker in your home can be frustrating. Understanding the common causes and how to address them can help you manage your electrical systems more effectively.

Understanding Circuit Breakers

A circuit breaker is a safety device designed to protect your home’s electrical circuit from damage caused by excess current. It’s usually found in the electrical panel and can be identified by its switch-like appearance.

Identifying a Tripped Breaker

A tripped breaker will often be in the “off” position or in a middle position between “on” and “off.” It may also feel loose to the touch compared to other switches in the panel.

Common Causes

Overloaded Circuit: Too many devices operating simultaneously can overload a circuit.

Short Circuit: A more serious issue where wires touch each other, causing excessive current flow.

Ground Fault: Similar to a short circuit but involves the ground wire.

How to Safely Reset Your Breaker

Disconnect or turn off appliances that caused the trip.
Locate your electrical panel.
Flip the tripped breaker fully to the “off” position, then back to “on.”

When to Call a Professional

If resetting doesn’t work, you experience frequent tripping, or you identify signs of a short circuit or ground fault, it’s crucial to call in a professional electrician. Attempting to fix electrical issues without proper training can be dangerous.

Understanding your home’s electrical system and knowing how to safely address common issues like a tripped circuit breaker is essential for any homeowner and can potentially save the time and energy of having a professional out to assess the issue. However, when in doubt, always seek the expertise of a professional electrician to ensure your home’s safety and compliance with electrical codes.

For any electrical issues or concerns, remember to contact Turn It On Electric. Our team of professional electricians is ready to assist you with all your electrical needs, ensuring your home remains safe and your electrical systems function efficiently.

Residential

Transform Your Spring Evenings with Landscape Lighting

22Mar2024

Welcome the spring season by illuminating your outdoor living spaces. As the natural world rejuvenates, extend your days and enhance your nights with strategic landscape lighting. Let’s navigate the nuances of designing a well-lit outdoor area that is not only safe but also beautifully accentuates your home’s natural surroundings.

Detailed Planning for Optimal Illumination

Begin with assessing your yard’s layout during different times of the evening to understand how light and shadows interact within your space. Consider the functional areas that need illumination for safety, such as pathways and steps, and identify features you wish to highlight, like a blossoming garden or a serene pond. Understand the significance of lumens as a measure of light output, the importance of choosing the right color temperature for creating ambiance, and how beam angles can alter the mood and focus of your lighting.

The Eco-friendly Glow: Advances in LED and Solar Technology

Explore the environmental and economic benefits of LED lighting, which consumes significantly less energy and lasts longer than traditional bulbs. Delve into how solar-powered lights offer a sustainable and easy-to-install option, charging by day to illuminate your nights without adding a penny to your electricity bill.

Safety Measures and Installation Best Practices

Learn about IP (Ingress Protection) ratings and what they mean for the durability and safety of outdoor fixtures. Discover the critical steps for safely installing outdoor lighting, from planning the layout to choosing the correct cables and ensuring all fixtures are securely mounted and properly insulated.

Lighting Techniques and Tips

Illuminate the beauty of spring with lighting techniques that enhance the visual appeal of your outdoor space. Discover how to use uplighting to dramatize trees or architectural elements, back-lighting to create a silhouette effect, or cross-lighting to highlight intricate garden details. Experiment with different lighting styles to capture the vibrant growth and textures that spring brings.

Seasonal Maintenance and Upkeep

Understand the importance of regular maintenance to ensure your landscape lighting continues to function correctly and safely. This includes cleaning lenses and fixtures, checking for exposed or damaged wires, and replacing any burnt-out bulbs.

Embrace the potential of landscape lighting to transform your outdoor areas into enchanting springtime sanctuaries. With the right planning, eco-friendly options, and safety measures, you can create an inviting atmosphere that extends the enjoyment of your home’s exterior well into the night. Don’t let the sun set on your spring evenings without the added beauty and security of well-designed landscape lighting. Contact Turn It On Electric today to bring your dream outdoor space to life this spring.

Residential

Essential Electrical Inspection Checklist for Home Buyers and Sellers

8Mar2024

Whether you’re on the brink of acquiring your dream abode or saying goodbye to your current nest, the electricity flowing behind those walls needs more than a passing glance—it requires a thorough inspection. The electrical system, a silent sentinel, ensures that your life is illuminated, devices charged, and safety systems on high alert. But as houses change hands, ensuring these systems meet safety standards and regulations becomes paramount. This guide aims to shine a light on the key components of residential electrical inspections for home sales or purchases, demystifying what can often be a charged topic.

What Inspectors Look For:

Electrical Panels – The Heart of Your Home’s Electricity:

The electrical panel, often referred to as the breaker box, is the central hub of a home’s electrical system. Inspectors check for proper installation and condition, ensuring there’s no rust, damage, or loose connections. They also verify that the panel has sufficient capacity for the home’s needs and that all circuits are properly labeled. Outdated panels, like those with fuses instead of circuit breakers, are often red flags.

Wiring – The Circulatory System:

Wiring is scrutinized for its condition, type, and compliance with current standards. Inspectors look out for outdated wiring systems like knob and tube or aluminum wiring, which can pose safety risks. They also check for any exposed or unshielded wiring, signs of overheating, and secure connections.

Outlets and Switches – Points of Contact:

Every outlet, switch, and fixture is tested for proper function, grounding, and safety. Special attention is given to areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens, where ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets should be installed to prevent electric shock.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Silent Guardians:

These critical safety devices are checked for their presence, correct placement, and functionality. Inspectors ensure that smoke detectors are installed on every floor and inside each bedroom, while carbon monoxide detectors are typically required near sleeping areas.

Service Mast, Service Drop, and Meter – The External Checkup:

The external components of your home’s electrical system, including the service mast, service drop, and meter, are inspected for secure attachment, proper grounding, and overall condition. This is to ensure that the electrical supply from the utility company is safely and effectively reaching your home.

Surge Protection – Shielding Your Home:

Surge protection devices safeguard your home’s electrical devices from voltage spikes. Inspectors may check for the presence and condition of these protective devices, particularly in areas with frequent storms or unreliable power supply.

Common Issues Uncovered During Inspections:

Overloaded circuits
Double-tapped breakers
Incorrectly wired outlets
Absence of GFCI protection in wet areas
Obsolete or faulty electrical panels

Pre-Inspection Tips for Sellers:

Review and label your electrical panel.
Replace any non-functioning switches or outlets.
Ensure that GFCI outlets are installed where required.
Check that all visible wiring is intact and properly insulated.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if necessary.

For Buyers: What to Observe During a Visit:

Check for signs of burnt outlets or switches.
Note the age and condition of the electrical panel.
Test a few outlets and switches in different rooms.
Observe whether there are sufficient outlets in each room.
Look for GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, and other wet areas.

Navigating through the maze of residential electrical inspections can seem daunting at first glance. But, armed with the right knowledge, you can ensure that your home buying or selling experience is not just enlightening but electrifyingly smooth. Whether you’re a seller prepping your home for the market or a buyer eager to find your spark in a new residence, understanding these electrical essentials can illuminate the path to a successful transaction.

Remember, a thorough electrical inspection not only contributes to the safety and functionality of your home but also offers peace of mind. So, when it comes to your home’s electrical system, don’t be left in the dark. Ensure it’s checked, safe, and ready to light up your life in your new home or as a farewell gift to the new occupants of your old one.

If you’ve got any burning questions or need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the pros at Turn It On Electric. We’re here to help make your home safe, efficient, and ready for whatever comes next.

Residential

DIY Electrical Work: What You Should and Shouldn’t Do Yourself

9Feb2024

In the era of YouTube tutorials and DIY home improvement projects, homeowners are increasingly tempted to take electrical repairs and installations into their own hands. While the DIY approach can be cost-effective and rewarding for certain home tasks, electrical work often requires the expertise and precision of a professional.

Safe DIY Electrical Tasks

Changing Light Bulbs

Replacing burnt-out light bulbs is a straightforward task that homeowners can safely perform. Ensure that the switch is off before changing a bulb and consider energy-efficient LED options for replacements.

Installing Light Fixtures

Swapping out light fixtures can be a DIY project, provided the wiring is already in place and you’re not altering the circuit. Always turn off the power at the breaker box before beginning any work.

Replacing Switch and Outlet Covers

Updating old or damaged switch and outlet covers can refresh a room’s appearance. This simple task only requires a screwdriver, with no need to tamper with the wiring.

Electrical Work Best Left to Professionals

Circuit Breaker Replacements

Working inside the electrical panel poses serious risks, including electrocution. Replacing a circuit breaker or any work involving the electrical panel should always be done by a licensed electrician.

Installing Additional Outlets or Lights

Adding new outlets or lighting fixtures often requires running new wiring and making connections within the electrical panel. This type of work must adhere to local building codes and standards, necessitating professional expertise.

Upgrading Your Electrical Panel

As homes’ electrical demands increase, many find their current electrical panel is no longer sufficient. Upgrading an electrical panel involves extensive knowledge of electrical systems and should never be a DIY project.

Wiring for Major Appliances

Installing or altering the wiring for major appliances requires an understanding of electrical loads, grounding, and safety protocols. Incorrectly installed wiring can lead to fire hazards and appliance damage.

The Risks of DIY Electrical Work

Safety Hazards

Without proper training, you risk electric shock, fires, and serious injury when attempting electrical work.

Code Violations

Unprofessional work can result in violations of building codes, leading to fines and requiring costly corrections.

Insurance Issues

DIY electrical work can void home insurance policies if a fire or damage results from improper installations or repairs.

The Benefits of Hiring a Licensed Electrician

Safety and Peace of Mind

Professional electricians have the training and equipment to perform electrical work safely, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring your family’s safety.

Code Compliance

Licensed electricians are knowledgeable about local building codes and regulations, ensuring that all work is compliant and properly inspected.

Quality Workmanship

With years of experience, electricians can guarantee quality work that lasts, preventing future issues and additional costs.

While the DIY route might be tempting for minor home improvements, electrical work requires a level of expertise and caution that only professionals possess. By understanding which tasks are safe to do yourself and which require professional intervention, you can keep your home safe, compliant, and well-maintained. Turn It On Electric is here to assist with all your electrical needs, from minor installations to major upgrades. Contact us today to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance, giving you peace of mind for years to come.

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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!

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