electrical safety – Page 4 – Turn It On Electric

Residential

Can Heat Cause the Power to Go Out?

31Jul2023

There are several reasons why a home or community may have a power outage. Summertime power demand is higher in Arizona, and that’s one reason why heat can cause the power to go out. In the Phoenix area, 99% of the power is generated from six sources:

Natural gas
Nuclear power
Coal
Solar
Hydroelectric
Wind

…and Arizona’s Palo Verde nuclear station is the largest net generator of electricity. Still, that’s a limited number of sources powering over a million homes in Greater Phoenix. Power lines deliver energy, but they’re just that: lines; wires. Heat adds to their stress.

Some of the reasons why heat causes the power to go out are:

Electrical power lines become overloaded. Heavier usage from higher temperatures can cause the power lines themselves to heat up and then expand or sag. If they droop into trees or other obstacles, it trips the circuit.
Heat lightning strikes can cause a power outage. But “heat lightning” isn’t caused by heat. It’s lightning that occurs about 100 miles away. You can see the lightning but don’t hear thunder because it’s so far. “Heat lightning” is safe (and for many, fun) to watch, but when you hear thunder, get indoors.
Sustained demand over longer periods of time may not permit transformers to properly cool. They can overheat and damage other equipment.
Electrical equipment overloads occur when temperatures soar because more people stay indoors.
Underground lines expand because of the heat. The insulation becomes stressed and trips circuitry, causing a power outage.

Based on the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) 2023 summer forecast, Arizona may see higher-than-usual temperatures causing grid fails and blackouts this summer. In fact, two-thirds of the USA are at elevated risk of blackouts due to widespread heat events and the resulting increase in peak demand.

Ways to Manage Power Outages

Power outage preparedness can include having extra bottled water on-hand as well as a hand-operated can opener and emergency supplies. A power outage in South-Central Arizona is inconvenient and can be uncomfortable. But if you have infants, elderly, or health-challenged loved ones, a power outage can be dangerous.

If someone in your home depends on electric-powered, life-sustaining equipment or if the heat itself is life-threatening, don’t delay seeking a safer, more comfortable place. (Now would be a good time to invest in a whole-house emergency backup generator for emergency protection.)

Here are some tips to help with other power outage concerns:

Electronics – To reduce the risk of data loss, back up your files. During storms and power outages, unplug electronics. You can install individual surge protector power strips but consider whole-house surge protection.
Food – A full refrigerator and freezer can safely store food longer than if half-empty. An unopened, full freezer can preserve provisions for as long as 2 days, but if it’s half-full, only one day. An unopened fridge can go about 4 hours without power.
Indoors – Don’t let the outside in. Open and shut doors quickly and keep windows closed. Block sunlight by shutting curtains and lowering blinds.
Personal comfort – Use cold tap water for a shower or bath, then air dry yourself and your hair.

Another way to reduce the risks of power outages is to do your part in reducing energy consumption. Avoid preheating your oven when cooking by simply adding a few minutes to your baking time. And this summer, consider adjusting your thermostat up a few notches during the day. You can save almost 3% by raising the thermostat one degree.

You can also reduce energy consumption by lowering your water heater temperature. Each 10-degree reduction can save 3%-5% in water-heating energy costs.

Contact TIO Electric of Greater Phoenix

Safety should be without compromise. If you have questions about power outages and how backup generators can keep your home and family safe and comfortable, contact Turn It On Electric.

Electrical Wiring, Residential, Safety

Am I Using Too Many Extension Cords?

31Jul2023

How many is too many extension cords? This question has 2 scenarios and two answers:

1. If your extension cord won’t reach, and you stretch its length by attaching another extension cord, that’s too many. Extending the length this way can result in overloading and overheating; then you have a fire risk. Buy one cord that is the correct length rather than daisy-chaining.

2. How many extension cords per room is too many? Extension cords are supposed to be a temporary solution, never a permanent one. Any room using even one extension cord as a long-term power source is already using too many extension cords. Extension cords aren’t designed to be used for more than 90 days.

Even though outlets have two plug-ins, never plug two temporary extension cords into one outlet. The power pull can be dangerous. Electrical resistance is higher with the addition of one extension cord. Connecting two extension cords or plugging two into one outlet results in heat generation that poses a fire risk.

Using Too Many Extension Cords Is Dangerous

OSHA regulations apply to workplaces and not necessarily homes. But their guidelines have set our standards for safety. Also, we’re spending much more time working in offices and managing small businesses at home.

Extension cords are terrific solutions to temporary power supply needs. Some of their recommendations for extension cord safety include:

Always choose cords with 3-prong plugs. Never remove the grounding plug to force a 3-prong extension cord into a 2-prong plug-in.
Cords should be approved for their intended use. For example, don’t use indoor cords outdoors, small (thin and flat) extension cords for large tools or appliances, etc. Every extension cord should have the right voltage rating and the amperage required to power the equipment/appliance.
Do not daisy-chain extension cords. Do not use more than one extension cord per outlet.
Don’t bend or coil cords.
Don’t place cords in areas that may get wet or damp.
Extension cords should not be extended through doorways, walls, or windows. They should not run under rugs or furniture.
For outside applications, use only outdoor cords.
If an extension cord feels warm to touch, unplug and stop using it.
If an extension cord has cuts or frayed wires, discard it.
Never attach extension cords to floors or surfaces using nails, tape, or staples.
Never use extension cords as a permanent power source.
Protect extension cords from foot traffic; protect pedestrians from tripping over extension cords.
Purchase cords that have been tested and approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Intertek (ETL), or Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
The cords’ sizes are numbers; gauges. The smaller the number, the greater the amount of electrical current. Even if two cords have the same gauge, the shorter one can manage more current than the longer one.
Unplug extension cords after use. To unplug the cord, pull on the plug, not the cord.

The Solution: Adding More Outlets

Power strips and surge protectors are great solutions for connecting multiple electronics to one outlet. Extension cords are used to connect the distance between one outlet and one electronic appliance or piece of equipment. Using too many extension cords is dangerous.

If you’re using numerous power strips and extension cords to power your home or office, the problem is you don’t have enough outlets to support your electrical requirements.

The ideal fix is for your local electrical contractor to install additional outlets. Your electric professional will use the right type of wiring and make sure your circuit breaker can handle your current load.

Turn It On Electric is a 5-star, licensed, electrical contractor. We specialize in Phoenix-area commercial and residential electrical remodeling. If you need electrical upgrades that would increase your property value and make your home safer, request a free quote.

We welcome your questions. Contact TIO Electric.

Residential, Safety

Protecting Your Family During Lightning Storms

28Jun2023

Lightning storms can be a powerful and awe-inspiring display of nature’s might. The crackling sound of thunder and the dazzling streaks of lightning can leave us feeling both amazed and humbled. However, it’s important to remember that these storms can also pose a significant threat to our safety, especially if we don’t take the necessary precautions. To ensure the well-being of your family during these electrifying events, here are five crucial lighting safety tips:

Stay Indoors
The safest place to be during a lightning storm is indoors. Seek shelter in a sturdy building, preferably one equipped with lightning rods and surge protectors. Avoid using electrical appliances, corded phones, or plumbing fixtures, as lightning can travel through these conduits. If you’re caught outside, seek shelter in a fully enclosed metal vehicle like a car or truck. Remember to keep the windows rolled up and avoid touching any metal surfaces inside the vehicle.

Avoid Open Areas
During a lightning storm, it’s crucial to stay away from open areas, including open fields, golf courses, and bodies of water. If you’re outdoors and can’t find shelter, seek refuge in a low-lying area, but be mindful of the potential for flash floods. Stay away from tall objects such as trees, light poles, and metal fences, which can attract lightning. Instead, find a low, crouched position with your feet close together to minimize contact with the ground.

Unplug Electronics
Lightning strikes can cause power surges that can damage electronic devices. To protect your appliances and avoid potential fires, unplug sensitive electronics such as computers, televisions, and game consoles during a storm. Invest in surge protectors for your important devices and consider installing a whole-house surge protection system, which can safeguard your home’s electrical system from lightning-related power surges. Once your devices are plugged into surge protectors, the risk of damage to your devices is greatly reduced.

Educate Your Family
Knowledge is power when it comes to lightning storms. Teach your family members about the dangers of lightning and the safety measures to take. Explain the importance of staying indoors during storms, avoiding water-related activities, and steering clear of conductive materials. Reinforce the idea of waiting at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before venturing outside again, as lightning can strike even when the storm seems to have passed.

Be Prepared
Being prepared for a lightning storm can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your family safe. Consider creating an emergency kit that includes essentials such as a flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit, and a battery-powered weather radio. Discuss and practice an emergency plan with your family, designating a safe meeting spot and establishing a communication method during power outages. Stay informed about weather forecasts and warnings through reliable sources, such as the National Weather Service, to ensure you’re aware of any impending storms.

For more information on how lighting forms and other lighting science, visit weather.gov

Remember, when it comes to lightning, safety should always be your top priority. By following these top five ways to protect your family, you can minimize the risks associated with these electrifying events and ensure the well-being of your loved ones.

For more information on electrical safety and storm preparedness, contact Turn It On Electric. They provide valuable insights and professional electrical services to help you stay safe during lightning storms.

Electrical Wiring, Electrician, Residential, Safety

Steps to Take After a Failed Home Electrical Inspection

28Jun2023

If you’ve recently undergone a home electrical inspection and were notified that your home was not up to code, there’s no need to panic. However, there are some crucial steps to take to ensure the safety of your home and loved ones, while at the same time addressing any issues to get your home back on track to meet all the required safety standards.

In this article, we’ll explain what steps to take after a failed electrical inspection so that everything goes smoothly from that point forward.

Understand the Findings: The first step is to carefully review the inspection report and understand the specific areas that failed to meet the requirements. The report should provide a detailed explanation of the issues and recommendations for resolving them. If there are any terms or concepts you don’t understand, don’t hesitate to seek clarification from a licensed electrician or inspector.
Hire a Qualified Electrician: To address the problems identified in the inspection, it’s crucial to hire a qualified electrician. Look for a reputable electrical contractor who is licensed, insured, and experienced in residential electrical work. They will have the expertise to accurately assess the issues and provide effective solutions. Of course, we at Turn It On Electric would be happy to assist with any of your electrical needs in a situation like this
Prioritize Repairs: Once you have chosen an electrician, work with them to prioritize the repairs. Some issues may require immediate attention due to safety concerns, while others may be less urgent. Discuss your budget and timeline with the electrician to develop a plan that suits your needs. By addressing the most critical problems first, you can ensure the safety of your home while managing the costs effectively.
Obtain Multiple Quotes: It’s always a good idea to obtain multiple quotes from different electricians before proceeding with the repairs. This will give you a better understanding of the costs involved and help you make an informed decision. Remember, the cheapest option may not always be the best, so consider the electrician’s reputation, experience, and customer reviews alongside the price. Take a few minutes to learn the most important questions when hiring an electrician.
Schedule the Repairs: Once you have chosen an electrician and received a quote, schedule the repairs at a convenient time. Depending on the complexity of the issues, the repairs may take a few hours or several days to complete. Be prepared to make alternative arrangements during the repair process if necessary, such as temporarily relocating to another part of your home or staying with a family member or friend.
Retest and Obtain Certification: After the repairs have been completed, request a reinspection to ensure that all the issues have been resolved. Once your home passes the reinspection, you will receive a certification stating that your electrical system meets the necessary safety standards. This certification is important, as it may be required for insurance purposes or when selling your home in the future.

As you navigate through the process of addressing the failed electrical inspection, it’s essential to remember that your safety and the safety of your family should always be the top priority. By promptly addressing any electrical issues and working with qualified professionals, you can ensure a safe and secure home environment.

Remember, electrical inspections are crucial for identifying potential hazards and maintaining the integrity of your electrical system. To further expand your knowledge about electricity and electrical safety, visit the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) website (link: https://www.esfi.org/). They offer a wealth of resources and information to help you stay informed and make informed decisions about your home’s electrical system.

In conclusion, a failed electrical inspection is not the end of the world. By understanding the findings, hiring a qualified electrician, prioritizing repairs, obtaining multiple quotes, scheduling the repairs, and retesting the system, you can successfully address the issues and ensure the safety of your home. Take action promptly, and soon your electrical system will be up to code. If you need help or advice along the way, feel free to contact TIO Electric

Residential, Safety

Protecting Your Pets From Electrical Hazards

28Jun2023

Electrical hazards can pose serious risks to our furry friends at home. From chewed wires to exposed outlets, our pets are susceptible to potential electrical accidents. This is why it’s essential for pet owners to be proactive in safeguarding their beloved companions from these hazards.

Here are the top five ways to protect your pets:

Secure All Electrical Cords and Wires

Pets, especially puppies and kittens, are naturally curious and may be tempted to chew on electrical cords and wires. This behavior can lead to electrical shock, burns, or even fires. To prevent this, it is crucial to pet proof household cables and keep wires out of your pets’ reach. Consider using cord protectors, cable organizers, or covering cords with PVC tubing. Additionally, you can tape cords to baseboards or use cord concealers to keep them hidden and inaccessible to your pets.

Keep Electrical Outlets Covered

Uncovered electrical outlets can be enticing to pets, who may try to investigate or play with them. This can result in electrical shocks or burns. Invest in outlet covers or caps to block your pets’ access to outlets. These inexpensive and easy-to-install safety devices will prevent curious paws from exploring potentially dangerous electrical sockets.

According to Turn It On Electric, an experienced electrical services company, “Pet owners should be mindful of the electrical dangers lurking in their homes. Taking simple steps like covering outlets can significantly reduce the risk of electrical accidents.”

Provide Safe and Stable Electrical Appliances

Ensure that all electrical appliances in your home are safe and stable. Pets may inadvertently knock over appliances, causing them to fall or spill liquids onto electrical components. This can result in electrocution or fires. To prevent such accidents, make sure appliances are placed on stable surfaces and are out of your pets’ reach. Use cord shorteners or hide cords behind furniture to minimize the temptation for pets to chew on them.

Unplug Unused Electronics

When electronics are not in use, always remember to unplug them from electrical outlets. This prevents any accidental contact by your pets, reducing the risk of electrical accidents. Additionally, it conserves energy and reduces the likelihood of overheating or electrical fires. Get into the habit of unplugging electronics such as laptops, gaming consoles, and chargers when they are not being used.

Supervise Pets and Educate Children

One of the most effective ways to protect your pets from electrical hazards is to supervise them closely. Be aware of their behavior around electrical appliances and cords. Educate your family members, especially children, on the potential dangers of electrical hazards and injuries to pets. Teach them not to leave cords or appliances lying around and to report any damaged electrical equipment immediately.

Remember, prevention is the key to safeguarding your pets from electrical hazards. By implementing these top five ways, you can create a safer environment for your furry companions and provide them with a happy and secure living space.

For further information and assistance with electrical safety measures, consult professionals like Turn It On Electric. Their expertise can help ensure your home is properly wired and protected from potential pet safety hazards. Contact TIO Electric with any additional questions or concerns.

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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!

Tag Archives: electrical safety

Ways to Manage Power Outages

Contact TIO Electric of Greater Phoenix

Using Too Many Extension Cords Is Dangerous

The Solution: Adding More Outlets