electrical work – Page 3 – Turn It On Electric

Are GFCI Outlets Required in Older Homes?

22Mar2023

The first electrical power system was developed in 1882 and since 1897, our country has set standards for electrical safety. GFCI outlets have been one of the most valuable electrical safety developments in history.

GFCI outlets were used as early as the 1960s, primarily around swimming pools and home exteriors. It was 1971 when the National Electrical Code (NEC) specified GFCI outlets for new residential construction.

GFCI Outlets Requirements Change in 2023

New national regulations now require trained and licensed electricians for electrical service and maintenance. This means handyman licensing in Arizona may come under scrutiny.

It was always a recommendation (not a requirement) that older home wiring receives regular electrical inspection for ongoing safety. Previously, GFCI receptacles have been required in:

Basements/crawlspaces
Bathrooms
Garages
Laundry rooms
…and all areas where water is used

“In the new 2023 NEC, all 125- to 250-volt receptacles located inside a kitchen require GFCI protection,” says electrical instructor Jerry Durham. Section 210.8(A)(6) in the 2023 NEC requires ground-fault protection for all kitchen receptacles, regardless of their location or purpose.

The federal code now requires GFCI outlets in:

All areas with sinks
All plug- and cord-connected kitchen appliances
All receptacles installed under eaves/roofs
Areas in which HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) and refrigeration equipment are installed
Boathouses/boat hoists
Clothes dryers
Dishwashers
Home/outdoor – At least one
Kitchen counter-mounted appliances including:
- Electric ranges/skillets
- Microwaves/microwave ovens
- Wall-mounted ovens
Kitchen countertops

Older Homes May Need Rewiring

Prior to 2023, GFCI outlet upgrades were recommended for older homes. They were not legally required even though 68% of house fires are caused by electrical problems. If your home is more than 20 years old, it may be at risk for fire damage. Schedule an electrical inspection to determine if areas of your home need professional electrical service.

5 Top Causes of Electrical Fires in Older Homes

Running electrical cords under area rugs or carpeting is very dangerous and puts your home at high risk for fire. Appliances with frayed cords can ignite carpeting as well as curtains and floors.

The top five causes of older-home residential fires include:

Outlets – Outdated electrical outlets and older appliances are the #1 cause of residential electrical fires.
Light fixtures – Using the wrong wattage bulbs in lamps and light fixtures is the second most common cause of fires in homes. And yes, it’s romantic, but don’t put a handkerchief or other flammable materials atop a lampshade.
Extension cords – Extension cords are a temporary fix, not a permanent solution. Daily-use appliances and electronics should be directly plugged into a wall outlet.
Space heaters – This portable solution to a cold snap is fine if the appliance is operated and positioned safely. Space heaters should be at least 3´ away from all bedding, curtains, and furniture.
Wiring – Today’s use of electronics is usually more than a good old house can manage. Outdated wiring in older homes is a leading fire hazard. Replacing electrical wiring to accommodate computers, gaming devices, wide-screen televisions, etc. increases safety from fire.

GFCI Outlet Upgrades in Arizona

An electrical inspection is an affordable way to determine if your electrical system is functioning safely. About twenty percent of Phoenix homes have older wiring that should be inspected. And in some areas of Maricopa County, 100% of the homes were built before or during the 1970s.

GFCI outlets have a lifespan. Even if your older home has GFCI outlets in place, they should be replaced after 15 years. Some show signs of problems after only five years of use. If you’re planning to invest or already live in a beautiful older home, it’s well worth the peace of mind to ensure its protection from fire.

Turn It On Electric specializes in electrical maintenance for older homes. Let’s prioritize your GFCI outlets and wiring this year. Contact TIO Electric to learn more.

Electrical Wiring, Residential, Safety

What Is an Electrical Short?

21Feb2023

An electrical circuit is the flow of electricity that loops from your circuit breaker/panel box through your home and back again. That circular route is the circuit. An electrical short is a malfunction that is often called a “short circuit.”

An electrical short occurs when a wire carrying a live or “hot” current contacts a neutral wire. The live current jumps – arcs – from the live wire to the neutral wire. The electrical flow then takes the shortest, least resistant path to the ground. That path can be through flammable materials or animals and people. Anything in its way can receive a shock, catch fire, or be damaged by a small explosion.

Electrical shorts can cause:

Electrocutions
Fires
Shocks

What Causes an Electrical Short Circuit?

Just as with your body’s blood flow, when your electrical circulation is interrupted it’s a problem that needs immediate professional attention. There are several reasons why your home or commercial property can experience a short circuit, but basically, there are 2 types of electrical short circuits:

Ground fault – This occurs when a plugged-in or hot wire touches a grounded:
- Appliance
- Bare ground wire
- Breaker box
- Device
- Outlet
- …or anything using the electrical circuit
Normal – Normal short circuits occur when a hot wire touches a neutral wire. “normal” electrical short circuits can be caused by:

Electrical surges
Exposed wiring damages
- Nail/screw punctures
- Rodents chewing-through
- Water/fluids contact wiring
Loose wires in circuit breaker box
Sheathing/wire wrap erodes – (The strong, non-conductive material insulating electrical wiring is usually PVC/polyethylene, which shouldn’t but can deteriorate.)
Worn-out/damaged electrical system components
- Appliances
- Lights
- Outlets
- Switches

Signs You Have an Electrical Short

The obvious sign you have a short circuit is when your breaker keeps tripping. If it’s accompanied by sparks, a zapping or sizzling sound, or even smoke, you have a dangerous electrical short circuit. If you touch a device or plug-in and get a small shock or burn, that indicates a serious problem you shouldn’t ignore.

Perhaps you had a brief tripping, reset the breaker, and carried on. Hours or days later, you notice that familiar, metallic-burning smell of melted electronics and plastic. That’s another clue you have a dangerous electrical short.

The important thing to know is electrical shorts are dangerous. You need to contact your local, licensed electrician immediately.

How To Prevent Short Circuits

Homeowners should regularly inspect outlets, bulb screw-ins, and appliance plugs for signs of age or damage. Also, check appliance electrical cords for signs of wear and tear. The circuit box area should be kept clean and it should also be easily accessible (not blocked by boxes, clutter, etc.) The best way to safeguard your home and prevent short circuits is professional electrical maintenance.

Safe, efficient electrical systems are as important to your home or office as heating and cooling or plumbing. That’s why we recommend electrical maintenance inspections to prevent electrical problems and protect your property.

TIO Electric is the Arizona Valley and Phoenix-area Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified electrical contractor. As LEEDS-certified electricians, during an electrical checkup, we will identify ways you can save energy and money while maintaining electrical safety and functionality. We’ll also check your electrical system’s safety and compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines.

During a maintenance visit, we will also:

Check HVAC electrical connections (we cannot inspect/repair HVAC systems.)
Ensure cables are secure/undamaged
Examine electrical components and:
- Circuit overload potential
- Damaged insulation
- Grounding
- Moisture near electrical components
- Smoke detectors
- Unsafe usage of extension cords
Inspect whole-house generator

We prioritize safety, and annual electrical checkups can prevent electrical problems. However, Turn It On Electric pros are also knowledgeable interior/exterior lighting design and renovation consultants. Ask us about electrical upgrades for your home or business.

We know you have choices. Our customer care and industry-best workmanship are why Phoenix communities choose TIO Electric. If you have questions about electrical short circuits, contact TIO Electric.

Electrical Wiring, Electrician

How Often Do I Need an Electrical Inspection?

30Oct2022

Some people say they miss “the good old days” when times were simpler. Today’s technology has us doing more faster, and it can be either overwhelming or exciting. There’s nothing simple about how much and how often we use electricity. An electrical inspection every year can tell you what your home needs today and even tomorrow.

Electrical Inspections for Safety, Upgrades

When buying a home, especially an older house, scheduling an electrical inspection is a good idea. A home’s wiring can and should last many years, but its insulation can crack with age and expose wires.

Electrical panels have an expiration date. If it’s between 20-40 years old, it’s time to plan an electrical panel replacement.

If you’re planning any major remodeling project, an electrical inspection can prevent hazards and pinpoint problem areas. Also, major renovations require permits, and your licensed electrician can make sure your wiring is installed safely as well as code-compliant. Remodeling is a good opportunity for updating and/or reconfiguring your home’s electricity.

Your home is probably your largest asset, so professional maintenance is a good investment. It not only increases your property value, but it can also give you a competitive edge in a buyers’ market. Routine electrical inspections in Arizona should be scheduled every year. Electrical maintenance can also save energy, which saves money by lowering your monthly utility bill.

3 Signs You Need an Electrical Inspection Now

Your electrical system is designed for protection. There are warning signs that indicate a problem, and some problems are more dangerous than others. Signs you need to schedule an electrical inspection right away include:

Burning odor – A burning smell near any of your outlets, switches, or the circuit panel box is a major red flag. Your local electrician should be contacted immediately.
Heat – If plug-in outlets, switches, or switch plates feel warm to the touch when you plug in or turn them on, there’s likely a wiring problem. If they feel warm when not in use, that’s an even bigger red flag. Schedule an electrical inspection as soon as possible.
Noise – A humming, buzzing sound from any electrical outlet or switch indicates a loose connection or dangerous wiring problem.

Lesser issues that also pose dangers are flickering lights and a circuit breaker that frequently trips off and on. When you plug anything in, it’s not normal to see sparks. It could be the appliance or the outlet, but you need to have it checked out.

If you’re using extension cords in almost every room, that’s another red flag. It means you don’t have enough outlets to support your energy use. Extension cords are great as temporary fixes. But they also offer inconsistent connectivity and pose fall risks to family and visitors.

What Happens During an Electrical Inspection?

If you have noticed any problems during customary electrical usage, your local licensed electrician will examine those areas first. Other tasks during an electrical inspection may include checking for:

Aged/deteriorating wiring
DIY (do-it-yourself) wiring
Electrical risks
Exposed wires
Light fixtures/sockets
Outdated circuitry that doesn’t meet today’s codes
Powerbox integrity
Power points
Safety switches
Smoke alarms
Sufficient service
Uncovered wiring
…and more

A reputable electrician is licensed. But thanks to the internet, you can spot electrical service companies’ red flags as easily as the ones in your home.

Look for 5-star Angi/HomeAdvisor ratings. Look for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified electrical professionals. And if you’re looking for knowledge, experience, and superior customer care, contact Turn It On Electric.

Electrical Wiring, Residential

3 Electrical Upgrades to Consider This Summer

26Jun2022

This summer holds the promise of being one of the best! We are spending more time at home; playing and working. For Summer 2022, many of us are examining ways to make our home lifestyles more engaging and safer. Electrical upgrades in Central Arizona can be affordable as well as enhance your quality of living.

Electrical Upgrades: Safety, Convenience, or Fun

What’s your priority? Upgrading outside lighting can include landscape lights, motion-activated lights, and more. Smart-home electrical upgrades are added conveniences that also increase the value of your property. Swimming pool lights and fun recreational lighting are entertainment options your friends and family will enjoy.

Here are 3 electrical upgrades to consider this summer:

1. Entertainment and Recreational Lighting

Outdoor entertainment calls for additional lighting. You can add long-term light fixtures or create temporary lighting for tented events and more. What’s more entertaining than outdoor white LED light-wrapped trees? They’re not just for winter anymore; they can offer year-round beauty and appeal.

This year, consider hot tub and swimming pool light options for safety and beauty (or just plain fun!). Adding or relocating your pool light switch can offer more convenience and safety to summer fun.

Another consideration is your own, indoor entertainment. Valued collectibles and art pieces are even more enjoyable with the right presentation lights. Upgrade your home’s entrance with a stunning chandelier or add auto-on/off lights to bathrooms and closets.

2. Home Safety and Security

Safe passage during darkness is a reasonable expectation, and with ground illumination, you have it. Landscape lights can line your sidewalk, providing beauty and safety for visitors.

Two popular types of security electrical upgrades are security lights and motion sensors. You can program security lights to turn on at dusk and off at sunrise. Some security installations include video. Motion sensors can quickly activate security floodlights when a trespasser is detected. Pet-immune motion detectors can be programmed to ignore moving objects under 40 pounds.

Security lighting should be added to areas including:

Back/side yards
Blind spots around the house
Entrances to house/garage
Storage sheds

3. Whole-house Rewiring

Admit it. Your office looks like a tangled web of power strips and multi-outlet plug-ins. Every electronic in the house needs recharging every day, and if you buy that hybrid vehicle you want, the overload may put you over the top.

An electrical inspection will reveal problem areas and prioritize areas that need electrical upgrades. Advantages to whole-house rewiring include:

Additional home improvement/expansion options, including a garage or house expansion for rental or family
Fewer outages
Greater energy efficiency
Higher property value
Increased safety and reduced fire risks

…and any location on your property you feel would benefit from additional security.

TIO Electric Specializes in Arizona Electrical Upgrades

Perhaps you plan to sell this year or next. Or perhaps, like many of us, you’re stretching the capabilities of your home’s original wiring. Home safety and security are electrical upgrades that are a solid investment, but they also offer peace of mind.

Turn It On Electric pros are electrical technology specialists. We receive continuing education so we can offer you the latest smart electrical technology for your home. But we’re also focused on industry-best practices as well as customer care. Our electrical project isn’t complete until you’re happy.

Ask about summer electrical upgrades for your home. Contact TIO Electric.

Electrical Wiring, Electrician, Residential

Can a Handyman Do Electrical Work?

22Mar2022

If the question is, “Can an unlicensed handyman do electrical work in Arizona?” the answer is yes. You and your Uncle Bud can do electrical home upgrades and installations. But it’s the wrong question.

The question to ask is, “Should a handyman do electrical work?” And the answer is unequivocally, no.

Electrical Work Is Shockingly Dangerous

Electricity is uniquely unforgiving. –CPSC

Professionalism is about accountability. When you hire an unlicensed person to do electrical work, the odds are 50-50 (or less) that the job will be completed safely and effectively. The unlicensed handyman is not responsible if the work leads to property damage or worse. You are. If your insurance company deems the property damage occurred because of hiring an unlicensed electrician, it may deny coverage.

It’s just not worth it.

7 Electrical Statistics

Arizona has a handyman exemption. Any home improvement under $1,000 doesn’t require professional licensing or supervision. That danger causes the Electrical Safety Foundation International to urge you to partner with electrical professionals for even the smallest home improvement project.

Home fires and deaths in addition to hundreds of electrocutions are important statistics:

An average of 4 people die from an at-home electrocution every week.
Most electrical accidents are preventable.
Only 50-300 electrical injuries per year are caused by lightning.
The most common type of electrical injuries are external and internal burns, and some electrical burns lead to organ damage. Approximately 5% of all burn unit patients are there because of electrical injuries.
There are about 30,000 nonfatal electrical injuries every year.
There are approximately 30,000 non-fatal shock injuries every year.
There are between 500-1,000 deaths from electrical injuries every year.

You Are Responsible: Find a Licensed Electrician

If you hire an unlicensed handyman, you are assuming responsibility for the work. If a neighbor’s family member is hurt during your electrical project, your insurance liability may not cover the costs of injury and damage.

A professional electrician must be currently licensed in Arizona. Go to https://roc.az.gov/contractor-search and search for the company or electrician’s name. If the electrician or company isn’t found on the state’s website, you are assuming responsibility.
Ask for proof of insurance. Any worker on your property should be protected by liability insurance. If she or he is injured, you won’t be held responsible.
Without liability insurance, if the worker is injured at your home, you are responsible for the handyman’s costs associated with the injury. If an unlicensed worker breaks something or damages your home, you are assuming responsibility.
If your handyman doesn’t have a website, that’s a red flag. Most service-company websites have positive reviews but go outside a company’s site (Yelp, for example) to read what clients have to say.

Turn It On Electric holds Angi’s 2021 Super Service Award and Home Advisor’s Best recognition. But the most important thing you need to know is this: Our company’s electrical professionals are well-trained and receive continuing education. We know how to work with technology to make your home smarter and more energy-efficient. We care about our community and your family because we live here too.

To learn more about electrical work in your neighborhood, contact TIO Electric.

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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!