Tips on Hiring an Electrical Contractor (Contd.)

Here are some more tips to hire an electrical contractor

Electrician in Phoenix | Call Us Today | 480-926-1033

Hiring an Electrical Contractor: Follow These Steps Too

As we covered previously, it's a good idea to follow a set of instructions before you get an electrician in to do any sort of work.

Schedule a meeting to get estimates from your electrician in Phoenix. If your references checked out, schedule to meet the contractor. Find out if the estimate is free, and be aware of any costs up front. Request that the contractor bring proof of any insurance and bonding to make sure you are not responsible for damages or injuries on your property. Ask them for proof of their license or any certifications. A lot of contractors hire people to work under them, so find out if the estimator will be the one doing the work or if they will hire a crew. Get your estimate in writing. It will need to include all costs, including labor and parts. Do not sign anything until you have met with at least 3 contractors and made a decision on who to hire. Before making your selection, read the entire contract in full. Make sure you understand everything it details, and that you have an itemized list of all costs.

Along with following these tips, be sure to ask the electrician contractor for any type of warranty they may offer for the labor and parts. A decent contractor will have no issues with providing a warranty, even if it is for a certain time frame. Ask if extended warranties apply.  However, it isn't just warranties and who is going to be doing the work.

Experienced Electrician Wanted:  Apply Within

Does the electrician you're looking at have experience?  If so, how much does he have?  More than a year you hope?  The more experienced your electrician is, the likelihood of any sort of electrical injury or accident decreases dramatically.  This can literally mean the difference between life and death, and not just your electrician's life, what about yours and your family.

Electrical injuries are one of the most numerous types of household accidents around.  There are several thousand of them a year.  You probably do not want to be a statistic somewhere.  So remember, you want someone with experience, who is licensed, and who has a good reputation in your community.  That way you know you have the right electrician contractor.

Read more about this subject here.

Dodge Electric
781 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 926-1033
Contact a Residential Electrician

Tips on Hiring an Electrical Contractor

Do you want to hire an electrical contractor?  Here are some tips for you to avoid any trouble.

Call Your Electrical Contractor for Wiring Changes | (480) 926-1033

What to Know Before You Hire An Electrical Contractor in Phoenix

If you need any electrical work done with regard to lighting installations, security systems or anything dealing with electric lines, it is advisable to hire an electrical contractor to do it for you. Even on a small do-it-yourself project, you could make a mistake on the wiring that would lead to a disastrous outcome.

Your best choice is hiring an electrical contractor that is able to fulfill your particular project need. Here are a few tips to consider before you hire one.

Set a Spending Limit for Your Electrician

Get an idea of just how much you want to spend for the entire job, including any parts and all labor costs. This can be an estimate budget since you will need to wait on estimates to get an exact figure. Always leave a little cushion amount to go over, but not to exceed your budget by no more than 15-20%.
Do background research. You can do a pre-screening of the potential contractors to help make the best decision. Call the electrical contractors to get a bit of information before you even schedule then to do an estimate. Write down all the information you receive from them. Some screening questions to ask are:

· How long has your company been in business?

· Can you guarantee all work that you do in writing?

· Are you bonded and insured?

· Are you licensed and carry the right certifications?

· Can you give at least three references?

Check each reference. The contractor should have no problem giving you any references. Most times, people do not check the references which is a big mistake. You want to follow up with the references to find out the quality of the contractor's work, or if the contractor gave them an accurate estimate. Find out if the contractor performed all the work as scheduled, and if they had a good work ethic. More importantly, find out if they would hire the contractor again. You can also check out the BBB for your state to see how reliable the contractor is.

Finding people that you can trust is always a challenge in life.  However, let their reputation give you a whole lot of information about them.  That way you know you've got the right electrical contractor in Ahwatukee.

Dodge Electric
781 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 926-1033
Contact a Residential Electrician

Choosing the Right Commercial Electrician Contractor (Contd)

Need a Commerical Electrician in Phoenix? Call Us (480) 926-1033

Here is some more information on how to choose a commercial electrician.

Ask Around to Find a Commercial Electrician

Asking around is one of the best ways to find a commercial electrician. If you're a business owner, you probably network with other business owners.  Sooner or later one of them probably had to call a contractor in to fix something at their business.  There are two types of recommendations where electricians are concerned:  ones to avoid, and ones to go with.

If you're talking to a fellow business owner and they tell you to avoid calling someone in, they probably have a very good reason.  For example, if the commercial electrician that they called in not only messed up the project they caused real damage, not only is that contractor one you should stay away from, they are likely going to have complaints filed with the state.  Good places to also check up on a commercial electrician is to call the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, or the overseeing body in your state. Most states have some sort of board that oversees electricians and other contractors, and often have places where people can file complaints.  Another place to find information of this sort on a commercial electrician is your local Better Business Bureau. However, it isn't just negative press you want to look over when you're looking to hire an electrician, look for positive reviews as well.

Reviews and Local Electricians

Review sites can give you a lot of really good information about a commercial electrician.  Site such as Yelp, Dexknows, Yellow Pages, and Google Plus are great places to look for reviews as well.  Look at reviews with an open mind though.  Universally glowing reviews aren't entirely trustworthy.  After all, it is very easy to review a site, all one needs is an email account, and there are services out there that businesses can hire to give them good PR and great reviews.  Ultimately, however, trust your gut feelings.  If something about an electrician doesn't ring true, then by no means should you hire them.  Another thing you have to consider is that you want to hire an electrician that can do commercial work, or you may be adding to  your expense.

Sometimes, electrical wiring has different capacities in commercial projects than it does in residential ones.  You want someone who knows the ins and outs of commercial wiring, and that someone is a commercial electrician in Phoenix.

Read Previous Article

Dodge Electric
781 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 926-1033
Your Commercial Electrician in Ahwatukee

Choosing the Right Commercial Electrician Contractor

One contact that a property manager must have the number of a commercial electrician contractor.  

Electrician in Phoenix | Call Us Today | 480-926-1033

Commercial Electricians and Property Management

Property managers know the importance of hiring qualified professionals such as commercial electricians when it comes to public places. A skilled and experienced contractor will ensure a successful business or project and longevity too. Fatalities and accidents usually occur when there is a combination of electricity and inexperience. 

By doing some research, a majority of serious contractor issues are eliminated. Choosing a qualified electrician will help save on money, headaches and time. Some of the tips for choosing the right commercial electrician include a few must have items.

The "Must Haves" of a Commercial Electrician Contractor

Check the electrician contractor’s license. It is advisable not to hire the services of an unlicensed electrician contractor in whichever capacity. Sometimes the deal is usually appealing, but might eventually turn out to be costly. Such contractors do not sit for any exams and are not bonded hence you are not sure whether they have the knowledge to perform the task you require them to. Additionally, an electrician who has violated codes in the past can have their license officially cancelled. Electricians who have been involved in accidents resulting to damages may have their licenses lapsed or spiked. The above qualifications prove an electricians ability to guarantee your asset in times of worker carelessness or improper workmanship as well as the ability to perform within the guidelines of the law.

Insurance coverage. Qualified electricians must have satisfying public insurance. This helps to cover for any unforeseen mishaps that might take place when the job is ongoing. Choosing to hire an unlicensed electrician means that you are prone to risks especially when it involves a huge electricity installation. Your commercial electrical contractor should adhere to the legal and building regulations.

Ask for the electrician’s portfolio or brochure. Some commercial electricians have a well written brochure or portfolio available for their clients. One can go through them in order to look out for execution to own and similar projects. This will enable you to know the ability of the contractor to perform tasks. Unlimited projects could only mean that the commercial electrician has minimal finished jobs to be proud of or has no experience. On the other hand, a portfolio that appears too good could mean that they did not accomplish the projects on their own or is a highlight of their work.  So as you see, there is a lot to hiring a commercial electrician contractor.

Dodge Electric
781 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 926-1033
Your Commercial Electrician in Ahwatukee

Residential Electrician Contractors: Why Their Services Matter

Residential electricians provide several valuable services to homeowners.

Residential Electricians and Home Improvements

If you are a homeowner and have several types of home improvements to accomplish that may involve the use of electricity, then it will be a wise choice to opt for an electrician. Through the assistance of this type of technician, you will have someone who has the necessary means towards getting a project done safely and correctly. Whether the job is for the purpose of re-wiring, remodeling, lighting upgrades, or other matters that are in relation to the use of electrical current, then the best and most effective means towards achieving these tasks is through the professional services of a residential electrician.

Electrician in Phoenix | Call Us Today | 480-926-1033

Residential Electricians:  Be Careful of Doing it Yourself

As everyone is knows, and as we covered in a previous article, electricity controls plenty of things around the home and due to this fact it makes it quite essential to never take on any projects that involve the use of electricity, as this can and will lead towards dangerous situations where mistakes can occur, which can create serious damages to the interior as well as the exterior of the property. One simple way to avoid this kind of matter is to seek the assistance of a professional residential electrician handle and complete any projects within and outside the home, as this will prevent damages and will ensure the property owner of getting work done without the risk of encountering any problems from happening while completing any type of work in and out of the home when using electrical current. A homeowner can benefit from hiring a professional residential electrician, as he or she has the ability to handle any job with care and safety, as even the slightest error can endanger the lives of the people who live within the home as well as destroy various parts and furnishings of the house. Also when you hire these technicians, you will avoid any projects that can lead towards future problems as well, making their services quite a valuable asset to have handy for when there are work projects around the home that will need the use of electricity. So remember, you want not only to improve your home, you want to do it safely as well.  So when your pipes are clogged, call a plumber.  If you've got termites, you call an exterminator.  And if you need any sort of electrical work done, then you call a residential electrician.

Dodge Electric
781 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 926-1033
http://www.dodgeelectric.com

Residential Electrical Contractors and Electrical Services

Electrical contractors have a huge role to play in adding convenience to our daily life: Electricity.

Call Your Electrician for Wiring Changes | (480) 926-1033

What Electrical Contractors in Phoenix Can Do

While electricity is a wonderful modern convenience, if there are problems with your wiring, it  can lead to many more issues. That's why calling an electrical contractor is always a good idea.  They always have a lot to do from wiring installation to power panel upgrades and so much more. By no means should you try to work on your electricity by yourself.  Why?

Well, electrical work can be difficult as well as potentially life-threatening.  It's estimated that the average American home has a whopping two miles of cable in it! Things can certainly go wrong in the event someone with little to no experience tries to take the wiring into their own hands. What's the biggest danger where wiring is concerned?  Someone who watches do it yourself shows.

Everyone wants a dream home.  They want their  homes to be aesthetically beautiful, they want security and comfort. They see a home improvement show and think that all they need to put in some accent lighting is a bit of wire, an imported Italian electric wall sconce, and voila, they have light.  Oh that can happen, but what's the worst that could happen?

Electrical Problems:  Fire and Injury

Electrical problems can manifest in a lot of different ways.  You could flip the switch and nothing happens.  That's usually easy.  That usually means that you have a loose wire in the fixture.  But you could flip the switch and the next thing you know, your breaker trips out back.  That means you're overloading a circuit.  But that, while annoying is not the worst thing that can happen, as we have discussed in our article series on electrical safety.  To sum up, you could run the risk of electrical injury including burns, or a fatal electrical shock or electrocution.  You could also cause an electrical fire.

So, sometimes, electrical projects aren't as simple as you might think.  Sometimes, there are a lot more factors involved in them.  For example, if you pick the wrong type of wire, and connect it to  your existing wiring, you may cause a chemical reaction.  Aluminum and copper wire cannot be mixed together or they can ignite.  This happened a lot in the 70's and 80's.

So be careful.  Know when  you can do something, and when you're in over your head.  And call an electrician contractor in Ahwatukee for any wiring projects.

Read More on this Subject...

Dodge Electric
781 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 926-1033
http://www.dodgeelectric.com

Residential Electrician: Fire Safety and Home Security (Contd)

Residential electricians can also help with keeping your home safe from fire as well as intruders, and this article will explore more reasons why an electrician may be your best choice.

Install Home Security in Ahwatukee | (480) 926-1033

Life in Ahwatukee: Call a Residential Electrician

Crime is a problem worldwide.  There are always people who will have no qualms about stealing from you and yours, or worse, causing harm.  While crime is a big problem in rough neighborhoods, what about in a fairly well to do suburb like Ahwatukee? It can happen here, and in fact, you may be a target and not even know it.  Just for a moment, think like a burglar.  Let's say you are a burglar and you live somewhere run down.  You know your neighbors don't have much.  So who are you going to go after?  The family who lives in a plywood shack who doesn't have anything of any real value, or the family in Ahwatukee with the 60" Smart TV, home theater system, and expensive furnishings?

Install an alarm system to send a not so subtle message to any would be burglars.  In short:  KEEP OUT!  Does a security system stop an intruder completely?  Of course not.  Just because you have one installed doesn't mean that you shouldn't take other protective measures such as deadbolt locks, reinforced door frames, tempered glass windows, and security doors.  No, a security system is a deterrent, nothing more.  However, as most security systems are connected to the local police station, if the police get a signal they are going to send a cop car to the house, and a burglar knows this.  Without security measures, you are essentially a target and it is only a matter of time before someone decides to hit your house.  The key is to stop them before they start.

How do You Know Which Alarm System to Pick?

When you are getting ready to install a security system, how do you know which one to pick?  Well, never go cheap for one.  If you are getting an impossibly low deal on a security system, you're probably either getting conned with reconditioned equipment that's seen better days, or you're getting sub par equipment that won't work right.  That's another area a residential electrician in Ahwatukee can help.  He can recommend a security system that fits into your budget that also works.

So remember, that the more you protect yourself, the less likely you are to be a statistic.  Always make sure your home is locked when you are there, or when you leave.  Put window locks in and make sure that you call an electrician to install a security system.

Dodge Electric
781 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 926-1033
Contact Us

Residential Electrician: Fire Safety and Home Security

Residential electricians can also help with keeping your home safe from fire as well as intruders.

Help protect your home and your family | Install a security system | (480) 926-1033

Why You Should Install a Security System

If you want to keep your family safe, install an alarm system in Ahwatukee. Installing a home security system can protect your home and family from intruders.  The odds are in your favor that you will never have anything horrible happen such as a home invasion, but the fact remains that no matter how minimal a chance there is, there is still a chance it may happen.  

The biggest reason to install a home security system is  protection from intruders. Homes without security systems are 2.7 times more likely to be targeted by a burglar.  In most cases, burglars target homes that don't have anyone in them at the time that they break in.  However, sometimes, if they make a mistake and they find someone in the home that they are targeting, it may cause them to act aggressively and commit acts of violence.With a security system in place it gives the household time to get to safety while law enforcement are en route, and give the burglar the idea to run rather than stay and cause more problems. Security systems are for when you are home and when you're not home as well.

Residential Electricians and Security Systems

You are trying to sleep and you hear something.  Your dog isn't barking.  It's probably nothing.  You drift off to sleep, then you get a feeling that's something wrong.  You wake up and see a stranger standing over your bed.  Scared yet? You should be.  This is after all the stuff of nightmares.  With a security system in place, however, it reduces the odds of this happening down to zero.  Intruders usually want to make it easy on themselves when they are picking a target.  

Even in the age of telecommuting, most people don't stay at home all the time.  Arming a security system while you're away helps to keep your home safe.  It also is a good idea to have a security system installed when you're going on vacation.  While having a house-sitter is also important, a security system is an extra level of security.  And surprisingly enough, you may not need to go to a security company to install it.  You may wish to call a residential electrician instead.

As if you needed more reasons to get a security system...

Dodge Electric
781 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 926-1033
Contact Us

Your Residential Electrician and Child Safety

Your residential electrician in Phoenix can also help in a surprising way: to keep your kids, and you, safe.

Electrician in Phoenix | Call Us Today | 480-926-1033

Residential Electricians and Electrical Safety

Mixing children and electricity together is a disaster waiting to happen.  That's why it's a good idea to have a residential electrician in Phoenix inspect your home's wiring at least once every decade. It isn't just frayed wires that you have to watch around your kids; a residential electrician can also keep your kids safe by helping to childproof your home.

Childproofing outlets is a great idea if you have kids. Plastic plugs, for example, are ineffective and can be a choking hazard. In addition, a lot of the tamper proof outlets do not completely seal the opening. This means that a child could still put a stick pin into the socket. A residential electrician can help the parents choose the protection that is best for their family and install them.

Children are especially vulnerable where electricity is concerned. They often don't understand the dangers of electricity. Since they're smaller and have thinner skin an electrical shock that would be dangerous to an adult could be fatal to a kid.  That's where a residential electrician contractor comes in.

A residential electrician can inspect is the condition of cords and wires used in the home and can recommend strategies to fix them.  For example in high traffic areas, the cords can be put under non-conductive wire guides. Another danger with kids is too many extension cords.  They can be a fire hazard.  If necessary, it would be a good idea to install extra outlets.

More Electrical Safety Tips

GFCIs, or ground-fault circuit interrupters, are another safety feature that a residential electrician can install.  If there is a dangerous change in the current, these outlets will shut it down.  They're required equipment in new homes.  Installing a smoke alarm may not seem relate to electrical safety, however, it can keep you and your family safe. However, ultimately electrical safety is something that you as a parent have to teach your children.  Teach them at an early age to be careful around electricity and reinforce your lessons all the time.  That way your kids don't end up being a statistic somewhere.

So remember, electrical professionals aren't just someone who can install things.  They can also be your first line of defense where electrical safety is concerned.

In addition to your children, you want to keep your family safe from fire and intruders...

Dodge Electric
781 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 926-1033
dodgeelectric.com

Living Room Lighting Tips

Here are some helpful tips about living room lighting from  your electrician in Phoenix.

Install Light Fixtures | (602) 753-0411

Living Room Lighting 101

People spend a lot of time in their living room.  So you want to choose your lighting sources carefully, and have your residential electrician in Phoenix wire it all up. The right lighting can have a dramatic effect on your living room. It is as important if not more so than the color of paint that you pick.  With properly placed lighting it can make your living room look larger if you have a small space, or more intimate if you have larger space to work with. Layered lighting for example is a great idea.

What is layered lighting? Well, each room has three layers: ceiling, walls, and floors. Overhead light fixtures can illuminate the entire room easily. For direct lighting, use table lamps and floor lamps. These are useful for reading or any other activity that needs a light source nearby. Alcove lighting or accent lighting is usually at wall level and is used to draw attention to something. A good thing to realize with lighting is that it should reflect your needs as well as what the design of the room needs to reflect your wishes.

Overhead light fixtures near a flat panel TV aren't a good idea as it will reflect off your television and detract from the picture itself. A good trick is use floor level accent lighting that illuminates the wall behind the television, particularly if you install a dimmer switch. That way you can dim the lights and have a proper home theater system. A good thing to remember about living room lights is that you want an electrician to wire it. If you have an older home, your wiring is probably starting to get a bit brittle. You also want to make sure that you don't mix and match incompatible wiring together, such as copper and aluminum.

A Residential Electrician Contractor is Your Go To Guy

If you're doming home improvement projects, some of them don't require an electrician.  If you're going to paint your living room, you need a painter.  New plumbing for the bathroom?  A plumber of course.  However, when it is time to do any sort of wiring, such as rewiring your living room, then you need to call a residential electrician in Phoenix.

Dodge Electric
781 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 926-1033
Contact Us

Electrical Projects: Using Alcove Lighting

 Alcove lighting can remodel your home without decimating your budget.  First off, let's look at lighting choices.

Types of Alcove Lighting

Install alcove lighting | (480) 926-1033

In our last article, we covered swimming pool lights.
As your electrician in Ahwatukee, however, we feel that some areas of the home can also do with a bit of electrical remodeling. One area that is a good way to remodel is to do alcove lighting. There are two types of alcove lighting, incandescent bulbs and LED.  While CFL bulbs are around, they look odd in accent lighting.  After all, unless you get the bulb variety, a CFL bulb looks rather like a soft-serve ice cream cone.  LED lighting has the advantage that you can save a bit of money on your electric bill and they last for anywhere between 3 and 5 years.  LED light, however, can often be a bit bright for an alcove  unless you get a lower wattage.
Like LED bulbs, if you wish to use incandescent bulbs in an alcove, you also want to use lower wattage. Remember, an alcove is essentially accent lighting. You want to highlight a feature of a room, not overpower the room, which leads us to our next point: using colored lights.

Less is More with Alcove Lighting

Remember, where alcove lighting is concerned, less is more. You don't want your alcove to be overpowering. If you want to use colored lights, just remember that if you're not careful, too many colors in an alcove will look garish and unsettling. Avoid color-changing LED lights. You want a nice alcove, not a circus tent. If you're going to use colored lights in your alcove, use either a neutral color or a complementary color. Sepia and amber light look good almost everywhere, red, green, blue and purple, not as much.
Another thing to consider with this wiring project is the advice of a professional. You want to make sure that you get the right type of recessed lighting for your alcove. You want to make sure that it is compatible with your current electrical wiring as well as practical concerns such as whether or not it will melt with high watt lights. Some plastic light fixtures can warp with even the heat of a light bulb. The bottom line of lighting is that you want to use lights that are below 60 watts. You want your lights to accentuate not be too bright to see. When you're ready to install your lighting, be sure to call an electrician in Ahwatukee.
Alcove lighting is only one type of lighting that you can play when you're designing your living room lighting.
Dodge Electric
781 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 926-1033
Contact Us

Swimming Pool Lights

Electric wiring in your swimming pool may not seem like a good idea.  After all, electrical wiring and water obviously don't mix.  However, if you do it safely, you can totally transform your pool

Replace Your Swimming Pool Lighting in Ahwatukee| (480) 926-1033

An Electrician in Ahwatukee and Life in the Foothills

Ahwatukee is a part of the Phoenix area, and as such is home to dozens upon dozens of swimming pools. Considering the fact that Arizona has some of the hottest summer temperatures of anywhere else in the US, a swimming pool is a welcome source of relief from the hot sun of the Arizona desert.  But what about October when the weather's much nicer?  First off, what a lot of people don't know is that you can swim a lot later here than your friends and family back east.  Unless you have a heated pool, however, fairly soon you're going to have to stop swimming.  That is of course, unless you're a member of the Ahwatukee chapter of the Polar Bear club.  You know, those people back east who get their jollies from swimming in icy rivers and lakes.  So if you need to stop swimming, what do you do with your swimming pool?

Well, when it is the time that you're not using your pool, it is the perfect time to do some maintenance.  Drain your pool, and check out the surface for any cracks in the cement.  You also call an electrician in to look at your swimming pool lights for a lot of reasons. The first is safety.

Rewire Your Pool Now, Get Ready for the Summer

Take this time of year, and rewire your swimming pool. If you have the money and the desire, if your pool isn't heated, this may be the time of year to remodel and make your pool a heated pool. That means swimming all year round. In the winter, it feels really nice to swim in warm water with the cool autumn air. However, another reason to rewire your swimming pool is electrical safety. If your swimming pool's lights are below the water surface and they have any cracks or damage to them, someone could jump in the water and suffer from a potentially fatal electrical injury.

So let's see if we have this straight. Electrical safety: check. Improved functionality: check. And an overall better pool: check. All wonderful reasons for calling an electrician in Ahwatukee to work on your swimming pool's wiring.

Dodge Electric
781 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 926-1033
Contact Us

Electrical Wiring and Home Improvement

Electrical wiring involves hiring the right person for the job. First off, you want to go with someone local whenever you have a home improvement project.

Electrician in Ahwatukee | Call Us Today | 480-926-1033

Hiring an Electrician in Ahwatukee: Why Local Pros Matter

If you're looking to hire an electrician in Ahwatukee, it's best to go with someone local. First off, if you hire a locally owned business, more money stays in Arizona, which in turn makes the state more prosperous. Dodge Electric is a locally based business that proudly serves the Ahwatukee area as well as the greater Phoenix area. Ahwatukee is in the southeast corner of the valley bordering Chandler, Tempe, and Phoenix. Dodge Electric has a staff of professional electricians. We can do any wiring you need, and at competitive rates, and most importantly of all, we're licensed.

What difference does a license make? Well, without one, you run the risk of someone who doesn't know what he is doing that may cause a problem with your wiring. In fact that is one of our biggest sources for new business. It usually happens something like this. Our customer calls someone that isn't licensed in an attempt to save money. The 'professional' does something not only wrong, but very wrong, such as mixing aluminum and copper wire together or mixing the wrong gauge of wire. There's some damage, and then we have to fix it. So what started out as a simple repair job for the customer ended up being more expensive in the long run. Another reason to go with a pro, is that with them being in the industry, they're also more aware of new technologies to help your home be not only wired but wired safely.

Electrical Wiring

It's just wire, how tough could it be? Well, first off, what gauge of wire are you working with? Do you need a GCFI installed or not? What type of wire do you need for your job? Do you need home network wiring? How about a dimmer switch? Will a dimmer switch work with a CFL bulb? Questions like these can turn your project into a boondoggle, not a triumph. The right Ahwatukee electrician can literally make the world of difference. And what's more we're big on electrical safety.

So remember, some jobs require a professional. If you want work done on your car, you call a mechanic. You want someone to work on your teeth. And for wiring? You call an electrician in Ahwatukee.

Dodge Electric
781 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 926-1033
http://www.dodgeelectric.com

Electrical Wiring and Home Improvement

Electric wiring is one home improvement you should really call an electrician in to do.

Your Electrician in Ahwatukee knows all about wiring

Electrical Injury and a Residential Electrician Contractor

A residential electrician contractor will help to keep you safe.  Electrical injuries are some of the most dangerous ones around.
As we covered in our last article, electrical safety is of paramount importance.  According to Medscape:
"Electrical injuries have become a more common form of trauma with a unique pathophysiology and with high morbidity and mortality. They encompass several types, as follows: lightning injury,[1] high-voltage injury, and low-voltage injury.[2, 3, 4] Clinical manifestations range from transient unpleasant sensations without apparent injury to massive tissue damage.[5] Some electrocutions are instantly fatal. Familiarity with the mechanisms of injury and the principles of therapy improves patient care.[6]
Four classes of electrical injuries are as follows[7] :
True electrical injuries - The person becomes part of the electrical circuit and has an entrance and exit site
Flash injuries - Superficial burns caused by arcs that burn the skin; no electrical energy travels through the skin
Flame injuries - Caused by ignition of the persons clothing by arc; electricity may or may not travel through the person’s body
Lightning injuries - A unique type of injury that occurs at extremely high voltages for the shortest duration; the majority of electrical flow occurs over the body." [READ SOURCE]

However, it isn't just electrical injury that may be an issue,  even a simple mistake such as mixing two different metals in your wiring can cause a chemical reaction and ultimately a fire.  And the scary thing is that sometimes, this can take a while to manifest.  So you could conceivably have a ticking time bomb in the wiring of your home.  However, there are some other reasons to get an electrician

Hiring an Electrician in Ahwatukee:  Done Right and in One Try

Electricians have to go through a lot of training before they are licensed by the State of Arizona.  They have to get training from a technical school as well as a lot of on the job experience.  Ultimately, they have to take a test administered by the state and then and only then do they have a license to be an electrician.
What does this have to do with you?  Well, you can be sure that you're getting someone who can and will do the job right the first time.  If you don't know what you're doing, you can get into a lot of trouble.  You're better off calling an electrician in Ahwatukee.

Read More...

Dodge Electric
781 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 926-1033
http://www.dodgeelectric.com

Basic Electrical Safety Part 2

Part two of our series on basic electrical safety covers injuries that may occur if you aren't careful.

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Basic Electrical Safety and Electrical Injury

A lot of people use terms interchangeably. However, there is a big difference between electrical injury which is non-fatal, and electrocution which is fatal. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety site:

"People are injured when they become part of the electrical circuit. Humans are more conductive than the earth (the ground we stand on) which means if there is no other easy path, electricity will try to flow through our bodies.

There are four main types of injuries: electrocution (fatal), electric shock, burns, and falls. These injuries can happen in various ways:

Direct contact with exposed energized conductors or circuit parts. When electrical current travels through our bodies, it can interfere with the normal electrical signals between the brain and our muscles (e.g., heart may stop beating properly, breathing may stop, or muscles may spasm).
When the electricity arcs (jumps, or "arcs") from an exposed energized conductor or circuit part (e.g., overhead power lines) through a gas (such as air) to a person who is grounded (that would provide an alternative route to the ground for the electrical current).
Thermal burns including burns from heat generated by an electric arc, and flame burns from materials that catch on fire from heating or ignition by electrical currents or an electric arc flash. Contact burns from being shocked can burn internal tissues while leaving only very small injuries on the outside of the skin.
Thermal burns from the heat radiated from an electric arc flash. Ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light emitted from the arc flash can also cause damage to the eyes.
An arc blast can include a potential pressure wave released from an arc flash. This wave can cause physical injuries, collapse your lungs, or create noise that can damage hearing..."[READ MORE]

Electrical Injury and Household Accidents

One of the biggest causes of injuries in the US is household accidents. As a result of this, electrical injury is not to be taken lightly. As a result, make sure that you are aware of the risks before you begin any sort of project that involves electricity, as we covered in our last article.

For more information on this subject, be sure to read part one as well.

Dodge Electric781 South Arizona AvenueChandler, AZ 85225(480) 926-1033http://www.dodgeelectric.com

Basic Electrical Safety

Before you make any electrical upgrades, you want to make sure that you are well aware of basic electrical safety

Call a Licensed Commercial Electrician Today | (480) 926-1033

Electrical Upgrades: What You Must Know First

Electricity is very much a convenience of modern living; however, if you're not careful instead of being a convenience, it could harm you or someone who love as well as cause damage to your home. Electricity is either dynamic or static. Static energy is usually found on surfaces or generated by contact. Think when a cat rubs against your legs, that is an example of static electricity. Except in extreme and very rare cases, static electricity doesn't pose any serious risks. Dynamic energy, however, can be dangerous if not handled correctly. Dynamic energy is the energy that is present in the wiring of your home.

Any electrical upgrades should be made with the help of an electrician. Why? Well, all forms of electricity have potential for accidents. Almost every form of metal can conduct electricity, and it doesn't have to be in the form of wiring. That includes rings and other jewelry, some eyeglass frames, even things that you wouldn't think of such as your car or house keys. It isn't just metal that conducts electricity, though.

Water and Electricity Don't Mix

One place that a lot of people don't think about where electrical safety is concerned is a swimming pool. If you have a cracked light, you could end up having a severe electrical injury and it could even be fatal. Why? Well, Another excellent conductor of electricity is the human body, probably because the human body is mostly water. Without a continuous path to and from the conductor, electric current can't exist. An electrical circuit is the the two way path from the conductor back to the power source. If you become part of an electrical circuit, you have a good chance of being injured. And it isn't a matter of letting go. Someone trapped in an electrical circuit is literally locked until someone that's grounded properly removes the victim to safety. Our next article will cover electrical injury, for now though, be aware that electricity can be dangerous without an electrician to help.

So remember, safety always starts with you. Make sure you know what you're doing before you try to do any sort of electrical upgrades, or call in an electrician early on.

More information on this topic can be found here.  

Dodge Electric
781 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 926-1033
http://www.dodgeelectric.com

Why Install a Home Network Part 3

Part three of our series on home network installation explores it's importance where a smart home is concerned.

Home Automation Can Turn on Your Lights from your Mobile Phone | (480) 926-1033

What is a Smart Home?

What is a smart home?  According to this article excerpt from WIKIPEDIA.ORG, a smart home or home automation is: Home automation is the residential extension of building automation. It is automation of the home, housework or household activity. Home automation may include centralized control of lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), appliances, security locks of gates and doors and other systems, to provide improved convenience, comfort, energy efficiency and security. Home automation for the elderly and disabled can provide increased quality of life for persons who might otherwise require caregivers or institutional care. The popularity of home automation has been increasing greatly in recent years due to much higher affordability and simplicity through smartphone and tablet connectivity. The concept of the "Internet of Things" has tied in closely with the popularization of home automation. A home automation system integrates electrical devices in a house with each other. The techniques employed in home automation include those in building automation as well as the control of domestic activities, such as home entertainment systems, houseplant and yard watering, pet feeding, changing the ambiance "scenes" for different events (such as dinners or parties), and the use of domestic robots. Devices may be connected through a home network to allow control by a personal computer, and may allow remote access from the internet. Through the integration of information technologies with the home environment, systems and appliances are able to communicate in an integrated manner which results in convenience, energy efficiency, and safety benefits." [READ MORE]

Without home network installation, however, it is a lot harder and far more expensive where home automation is concerned, and there is a lot to be said for home automation.

Home Automation in the 21st Century

You're on vacation in the South Pacific. Your home is in Chandler. However, you have a laptop or a tablet PC, so you can check on your home remotely to see that it is okay, from 5000 miles away. Or maybe it is dark, and you want to feel safe when you get home, so how would you like your lights to turn on for you when you get within a block of your home, and the security system to disarm so you don't have to make two trips to get your groceries out of the car. All of this is possible with home automation.

Sounds good so far. But you need to take some steps. First off, you're going to need Internet enabled devices. Next you're going to make sure that everything that's connected has an IP address. And most importantly of all, you need to schedule home network installation today.

For more information on installing a home network, be sure to read part one and part two as well.

Dodge Electric
781 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 926-1033

Why Install a Home Network Part 2

Part two of our series on home network installation explores the concept of resource sharing.

Custom Home Network Wiring | Call Us Today | 480-926-1033

Why Installing a Home Network Makes Sense

In our last article we covered some of the benefits of a network.  Improved signal for your mobile phones and handheld devices such as tablet PCs is one big benefit.  However, the benefit that is even more useful is the concept of resource sharing.  Computer networks developed in the business world and public sector because it helps to keep costs down.  Instead of everyone having a printer, have people share printers as resources on the network.  It also allows for sharing of a resource such as high speed Internet connection.

Take a fairly big family for example: a mother, father, and four kids.  All of the kids need access to the Internet for homework, Facebook, and every other thing out there from social media to email.  The mother works from home with her web design company, and the father sometimes telecommutes.  If the Internet connection is only on one computer, however, there are only two options available to them. One option is to spend an exhausting amount of time preparing a schedule that sooner or later someone is going to go over their time on.  There will be bickering and fighting as a result.  The other option is to share the internet connection.  And the best way to do this is to install a home network.  As long as your connection is fairly high-capacity, you wouldn't even need to worry about crimping your bandwidth.  However, an Internet connection is just one resource to be shared.

Home Networks and Printing

Using the example we provided above, buying everyone in the house a printer is expensive. Even if you go cheap and get low-end inkjets, buying that many printers will cause you to lose money in the long run. Why? Well, every single one of them is going to need paper and print cartridges. However, if you have a printer for the home office, and a printer for the kids, then you can share the resources throughout the home. There is another benefit that is not tied to resource sharing for installing a home network, which we will cover in the next article: having a smart home.

So remember, you want to make your home tech-savvy.  It will help you get the latest streaming media such as your favorite TV shows, and allow you to access the Internet.  And to have a tech-savvy home, you need to arrange for home network installation today.

Fore more information on installing a home network, be sure to read part one of this series too.

Dodge Electric
781 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 926-1033
dodgeelectric.com