Electrical FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to have a licensed contractor working on my electrical project?
It is illegal to hire an unlicensed contractor for a construction project, and no protection is offered for the customer. It is also important for the contractor to have the proper insurance. Also any building permits are required to be filed by a licensed contractor.

Does Tirone Electric offer emergency service for my business?
Yes, we have staff on call 24 hours a day.

Why is there a humming noise coming from my fluorescent light?
This typically means the ballast has gone bad.

Why is half of my power out?
Circuit breaker panels are divided into two sections, between left and right. This usually means half of the main breaker is tripped or damaged. The main breaker is either at the top of the panel or outside. Sometimes the panel itself is damaged and needs to be replaced. In any event, call a professional!

How do I make my home a smart home?
We install remote control systems for lighting and appliances, and we can perform the configuration for your home or business use schedule. We also install occupancy sensors that can eliminate wasted power for empty rooms. Saving electricity saves you money and helps the environment!

Why do I need a GFCI protected outlet?
A GFCI is a grounded outlet designed to quickly shut off when it detects that it is shorted out. It can save lives by preventing electrocution. It is required by Florida and national building codes in all wet locations, such as bathrooms (near the sink or shower), and outdoor locations.

What is grounding and why is it important?
‘Ground’ usually refers to the wire added with green or no insulation. This wire is a safety mechanism designed to be at zero electric potential to connect to a metal chassis or electrical box. If a high voltage wire touches, it will trip the circuit breaker. Ground can also refer to earth where grounding rods are buried to provide the zero potential. All electrical outlets are required to be grounded by code.

Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?
A circuit breaker is designed to trip, or shut off, when too much current is drawn to protect the wiring. This can occur by faulty or overloaded electric equipment and appliances, and will occur when there is an electrical short. A 15A breaker is designed for light duty lighting and low voltage electronics. A 20A breaker is designed for heavier duty lighting and all household appliances, excluding those with heaters. Higher amp breakers are used for hot water heaters, air conditioning, dryers, and commercial/industrial equipment.

What is an electrical short?
A short occurs when the metal parts of two power carrying wires cross, or an exposed wire touches ‘ground’. This can create several dangerous scenarios:

• Charred electrical plugs and outlets
• Damaged electronics, appliances and lighting
• Exposed extension cords and wiring
• Circuit breakers that will not turn back on
• Fire

Discard immediately all extension cords with exposed wires or damaged plugs, and remember that electricity and water do not mix! In events where your electrical wiring is damaged, call a professional.

What type of lighting is best?
There are many factors involved in your lighting decision.

• Incandescent – Outdated, least efficient bulb, though some prefer the color output indoors.
• Fluorescent (or CFL) – Smaller color spectrum, but uses about 25% of the electricity of an incandescent and about 10x the lifespan. Some of these are now compatible with dimmers.
• Metal Halide (MH) – Typically used for outdoor lighting, comparable usage and lifespan to fluorescent. Bluish tinge. Recommended for outdoor areas where security camera viewing at night is important.
• High Pressure Sodium (HPS) – Also used for outdoor lighting, with higher longevity bulbs than MH. Poor color reception for security cameras. Red/orange tinge.
• Light Emitting Diode (LED) – Extremely efficient with about 1/10 power usage of the standard incandescent. Although pricey, these can last a lifetime. Typically bluish tinged, but recent technology is making them more color appropriate.

I’m a property manager, but I don’t understand the fuss about occupancy sensors.
Occupancy sensors are a great money saving investment for your condo, apartment, or office building. Since most people use the elevators, the stairwells are occupied only 8% of the time. Having the stairwells and bathrooms lit only when occupied saves money. The installation is considered an investment because it pays for itself in a few years. Call us for an estimate!