Turbo Electric FAQ:

Do you provide free estimates?

Yes, usually most estimates can be done over the phone with a few pictures from a smartphone and a brief description of what needs to be done. Otherwise we can visit the site if it is more involved.

Do you provide emergency services?

We try to accommodate emergency work as quickly as possible, and will work outside our normal business hours if needed to get the job done, however, we are not available for true 24/7 emergency work. Our employees enjoy evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays with their families.

Is the Owner present or involved in every job?

The owner is involved in all jobs overseeing or actually physically working.

Do you guarantee your work?

Our work is guaranteed and we stand behind it.

What are your normal business working hours?

Our hours are 7 am – 5pm

How long has Turbo Electric been in business?

We have been in business since 2000

Do you accept credit cards?

We do not accept credit cards at this time, but will accept pay pal.

I have a small job I need done, is this ok?

Sure, small jobs are for our immediate local service area.

What geographical area in NJ do you serve?

We serve northern Ocean and all of Monmouth Counties for service, however, for projects of longer duration we will travel further.

What geographical area in NJ do you serve?

We serve northern Ocean and all of Monmouth Counties for service, however, for projects of longer duration we will travel further.

You did a great job for me, how can I leave Turbo a review?

Please visit our company page on Google + and Click the “write a review” button in our profile. Thank you for your business!

Electrical FAQ:

Do electricians in New Jersey have to be licensed?

Yes, under current law, with certain exemptions, only electrical work with a potential of 10 volts or less is exempt from the requirement that the work be done by a licensed electrical contractor.

What is a breaker panel?

A breaker panel, or circuit breaker panel is the starting point for all of the branch circuits in your home. The circuit breakers will limit current to a specific circuit based on wire size and equipment connected. They are able to be manually “reset” if they happen to trip from an overload or short circuit.

What is a fuse panel?

Fuse panels do the same job as circuit breaker panels, however, they usually are one time use devices. Fuses do have their uses in modern electrical work and are still used in specialty electronic, HVAC, and main electrical panels. Most people refer to a fuse panel as the old style Edison base panel that screws in a 10,15, 20 or even 30 Amp fuses. They were used before breakers were invented. They are just as safe as a circuit breaker, but the reason people see them as dangerous is that nothing prevents you from screwing in a 30 Amp fuse in place of a 15 Amp.

People without electrical experience and who are unfamiliar with wire gauge or size current limits will not understand the very dangerous situation of overfusing a wire.

Do electrical receptacles go bad?

Sure they go bad all the time. The most common problem with receptacles is the dreaded “backstabbed wires” that were meant to be a timesaver for electricians on install, but turn out to be a headache for homeowners down the road instead. The backstabbed wires are held in with little clips inside the receptacles and sometimes end up working their way loose or just not holding correctly on install. The best way to install a receptacle is using the side wire pressure clips secured by screws or by wrapping around the screw themselves.

How do you reset breakers?

Most breakers can be reset by turning to the “OFF” position to clear them. Then turning to the “ON” position. If the breaker trips again, call an electrician, it is the breakers way of telling you there is a problem. Resetting it may cause damage to the breaker or your equipment.

What is a surge protector?

A surge protector or surge suppressor is a device designed to limit the voltage supplied to whatever it is connected to.

Do surge protectors prevent fires?

In certain cases they can prevent a fire, but they are not designed for that. They will not detect a harmful arc, and will not power down if one is present. An arc- fault breaker is much better at preventing fire and can work in concert with a surge protector, but neither will eliminate all possibility of fire.

If either panels (meter or service) are humming, is that bad?

In most residential cases, yes this is probably a bad thing. It is not something a homeowner should try and diagnose. If it is loud enough to hear standing in front of the panel, have it looked at.

If either of my panels are hot, is that bad?

Again, this is not something a homeowner should diagnose. Many times, breakers will become warm to the touch when current passes through for an extended amount of time,(pool pump breakers and HVAC breakers) but should not be hot. There may be a bigger problem, like incorrect wire size or an undersized circuit. Many old breakers will not trip at their set current rates once they age. For instance, a common 40 year old breaker may not trip at its prescribed 15 Amp limit taking 18 Amps to trip. Many factors will weigh in on this, but if you are reading this now, you are having doubts about your panels safety and should call an electrician to check things out.

Why do fluorescent lights flicker?

Usually fluorescent lights will flicker with power fluctuations. Persistent flickering may mean a bad socket or ballast.

Do fluorescent bulbs give off heat?

Yes they give off a heat, just not as much as an incandescent.

Fluorescent Lamps vs. LED vs Incandescent lamps?

Fluorescent lamps use a current between two electrodes to excite a gas to glow to create light. Unfortunately, they need to use Mercury to accomplish this, so they are a bit of a disposal problem at the end of life. They cannot be dimmed very well and take some time to warm up when they are first turned on. LED are the lamps to use now. They emulate incandescent lamps without the heat and wattage use. They also use less wattage then fluorescent lamps for the same amount of lumens. Incandescent lamps are power hungry and are also inexpensive. They should be used sparingly- like on lights in storage areas that are not in use much.

Why do smoke detectors chirp?

Usually to tell you that the replaceable battery inside is low on power.

When is recessed lighting a good idea?

Recessed lighting is a good idea when you have the room in the joist bay above and do not want or have a fixture hanging down into the ceiling area.

What is a GFCI device?

A GFCI device (Ground fault current interrupter) shuts the circuit off when it senses an imbalance in current. If 5 Amps go out on the black wire, it wants to see 5 Amps returning on the white wire. If it sees 4.9 Amps returning on the white wire, it will turn off until the fault is cleared (.1 Amps has gone to ground in what is called a fault). This is where someone may get shocked with the .1 Amp difference. The breaker or device will turn off to limit shock exposure on the most common fault- a ground fault.

Does New Jersey law require GFCI devices?

Yes they do, in several areas.

Where are GFCI devices required?

They are required in many places. Kitchen counters, in proximity to sinks, certain appliances, outside, basements, garages, and a few other places.

Are GFCI devices required in basements?

Yes they are, however finished areas do not require them.

What is the button on my GFCI outlet for?

This is to simulate a ground fault and to see how the device reacts. If it does not trip when this button is pressed. It means the device is bad.

How do I know if the wiring in my home needs replacing or needs to be rewired?

This is something only a licensed electrician can answer. If you are in doubt, please call one.

Does rewiring a house increase its value?

I would say absolutely. There are many homes wired in the 70’s that have aluminum wire, or houses from the 30’s that have knob and tube wire, both still in service. Rewiring to the current copper standard would bring value to any home.

Is rewiring a house expensive?

It can be. Ranch homes with full open basements and open tall attics will be the most inexpensive, and split level homes on slabs with 50 cubic yards of “good stuff I’m gonna use one day” will be the most expensive.

What is an electrical Up-grade?

This usually refers to replacing the service panel. Branch wiring will remain the same. If you have one circuit running all 4 bedrooms and it trips when you run 2 hair dryers at the same time, replacing the service panel will accomplish nothing. You need to up-grade or run a new branch circuit to split up the bedrooms.

What types of electrical Up-grades are there?

Usually an upgrade consists of changing your service panel to a larger capacity size. It may mean going from 60 Amp to 100 Amp or from 100 Amp to 200 Amp.

What is a rotating electrical outlet?

Rotating outlets or rotating receptacles will spin to allow you to plug in the small transformers that come with many electronic devices today in both upper and lower sections.

Are smoke detectors supposed to blink red?

Yes, check with the specific brand you have, but many times it will mean that the backup battery is installed and is working properly.