Artisan Electric | Midwest Indiana Electrical Consultants

2011 was a pretty amazing year for us.  We learned a lot and we really took some steps to up our game.  We always like to hear good things about our work  – but when it comes from you the client it means the most.

We are very excited to announce that for the second year in a row we are an Angie’s List Super Service Award Winner, having the best rating and most positive reviews in a 50 mile radius of Greater Lafayette!

A sincere and honest thank you from me and our team!

Best Regards,

Chris Voglund – owner

A little known fact in the building trades is how cheap the workmanship has really gotten.  Once upon a day – when you put your companies name on it that meant you stood behind what you did, period.  In this day and age low bid gets the job.  Sure there are some stand up exceptions to this, but for the most part the war cry of  “get it done fast and cheap” is the norm.  In that process the real loser is the homeowner, and in most cases they don’t even know it happened.

Here is one example:  most sub-contractors are only required as part of the bid process to back their work with a 1 year warranty to the builder, and most builders only offer a stock 3 to 5 year warranty on the whole project.  Frankly speaking – we think that is despicable!  Your home is likely the single  largest investment you will ever make – how is it that you can get a great warranty on a car these days but not your house?

Here are 25 reasons an Artisan Electric custom home project stands out from the rest

1)      Our jobs are run and staffed by Journeyman electricians, no exceptions!

2)      We use only quality materials and practices, no exceptions!

3)      No 15 amp – 14 gauge “cheap-o” circuits.  We use only 20 amp (or larger) rated branch conductors

4)      We only use copper buss commercial load centers and service entrance equipment

5)      We use separate circuits for each room (excluding lighting) in a home.  This avoids problems with today’s computer and electronic equipment, as well as new high-demand appliances

6)      We do not share neutrals for any of our circuits

7)      Artisan Electric is the highest rated Angie’s List contractor in a 30 mile radius of Lafayette – go take a look

8)      Arc-fault circuit breakers are used on bedroom power circuits per NEC requirements

9)      We do not use feed thru wiring practices or “stab in the back” wiring methods. All devices are pig tailed at the point of use

10)   We only use steel junction boxes with threaded ground screw connections.  Do it once, do it right!

11)   Our employees take extensive safety training (CPR, First Aid,) and OSHA safety certifications

12)   All of our employees have been thru a BAT certified 4 year electrical apprenticeship program and have testing documentation

13)   We use Hubbell 15 and 20 amp commercial rated receptacles, with dedicated 20 amp rated receptacles for all appliance loads. We only use 20 amp rated commercial GFCI outlets

14)   We put spare pipes to the garage / attic / outdoor living / and crawl spaces for future use.  It is our job to look out for your total lifespan needs

15)   We use only 1000 watt or larger rated Lutron dimmers for our projects – with CFL / LED dimmers for any unique lighting requirements

16)   All of the products we use for construction come from pro vendors – no “home store” off brand or B-Stock items are used for our installs

17)   Artisan Electric is a member of a certified recycling system, all wasted generated by us will be sorted and recycled with Resolve Earth Solutions

18)   We provided “As-Built” drawings for our projects upon completion – you will know exactly what you paid for

19)   We understand the importance of good housekeeping, our projects are cleaned daily – we won’t leave a mess for you

20)   We have the experience, expertise, professionalism, and training to handle the job – without creating stress and re-work for the other trades, project supervisors, and especially to the home owner

21)   Our bids are comprehensive, ethical, and truthful.  We provide a line item of the circuits to be used to our clients so they KNOW exactly what they are paying for and what it includes

22)   Our bids cover the items the others leave out, including options for audio, video, internet, exterior lights and audio, home theater, and smart home wiring

23)   Whole house surge protection comes standard with our bid package

24)   We are an authorized Kohler GenSet dealer.  We can provide best in generator solutions for natural gas and LP systems -including pre-wire options for future generator hook-up / smart transfer interface panels / legendary Kohler reliability and certified maintenance plans

25) A custom home wired the Artisan Electric way comes with a 10 year transferable workmanship warranty – we do it right, period!

2011 was an exciting year for us here at Artisan Electric, we closed out the year as our best ever!  We had growth nearing 20% for our second year in a row – and have finally slayed many of the demons that came with 2008 / 2009 crash!  We meet some very specific goals in 2011, here our a few highlights:

• Implementing a certified recycling plan with Resolve Earth
• Forming a partnership with Buckeye Power Sales to become a Kohler generate dealer / installer
• Forming a partnership with Surge Assure to offer advanced residential and commercial surge protection solutions
• Being award for the second year in a row the Angie’s List Super Service Award for our area
• In depth web and social media development – hitting the 1500 click thru a month mark on our web platform (primary site / blog)
• Attending the X.commerce / Magento web development conference in San Fransisco – this was truly an awakening
• Developing the Monticello Electric brand and companion web site
• Our continued involvement with the RPM Chapter of Business Networking International (now ranked number#1 in the state)
• Working with Food Finders Food Bank and the mobile pantry program to help feed the hungry
• Working with Dave Mason and IS Photographic to sponsor the the ISmotorsports track bike

As you can see – 2011 was a busy year full of changes and forward thinking.  We are getting pretty juiced up for where this is leading us in 2012.  We have some big changes in store to roll out this year, the most exciting of which will be a full new web site and a companion on line eCommerce store.  Our new web store will be offering a large selection of goods and service for sale as “buy now” only products (like battery backup UPS units, multi-outlet plug strips, point of use surge protection, specialty audio and video items, USB outlets, portable generators) as well as package deals on other offerings including installation and service(s).

Additionally we will be rolling out some fun new branding and graphics for the company, based on our very popular “happy outlet” design developed for us by Mineus Print and 838 Sign Co.  Here is sneak peak at where that is headed!

In closing I just want to say an honest and sincere thanks to all of the people who have helped us along the way.  Our clients and advocates, the designers and web folks that have helped us, our mentors and business community, BNI, all of you!  I have long believed that it takes a community to build a business.  A few individuals have gone over beyond that I would like to mention by name (you people ROCK!)

My amazing wife Michelle – who never fails to lend an ear and be the best mom ever (and keep me in check).  My equally amazing daughter Rosemary, Johnny Klemme (who may be one of the very best people in the world), My right hand guys Dustin Beebout and Aaron Paris – none better in town!  My bookkeeper CJ Reynolds, Dr. Di Begley, My accountant Diana Isbell, Chas and Bonnie Dela for being a second family when we had none and our very first clients! Noah Mattern and Maximumedia Design , Bill White, Steve Thalls, Aaron Zernack and Mineus Print, Inked Spot, Instant Copy, Stan Mithoefer (who has been our very best client from day one!), Javin and the Mad Men Creative gang, ALL the members of the RPM Chapter of BNI, Paul Baldwin for being Paul, Chris and Jessica Johnson – People’s Brewing Co, K. Dees Coffee, Dr. Dan and the Miracles Fitness Team, Ron Whitaker, Dave and Tara Mason, Roger and Kristy Miley, Brian Elgin, Brady Lumley, Ron Smith, Joe and Erica Wilson, Rob Handcock and the Beck’s Auto Service Team, Barry Bruce and the Mitchell Agency, Jeff Onken and The State Farm Insurance Team, The Lafayette Brewing Company, Chris and Susan X, Kelly Good, Randy Lynch, Andy and Michelle Schwindler at Outdoor RoomScapes (for being some of the best new folks we meet this year!).  I am sure there are many more… sorry if I missed you!

WE ALL COME UP TOGETHER!

Best Regards,

- Chris Voglund & the Artisan Electric Team

We are very excited about implementing our full recycling program in the 4th quarter of 2011, 6 months ahead of our projected goal date!  Working with our partners at Resolve Earth Solutions we have implemented a cross the line certified program for our company.

Artisan Electric is dedicated to the idea that we can each make a difference, that we all come up together, and that how we choose to conductor our business is a reflection on all of us.  Thanks for your support, we look forward to recycling with you and trying our best to hold ourselves to a higher standard!

The home heating and holiday season is approaching so now is a good time to inspect your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are in proper working condition.  It’s also a great time to consider having a professional electrician upgrade your smoke detectors to meet the current safety standards and local codes.

Ninety-six percent (96%) of all homes in the US have at least one smoke detector according to a 2010 National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) sponsored telephone survey.  But, only 75% of the homes in the US have a working smoke detector.  According to NFPA data from 2005-2009, smoke detectors sounded in only half (50%) of the fires reported to US fire departments and almost two-thirds (66%) of home fire deaths resulted from fires within homes with non-working or no smoke detectors.  Twenty-four percent (24%) of the deaths occurred in homes that had smoke detectors installed, but the detectors failed to sound.

Smoke detector installation code requirements are governed by the National Fire Alarm Code, NFPA 72.  Prior to 1993, smoke detectors were governed by NFPA 74.  The code requirements have changed over time, with the goal being the improvement of personal safety by providing earlier warning of fires through the home’s smoke detectors.  Prior to 1989, single, stand-alone battery operated smoke detectors were required to be installed in homes or in new construction.  In 1989, newly constructed homes were required to have interconnected (hardwired) smoke detectors on every level of the home and outside of sleeping areas.  With inter-connected detectors, all the units would sound if any one detector triggered and alarm.  In 1993, the code was revised to include a requirement for the hardwired smoke detectors to be in every bedroom or sleeping area in addition to the units on every floor.  In 1996, the code requirements were modified to require the hardwire smoke detectors also have battery back-ups to ensure operation during power outages.  This battery back-up must be able to maintain power to the smoke detector for a period of seven (7) days after the low battery warning begins to sound.

While governed by NFPA 72, smoke detectors are also covered or addressed in the National Electric Code (NEC).  The 2002 NEC saw a major revision with the new requirement of Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters for all bedroom circuits including lighting and smoke detector receptacles.  Local codes and local jurisdictions have overridden the NEC in many areas over concerns that nuisance tripping of AFCI circuits can leave the bedroom unprotected if the battery back-up fails.

Both the NFPA 72 and NEC require that smoke detectors have visible Power-On indicators (usually green LEDs) and be supplied by either a dedicated branch circuit or the unswitched portion of a branch circuit for power and lighting.  The NFPA 72 and NEC prohibit the use of a GFCI to supply power to smoke detectors.

Most electricians will strongly recommend that older homes or those built before the adoption of the 2002 NEC, should have the smoke detectors updated to meet the new code requirements and be installed on a dedicated, interconnected circuit with a smoke detector on all floors and detectors in all bedrooms or sleeping areas.  In addition, most electricians also recommend the addition of a hardwired, interconnected Carbon Monoxide detector with battery back-up be added the smoke detector alarm circuit near the furnace and hot water heater.  Alarm strobe lights are highly recommended for families with individuals that are hard of hearing or hearing impaired to alert them of alarm conditions.

A parting tip:

Always change the back-up batteries in all smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors on your birthday and test the detectors at least four times a year, at the change of each season.  This ensures that the batteries are always in good condition and ready to offer the extended coverage in the event of a power loss.  Also, if you do experience and extended power loss for more than a day or two, it’s recommended that the batteries in all smoke detectors be replaced to ensure they are in top condition for the next power loss.  Batteries are a small price to pay to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.

For additional information on the NFPA or NFPA 72, please visit the NFPA’s web site at:

Dimmers & CFL or LED Bulbs

We’ve previously addressed the upcoming phase out of the incandescent bulbs and discussed the different Pros & Cons of Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs and LED bulbs.  Maybe you are replacing incandescent bulbs as the burn out, or selectively replacing the bulbs in certain light fixtures.  Have you tried CFLs or LED bulbs in the dining room chandelier or any of your other fixtures with dimmer switches?  Did the new bulbs work?  The result was probably bulbs that did not dim at all, flickered at lower light levels, or had a limited dimming range.  Perhaps in disappointment you thought, “I know I bought the CFL lamps that are dimmable”  and you double-check the packaging to confirm you did buy the correct bulbs.    What the heck is going on you ask?!  Odds are the bulbs are not the problem, the old style dimmer switch is the problem.

The dimmable CFL and LED bulbs need to be used in conjunction with a new CFL and LED rated dimmer switch.  This is very important for a couple of reasons, but the most important reason is that the new CFL and LED rated dimmers are UL Listed for use with these new bulbs.  This means the dimmer switch was tested to the UL Lab’s standards to be safe and not cause fires or electrical shocks when used with CFL or LED bulbs.  The other reason to use a new dimmer switch is that they have an adjustable dimming range when being used with CFL or LED bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs to prevent flickering.

Many companies offer CFL and LED approved dimmer switches.  Leviton and Lutron are probably the most commonly available brands.  They can be picked up at any local big box home improvement store.  Dimmer switches are relatively easy to install yourself after you have turned off the power to the circuit at the load center.  If you are not comfortable or confident in your abilities to work on your electrical circuits, please be safe and consult your preferred local electrician.

5 things to consider when shopping for a back-up / emergency generator:

1) Warranty on the product – who is standing behind that warranty when the snow is flying?

2) Who is supplying and installing it -  is it a reliable trade’s professional with training and education (AND TIME) to do the job right?

3) Fuel supply – there is way more to sizing gas lines and fuel delivery then some pipe fittings and tapping the closest fuel source.  Who is doing this work and are they qualified to do so?

4) Emergency Service – if your generator fails to start or function when you need it most who makes it right for you (and how long will it take)?

5) Maintenance – like anything else generators require routine maintenance by a factory qualified service tech, something you can’t usually get from the home store!

Artisan Electric is a authorized Kohler Generator Dealer.  We work with our partners at Buckeye Power Sales (who own the Indiana franchise for Kohler) to provide the very best level of quality and service!

The heat is on… which has us all looking for ways to stay cool.  For many people and many applications a portable window air conditioner is the only option for a good nights sleep.  While these appliances do provide some much needed cooling relief, they also present some significant electrical safety concerns.

Here are 5 things your should know when using or installing a portable window AC unit.

1) In an ideal install they should not be ran on extension cords – if you must use an extension cord make sure it is a larger gauge wire then the cord on the unit.

2) Many window AC units are designed to be ran on a general use 15 or 20 amp circuit – but some need dedicated lines just for the use of the AC.  Make sure you check the amp draw on the unit and the manufactures guidelines for safety before using.  Be careful plugging these things in to *just any old outlet* to avoid overloading a branch circuit.  It is never recommended to run more then one unit on the same circuit.

3) Check the cord and outlet – if they are getting warm then you are at risk of an overload, if they feel HOT to the touch then you are overloading some part of the circuit or the conductors. Also look for dimming lights and power outages related to the AC kicking off and on.

4) Old homes that still have ungrounded knob and tube wiring present a significant safety hazard. These old circuits were never designed to have high demand appliance loads on them. It is never a good idea to use a window AC on a knob and tube circuit.

‎5) Plug adapters… you know the little two prong “cheaters” that let you plug in a grounded cord into an ungrounded outlet. When it comes to window AC’s just don’t do this. There is a very good reason why these units have a ground prong on the cord.

AFCI Circuit Breakers

AFCI breakers are Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters.    They are similar in appearance to GFCIs (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) breakers and they first came into the market in 1999. They are designed to prevent fires from arcs (sparks) that are not a normal part of a circuit’s operation.  Normal and safe arcs occur in switches and in electric motors such as fans and vacuums.  They are generally very small or very short in time duration.  The devices that produce these normal small arcs are designed to shield and protect people as well as the surroundings from the arcs so there is no fire risk.  Dangerous arcs can occur when devices fail, cords are damaged or the wiring becomes faulty as often happens with receptacles using stab-in connections.

The original AFCIs were branch type units designed to trip on 75 amperes of arcing current from the line wire to either the neutral or ground wire.  They were required to be installed for all bedroom circuits with the 2002 National Electric Code but did not provide personal protection from ground faults so kitchens, bathrooms, and garages still required GFCI circuit protection.

The 2008 revision of the National Electric Code changed the requirements to include Combination Type AFCIs for all 15A or 20A circuits in a dwelling except kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and unfinished basements, which still require GFCI protection.  The combination AFCI added additional protection for series arcing at 5A and personal ground-fault protection which trips the breaker at a 5mA level for ground faults while maintaining the original 70A parallel rating for line to neutral arcing.  AFCIs still protect the circuits from the traditional overloads, short circuits and overheating breakers.  The Code still does not require AFCIs for kitchens, laundry areas, bathrooms and garages since it requires the use of GFCI breakers or GFCI receptacles in these locations.  Adding AFCI breakers to feed GFCI receptacles is not recommended due to the fact that nuisance tripping can frequently occur.

All of the major manufacturers offer combination AFCI breakers so replacing older standard breakers with the new combination AFCIs is possible in all but a small percentage of applications.  The primary exception being the “cheater” breakers that feature two circuit in one mounting position that are typically used when a smaller load center has no spare positions for mounting new breakers.   Local jurisdictions and local codes vary, so always contact your local officials or local electricians for assistance.

On a final note, if the wiring in your home does not have the combination AFCIs and you have them added for the additional fire protection they offer, contact you r home owner’s insurance agent and let them know your electrical panel was updated.  You may qualify for a lower annual premium or other discounts which can help offset the cost of the upgrade.

Have you experienced multiple extended power outages in the last two years that caused the loss of the food in your refrigerator and freezers?

Have you had electronics within your home damaged because of surges, spikes or sags in your utility power?

Do you want to be less reliant on a strained and aging power grid?

Unfortunately, today’s residential power grid is obsolete.  It’s really starting to show its age.  It’s failing more regularly in more urban settings where the demands continue to increase, the power lines are run above ground on utility poles, and the trees overhang the lines.  Severe weather is becoming more common so the power is interrupted more often from tree limbs falling through the lines.  Rolling brown outs, sags, surges, and spikes are becoming more common due to the increased demand, especially in the hotter summer months.  The reliability and quality will only get worse before enough Americans demand a change at the government level to effect policies to drive improvements and more reliable power grids.

If you have experienced any of the above scenarios it might be time to consider a permanently-installed residential standby or “back-up” generator.  Today’s residential generators are capable of automatically transferring the selected household circuits over to the generator in less than 10 seconds.   The LP or natural gas powered units are clean, quiet, and nearly odor free.   There are even greener options coming soon within the next few months to a couple of years away.  These units will be capable of running on 100% biodiesel, straight vegetable oil, or locally generated biogas.

Most homes only need 10kW to 14kW capacity for basic emergency loads and units are available that can provide 100% complete coverage for even 6,000 square feet or more of living space.  While it is possible to purchase a residential generator from the local home improvement warehouse or even online, the best way to determine your needs and ensure the unit is properly installed, is to work with your local dealer to determine your current electrical demands.  The dealer will also help you find areas where the energy efficiency of your home can be improved, and determine how much capacity you will need for your critical loads.  Even if you decide to invest in a whole house solution, working with your local dealer to improve the energy efficiency of your home will save you thousands of dollars over the life of the system in addition to lower the initial cost of the unit since a smaller unit would suffice.

If you are in the early phases of a new housing construction project or about to undertake a major renovation of an existing home, now would also be a great time to include a permanent standby generator as part of the energy independence and energy efficiency plan for the home.