Artisan Electric | Midwest Indiana Electrical Consultants

No lights.  No water.  No heat.  No air conditioning.  No refrigeration.  No sump pump.  No security.  No ability to work from home.  Or even worse no computer, TV or video games.

When you lose power most of your home systems and appliances no longer work.  They all depend on electricity.  So when major thunder, snow and ice storms bring down power lines, or our aging power grid fails, we all hope our local electrical utility company can get power restored quickly.  But sometimes it can take days depending on the extent of the damage in a given area.

How Long Can You Live Without Power?
Deciding if you need a standby/emergency power generator depends primarily on how long you can live without power before your business or personal situations are impacted negatively.

Reasons you may not be able to go without power for an extended period of time, especially if it is during periods of bad/cold weather, are ….

• Young children
• Seniors with medical needs/equipment
• Large quantities of perishable foods
• Security systems
• Life safety systems
• Basement flooding
• Home businesses

What is a Standby Generator?
A standby generator automatically operates within seconds of a utility outage.  An automatic transfer switch senses the loss of power and redirects the electrical load to the generator that kicks in and provides your home with electrical power.  Unlike portable generators, standby generators are installed permanently outside your home and will provide uninterrupted backup power for days.  Smaller, air-cooled essential-circuit units are slightly larger than portable generators and can energize just a few circuits at a time.  Larger, liquid-cooled whole-house systems will comfortably power all your home’s needs.

With Generators, Size Makes a Difference
The size of generator you’ll need will depend on how many electrical items you need/want to run.  If you choose to run only essential circuits, a 7 KW to 12 KW unit can run up to 16 critical loads, although not all at once.  Mid-size units of 12 KW to 20 KW will allow you to operate more creature comforts like your TV, more lights, and at the high end of this range, even your AC.  A 20 KW to 48 KW high-capacity, liquid-cooled generator can provide electricity for an entire home.

Getting Set Up with a Generator
A standby generator will require professional installation.  Initially you’ll need to assess your load requirements and the logistics of installing a generator in your home.  Connecting a unit requires advanced electrical and plumbing skills, as well as knowledge of local ordinances and building codes. You’ll also need permits before you start and inspections when you’re done.

Standby Generators Add Value and Peace of Mind
Typically having a standby generator on your property will increase the value of your home.  Buyers like the idea of having back up power particularly in regions where power outages are common.  Having a back-up system in place also provides “peace of mind” for those with family members or personal property that may be affected by loss of power for an extended period of time.

Free Site Evaluation
Have questions on whether or not you would benefit from having a standby generator?  Contact us today at Artisan Electric and let our licensed pros do a free site evaluation.

You think it won’t happen to you and then BAM! the lightning flashes, the thunder crashes and so do all the electronic devices in your home. 

Your computer, your large screen TV, home entertainment equipment, your microwave, perhaps your electronic features on your refrigerator and other appliances.  All gone. Fried.

Surge Protection Protects Sensitive Electronics

Electrical surges can occur at any time.  The most damaging are those that enter the home through the power, telephone and cable TV/satellite lines like lightning strikes close to your home.  Actually it’s more common that surges result from motors and large appliances kicking on and off and creating electrical spikes within your home.

Today’s homes are more reliant than ever on appliances and electronics that are controlled by extremely sensitive microprocessor circuits. These circuits are easily damaged or disrupted by power surges originating both inside and outside the home.

Protecting Your BIG $$$ Investments

Many of us have invested significant dollars in our home computers and electronic equipment.  Wouldn’t it be wise to invest a little more to protect these major purchases?

Surge protection comes in multiple forms, but the approach that provides the best overall protection involves installing surge protection at different points in your home.

• MAIN ZONE: Surge protection installed at the main power panel, cable TV/satellite service entrance, and telephone/broadband internet service entrance
• INTERIOR ZONE: Individual surge protectors for sensitive electronics inside the home.
• EXTERIOR ZONE: Surge protection for equipment located outside the home such as the air conditioning unit, pool pump or well pumps.

Sleep Easier

Physical damage, disruption or degradation to our electronic devices doesn’t have to occur the next time lightning strikes near your home.  With a well thought through surge protection plan, you’ll sleep easier knowing you won’t have to replace your 60” TV anytime soon.

Free Site Assessment

Have questions or concerns about surge protection for your home or business?  Contact us today at Artisan Electric and let our licensed pros do a free site assessment.  We can then discuss the best way to protect your electronic devices.

OUR “A “TEAM: In this day and age there is no way for any one electrical contractor to cover the full range of emerging tech that comes our way now. One of the best services we offer at Artisan is knowing when to call in for back up. Here is a list of some of our trusted tech professional resources that we co-op with.

• Artisan Electric – residential / commercial / industrial electrical contracting and voice / data / audio services with full project management services – this is us
• Sound Lab – Audio / Video / Home Theater – (this is our primary local partnership with the always awesome Mark Baitinger)
• Hearing Loops – Indiana Hearing Loops Team of Sound Lab and Artisan Electric
• Profound Technologies – we use this company for the design and programming back end for Crestron installs – they are a nationwide major player
• ESCO Communications – high end communications contractor / AV / Integration specialists that we can partner with for design / build and install support
• Edge IT – IT professional services and network systems support
• Abstract Tech Group – another IT professional group that we work with for network systems support
• ESG – Electronic Systems Group – controlled access (biometric systems) / alarm / digital camera integration
• Backup Automated Generator Systems – this is us with support from our supplier Buckeye Power Sales. We are an authorized Kohler generator dealer / Installer
• KL Security Systems – safe rooms / vaults / IO Safe disaster proof digital hard drive storage systems (water proof / fire proof / crush proof)
• Johnson Melloh – high end PV solar and wet thermal solar design / build group that we work with

Let us know what we can help you dream up / design / or implement at your home or business!

Contact us HERE to get started with a free quote

Artisan Electric Earns Esteemed 2013 Angie’s List Super Service Award

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

Artisan Electric has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the consumer review service in 2013.

“This is the 4^th year in a row that we have won this award, it means a great deal to us.  We strive every day to become better at what we do and maintain the highest level of quality and ethics.  Each and every client matters to us every time”

“Only about 5 percent of the companies Artisan Electric competes with in Greater Lafayette area able to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “It’s a mark of consistently great customer service.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2013 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade; the company must be in good standing with Angie’s List, have a fully complete profile, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.  Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality. Members can find the 2013 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

Angie’s List helps consumers have happy transactions with local service professionals in more than 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to healthcare. More than 2 million paid households use Angie’s List to gain access to local ratings, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List Magazine and the Angie’s List complaint resolution service.

It has been a snowy icy winter here in the Midwest – reminding us just how mild the last few winters have been.  With changing weather patterns we seem to be heading back into a cycle of heavy winters and can expect to see more of the same.

With the heavy snow and ice build up this season we have seen more ice damming and gutter related roof leaks than ever before.  It is not a problem that comes up often – but when it does it can flood out a building very quickly from the roof down, and usually happens without much warning.  Often times we see that hard-to-reach icy gutter jams cause rot and roof damage over the course of years leading up to roof failure that is costly and very hard to fix in the winter / spring months when the water leaks finally present themselves.

ice on gutters

There is a quality solution to this problem – commonly know as gutter tape, freeze tape, or heat tape.  The pro commercial version of these systems are installed in areas to be controlled and kept from freezing.  The systems are self-regulating and need to be GFCI protected, usually installed on dedicated circuits.  The systems are custom fabricated to fit each install and are the only truly effective way to address the situation and keep gutters, downspouts, and flat roof leading edges flowing correctly and the water shed where you want it.

We use the IceStop System thru our vendor rep Kirby Risk Supply.

If you have questions about these systems we would be happy to help.  Just let us now your needs here.

Why us you ask?  Here is a little info about what our Audio / Video / Technology team brings to the table.

Mark Baitinger is the owner of Sound Lab:  Sound Lab is a professional custom electronics corporation founded by Mark in 1989.  Specializing in competitively priced System Design, Consulting, Retail Sales, Installation and Service, Sound Lab has been providing quality Audio/Video solutions for a wide range of large and small residential and commercial projects throughout Central Indiana.  In addition to his extensive background, certifications, and training in the A/V world, Mark is a Contacta affiliated authorized dealer and is advanced hearing loop trained.

Chris Voglund is the owner of Artisan Electric:  Artisan Electric was founded in 2004 by Chris, after 15 years of previous electrical contracting experience.  Specialists in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical contracting as well as voice, data, and audio solutions.  Chris is a degreed Journeyman Electrician, Leviton Network Systems certified installer, and has an extensive background in electrical service, live audio, sound reinforcement, recording, and performance space planning.

Profound Technology Group:  Our technology partner, Profound Technologies, is recognized as a world leader in the AV integration Industry – specializing in Crestron solution systems and programming. Combining complex and advanced audio video communication systems with custom programming to make simple to use, enjoyable end-use solutions.  

Paired together our companies provide a combined 100+ years of electrical, tech integration, and A/V experience – making us a uniquely qualified team for today’s demanding tech based design, project management, and installation services.  Couple that with our passion for A/V and our professional reputations we represent one of Indiana’s best teams for integration projects of all sizes.

Who do you know that got spooked by this recent line of storms and the related power outages?

The reality is that with the continued deterioration or our aging power grids, line worker cut backs and under staffed utility providers, and the rapid increase in dramatic weather events these situations are going to become more common place.

Artisan Electric can help with mobile and back up power solutions, using certified and licensed journeyman electricians, licensed plumbers (for the gas line work) and the proven performance and 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE that comes with the KOHLER product line.

Artisan Electric is an approved vendor of Kohler Generator Systems thru Buckeye Power Sales.  We have the full package of solution, design, installation, warranty, and service that is second to none in the area.  When you think back up power think Artisan Electric

1. AE, in joint partnership with Mark Baitinger and Sound Lab, can now offer locally based certified installation of induction hearing loop systems.  For more information on looping systems and ADA compliance you can go to www.hearingloop.org
2. AE has been moving strongly into the field of full Audio / Video / IT integration.  With our partners at Sound Lab we recently completed a 200K project at Westminster Village.  This project included a full Creston digital media sever solution, on wall interactive touch screens, (3) hearing loops, and a wide range of other audio / video tech
3. AE is about to head into our 10th year of business and remains one of the highest rated contractors in the greater Tippecanoe County area
4. AE is a factory authorized vendor rep for Kohler Power systems, offering both residential and full line commercial backup generator systems with installation and 24 hour emergency support
5. AE bills from a standardized rate sheet, provides a lifetime warranty on our workmanship, and never mark up our material. You can find this information in writing and download PDF formats on our website www.artisanelectric.net
6. AE recently moved to our new shop on North 9^th Street – we now have access to a forklift and loading dock as well room to keep all of our fleet vehicles inside. This location provides us a much better central point for service to the both cities and allowed the room needed for our recycling program
7. AE is a full recycling partner!  In the beginning of 2012 we committed to limiting our land fill waste.  Now, approaching the start of 2014 we have made it to the point of going “dumpster free” and are now 95% recycling based, including eWaste, plastic, metals, cardboard, and paper

– See more at: http://www.artisanelectric.net/usb_outlets#sthash.VxQF842d.dpuf

The Artisan Electric 2013 Room Style Makeover contest is up and running.  This year we are looking to style out one lucky Mom with a very special $3000.00 space of her own.

Here is how it works:

• Find us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/artisan electric
• Like our page and go to the contest giveaway tab – here is a direct link >>>  Room Style Makover Contest
• Watch the reveal video for last year’s contest winner
• Follow the contest instructions and nominate a Mom for this year’s contest!

Just that easy.  Hope to see your entry come in soon.