How We Fixed a Scottsdale Apartment Complex’s Fire Alarm
- jrservicesllc
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
No Job Too Big or Small: How JR Electrical Services Solved an Apartment Complex’s Electrical Issue
When an apartment complex in Scottsdale started experiencing issues with its exterior lighting, the general contractor that we work with often called us to take a look. What started as a routine service call quickly turned into a critical electrical inspection that prevented a potential fire safety hazard. Read on to learn how we fixed both the exterior lighting problem and took care of the fire alarm issue before any major problems occurred.
The Initial Service Call: Exterior Lighting Issues
The property’s exterior lights were going out, which required troubleshooting to pinpoint the issue. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as simple as just changing a light bulb and when it comes to apartment complexes, exterior lights are super important, not just for tenant’s safety but also for the aesthetics of the complex. Our electricians were able to quickly diagnose the issue as a wiring problem. This is where it gets interesting, though. It wasn’t just a wiring problem with the lights.
Uncovering a Hidden Fire Alarm Wiring Issue
During the inspection, our team discovered a serious oversight: the fire alarm bell wiring was incorrectly fed through the same electrical conduit as the exterior lighting. This was a problem because fire alarm systems should have dedicated wiring pathways to prevent electrical interference and ensure reliability in an emergency.
Coordination with the Fire Alarm Company and Property Management
Addressing this issue required collaboration between multiple parties, including the apartment complex’s main office, the general contractor, and the fire alarm company, Copper State Fire Protection. Our team worked closely with Darrell from Copper State to ensure that the fire alarm wiring was properly reconnected. At some point, the apartment’s maintenance team had accidentally disconnected the wiring, our electricians was able to quickly restore it without unnecessary repairs or added costs.
No Unnecessary Charges—Just Honest, Reliable Service
At JR Electrical Services, we believe in integrity and transparency. We don’t charge for unnecessary repairs or services. In this case, nothing was actually broken; the fire alarm wiring simply needed to be reconnected. The total service took about two hours and was covered under a standard service call fee.
Why Proper Electrical Installation Matters
While this was a simple fix, it could have led to a significant issue. The fire alarm system is responsible for alerting residents in case of a fire and activating fire suppression systems, such as sprinkler systems. If left unaddressed, faulty fire alarm wiring could delay or prevent an alarm from triggering, putting lives at risk. It could also cause false alarms, which could have caused sprinkler systems to go off inside resident’s homes. This would leave the apartment complex with a lot of explaining to do and most likely some hefty personal property reimbursements.
Electrical Terms You Should Know
If you’re facing similar issues in your apartment complex or commercial property, here are some important electrical terms to be aware of:
Electrical Conduit – A tube used to protect and route electrical wiring.
Fire Alarm System – A network of devices that detect fire and alert occupants.
Service Call – A scheduled visit by an electrician to diagnose and resolve electrical issues.
Wiring Inspection – An assessment to ensure electrical wiring is correctly installed and safe.
Troubleshooting – The process of diagnosing and fixing electrical problems.
Trust JR Electrical Services for Your Electrical Needs
Whether you need a quick fix or a full electrical system upgrade, JR Electrical Services is committed to providing honest, efficient, and high-quality work. No job is too big or too small. Our family-owned and operated business is built on strong values and we pride ourselves on reliability and repeat customers. Catching potential issues before they become major problems is one way we do that. If you’re in the Scottsdale or Phoenix area and need an electrician you can trust, give JR Electrical Services a call today!
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