ELECTRICAL EXPERTISE: “The needs of every customer are important to us at Cifelli Electrical Inc. We do every kind of job, including residential and commercial, and customers know they can rely on our knowledge and service.”Co-owners Mike Twarkusky and Anthony Tallone and office manager Carole Twarkusky look forward to continuing to serve clients throughout the Princeton area. (Photo courtesy of Cifelli Electrical Inc.)

By Jean Stratton

Always important, peace of mind in one’s home is especially crucial today as so many of us are spending many more hours home-bound during the coronavirus pandemic.

Making sure that the electrical system, including the home wiring, plugs and switches, fuse panel, circuit breaker, etc. are all in good repair is essential to home safety.

Cifelli Electrical Inc. has been providing reliable service to Princeton area customers since 2004, when Mike Twarkusky and Anthony Tallone established the company. Even before, dating back 50 years, it was a Princeton mainstay under the auspices of owner and founder John Cifelli.

“Both my co-owner Mike Twarkusky and I started at Cifelli in 1986,” says Tallone. “We were still in high school when we began working for John as apprentices. Then we both went on to further our education and become electricians.”

Home Wiring

Now located on Airpark Road, adjacent to Princeton Airport, the company provides everything from attic and ceiling fan installation to new appliance hook-up — including stove, oven and cooktop — to dedicated lines for computers and custom home wiring.

In addition, generator installation and outdoor landscape lighting are other specialties.

Generators have become an important part of the business, reports Tallone. “We had always done work with generators on a larger scale for businesses, but now homeowners want them too. In many cases today, houses have become small businesses in terms of power because of the technology and the amount of power they consume.”

People want to be prepared for emergencies in case of severe storms and power outages, and Cifelli is a certified Kohler generator dealer, installing and servicing the unit, and they also service Generac generators.

Advising people on safety issues is important, points out Mike Twarkusky. Whether it’s the need to replace smoke or carbon dioxide detectors, checking the dryer system, or replacing old wiring, Cifelli is ready to help, and is always there to assist in an emergency.

Regarding safety issues, Cifelli will provide safety checks for homeowners at a cost. Tallone notes that “With older homes, the best bet is to change the devices: that is, the plugs and switches. You want to be sure there is a tight connection. Loose connections and old frayed cords are potential fire hazards. If it’s an old beat-up cord, throw it out.”

Design and Installation

The company also has a busy commercial business, having completed many projects in the area, including for local businesses, clubs, and other organizations.

“Whether you need to maintain your current electrical system or want a totally new electrical system, we can successfully lead you through design and installation,” points out Twarkusky.

Among the services are lighting design for comfort, productivity, and energy savings; computer and communication cabling; electrical drawings and plans review; power distribution; generators and UPS systems; maintenance specializing; and power troubleshooting, among others.

As in every business, Cifelli has seen many changes due to advances in technology. As Tallone observes, “The technology has changed so much in every way. With smartphones, there is now instant access. It has changed our business. You can take a picture of something on site, and send it back to the office. I remember when people had beepers!”

Changing Technology

He points out that sometimes problems can even be solved on the phone.  “We can talk to people and learn about the problem. I can usually give them a ballpark price, depending on the time needed and the material. And then, if it’s a minor problem, I may even be able to help them fix it over the phone.

“Also, because of all the changing technology, we have continuing education. Keeping up to date is the biggest challenge, especially with the code book changes. I am very excited, though, that the lighting quality and technology is constantly progressing. It keeps us on our toes. It evolves and changes all the time.”

And there is never a dull moment, he adds. “We can be in a small house fixing a light one day and be on a ladder on Nassau Street installing electrical tubing in a building the next day.”

In keeping with its wide variety of services, Cifelli now also installs Tesla automobile charging equipment.

The owners emphasize that Cifelli is ready to take on any size job, and over the years the company has built an enduring reputation and gained the loyalty of many regular customers.

“We’ve been in this business for more than 30 years and there is always a surprise. We go from a two-bedroom house to a nine-bedroom mansion, and everything in between. We meet all kinds of people with different backgrounds and experiences. it’s a great job with great opportunities.”

Solving Problems

They also have to be ready for anything, they explain. “We’ve had calls from homeowners when half the house is without power, and 40 people are coming to dinner!”

Interacting with the clients is the part of the job that office manager Carole Twarkusky enjoys the most. “Dealing with the customers and helping to solve their everyday problems, whether big or small, is what I like best.

“Also, now during the time of the virus, we are still going to people’s locations and practicing social distancing, wearing masks, and keeping all work areas clean after performing the job.

“Remember, we have a long history of quality service, and we look forward to helping you with your electrical needs. When you call us, if you don’t get an immediate response, please be sure to leave a message or email me. We’ll get back as soon as we can.”

Cifelli has been given the highest rating by the Better Business Bureau, and is a member of the Central Jersey Electrical league, the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, and the National Electrical Contractors Association.

Its hours are currently Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and it can be reached at (609) 921-3238, with calls returned as soon as possible. Email is carolecifelli1@gmail.com. Website: www.cifellielectrical.com.