Electrical Safety Tips

Stay Safe. Stay Powered.

Electricity powers your life but can also pose serious risks if ignored or mishandled. At TriCities Electric, safety starts with knowledge. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or landlord in Kingsport, Johnson City, or Bristol, these tips can help protect your home and family.

Everyday Safety Tips for Your Home

Don't Ignore Warm or Buzzing Outlets

If an outlet feels hot or makes a buzzing sound, unplug anything connected and don't use it. These are signs of a loose connection or overload—and could lead to fire.

Check for GFCI Protection in Wet Areas

Your kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, garage, and outdoor outlets should all have GFCI outlets. Press the "test" and "reset" buttons monthly to ensure they work.

Avoid Overloading Outlets and Power Strips

Plugging too many devices into one outlet or extension cord can lead to overheating. Use power strips with surge protection, and don't daisy-chain multiple strips together.

Keep Cords and Plugs in Good Shape

Frayed wires, cracked plugs, or bent prongs are all safety hazards. Replace them before they cause a short or spark.

Install Smoke and CO Detectors

A smoke detector and Carbon Monoxide detector can alert you to danger minutes before you ever smell smoke—because it senses invisible particles in the air long before your nose can!

Child & Pet Electrical Safety

Little explorers love to poke and prod—tamper-resistant outlets help keep them safe! These child-proof outlets have hidden shutters that only open for real plugs, not toys or tiny fingers. Smart protection, built right in.

Hide or secure cords so pets can't chew them.

Splish-splash and sockets don’t mix! GFCI outlets are like tiny lifeguards—they shut off power in a flash if water gets too close. Perfect for keeping little bath-time explorers safe! 🛁⚡

Seasonal & Storm Safety Tips

Keep your home safe and your family protected year-round with these simple electrical safety tips:

During Thunderstorms or Power Outages:

Unplug sensitive electronics (TVs, computers, chargers) to prevent surge damage.
Avoid using electrical appliances during lightning storms—it’s safer to wait it out.
If your home loses power frequently, ask us about whole-home surge protection or backup generators to stay powered and protected.
Don’t go near downed power lines—always assume they’re live and dangerous.

In Winter:

Space heaters require a dedicated circuit, meaning they need their own electrical line from the panel—not shared with other devices.
Never plug space heaters into extension cords—they can overheat and cause fires.
Keep heaters at least 3 feet away from furniture, curtains, and anything flammable.
Don’t run cords under rugs or furniture—this can lead to overheating and hidden fire risks.

In Summer:

Use GFCI outlets for any outdoor power sources (grills, lawn tools, holiday lights).
Make sure pool and spa wiring is inspected regularly and is up to modern electrical code—water + electricity = danger.
Never use damaged or frayed extension cords outdoors.
Keep electrical cords and devices away from sprinklers or wet grass.

Need a safety check or have questions?
TriCities Electric is here to help keep your home protected, season after season.

When to Call a Licensed Electrician

Your home may be trying to tell you something—and catching electrical issues early is the safest and most cost-effective way to prevent bigger problems down the road.

Call TriCities Electric if you notice any of the following warning signs:

Flickering lights or breakers that trip often – These could signal overloaded circuits, loose connections, or outdated wiring.
Burning smells near outlets or your electrical panel – This can be a serious fire hazard and should be checked immediately.
Outlets that spark, shock, or no longer work – Don’t ignore it—faulty outlets are a clear sign of electrical trouble.
Old or unsafe wiring, like knob-and-tube or aluminum – These outdated systems are no longer up to code and can increase fire risk.
Outdated electrical panels – Many older panels (like Zinsco, Federal Pacific, or Challenger) have been recalled or discontinued due to known fire risks. If your panel looks rusty, grimy, or hasn’t been inspected in years, it may be time for an upgrade.
Call us today to find out if your panel is safe—or if it’s time to upgrade to a modern, reliable panel that meets today’s safety standards.

Whether you’re in Kingsport, Johnson City, or anywhere in the Tri-Cities, our expert electricians are here to keep your home safe and up to code.

Keep Your Family Safe — Let’s Take a Look

Think something might be wrong with your home’s electrical system? Don’t wait until it becomes a hazard. At TriCities Electric, we don’t offer formal home inspections, but we do offer something better—real solutions from licensed electricians who care.

Tell us what’s been bothering you—flickering lights, a hot outlet, a buzzing panel—and we’ll come take a look. We’ll check your concerns, troubleshoot the issue, and make sure your home is safe and code-compliant.

TriCities Electric – Powered by Integrity. Committed to Safety.

Serving Kingsport, Johnson City, and the entire Tri-Cities region.

📞 Call today to schedule a visit and let us take the worry off your hands.