Space Heater Special – TriCities Electric offers dedicated circuits for space heaters for just $500. Ensure your heater runs safely without overloading your home's electrical system. Let us help you stay cozy and rest easy. Contact us today to book your installation before winter fully sets in!

  • Based in Northeast Tennessee

Frequently Asked Questions

  • TriCities Electric

Get the Answers You Need About Our Electrical Services

At TriCities Electric, we’re committed to making your experience as smooth as possible. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about our services, financing, and more. If you don’t see your question answered here, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always happy to help!

Common Warning Signs of Electrical Trouble in Your Home
If you notice an electrical outlet that’s buzzing, warm to the touch, or smells like something is burning — don’t ignore it. These are potential signs of a loose connection, overloaded circuit, or even wiring damage that could lead to fire if left unchecked.

⚠ What Causes Buzzing or Warm Outlets?
• Loose wiring inside the box
• Overloaded circuits (too many appliances on one outlet)
• Poor-quality or worn-out receptacles
• Aluminum wiring (common in homes built 1965–1973)
• Bad backstabbed connections from DIY or unskilled installs

🔥 Is It Dangerous?
Yes — buzzing, sizzling, or warm outlets can lead to arcing, which is a common cause of house fires. If you experience this, shut off the breaker and call a licensed electrician immediately.

📞 Don’t risk it — call TriCities Electric at (423) 900-9001 for fast electrical troubleshooting in the Tri-Cities.

And When to Call an Electrician Instead
Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home — but when they trip repeatedly, it’s a sign something’s wrong. Here’s how to safely reset a breaker:

✅ Steps to Reset a Breaker

1. Turn off and unplug anything on the circuit.
2. Find the tripped breaker — it will be in a middle position.
3. Flip it fully OFF, then firmly back ON.
4. If it trips again, stop and call a pro — do not force it.

🚨 Common Causes of Tripping

• Overloaded circuit
• Short circuit or ground fault
• Bad appliance
• Faulty breaker

📌 Serving Kingsport, Johnson City & Bristol — TriCities Electric can diagnose and fix what’s causing your breaker to trip.

Don’t Let Outdated Wiring Put Your Safety at Risk
Your electrical system may be hidden behind walls — but it shouldn’t be out of mind. Here are five clear signs your home may need a full or partial rewire:

🔧 Warning Signs:
1. Flickering or dimming lights
2. Tripped breakers or blown fuses frequently
3. Two-prong (ungrounded) outlets
4. Discolored outlets or switch plates
5. Your home is over 40 years old

If your home has aluminum wiring, knob-and-tube, or no ground wires, it’s time for an upgrade. Modern homes need wiring that’s safe, grounded, and ready for today’s tech.

📞 TriCities Electric specializes in whole-home rewiring with minimal disruption and full NEC compliance.

A Simple Guide for Homeowners in the Tri-Cities

You’ve probably heard of GFCI outlets — but what about AFCI breakers? Here’s a quick breakdown:

⚡ GFCI – Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
• Protects you from electrical shock
• Required in wet locations (bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoors)
• Trips if electricity flows where it shouldn’t (like through water or a human)

🔥 AFCI – Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter
• Protects against electrical fires
• Required in living areas (bedrooms, living rooms, hallways)
• Trips when it detects arcing (sparks or high-heat wiring damage)

Many panels now use dual-function breakers that provide both GFCI & AFCI protection. Need help figuring out if your home is up to code? We’ve got you covered.

📞 Call TriCities Electric to inspect and upgrade your panel for full safety compliance.

A Helpful Guide to Know Your Limits (and Stay Safe)
Some small electrical tasks might seem DIY-friendly, but when safety and code compliance are on the line — it’s best to call a licensed electrician.

✅ Okay for DIY:
• Changing a lightbulb
• Replacing a light fixture (if wiring is already in place)
• Swapping outlet covers

❌ Call an Electrician For:
• Adding or moving outlets/switches
• Breaker or panel work
• Wiring appliances or EV chargers
• Anything involving water (bathroom, kitchen, outdoors)
• New wiring or circuits
• Permits & inspections

Working with electricity isn’t just about convenience — it’s about safety.

📞 Trust the pros at TriCities Electric — your licensed electricians in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol.

And What You Can Do to Bring Yours Up to Speed
Older homes were built for a time when power meant lights and a few appliances — not EV chargers, AC units, or smart tech everywhere. If your home was built before 1980, you may be overdue for electrical upgrades.

⚠ Common Problems in Older Homes:
• Overloaded panels (60 or 100 amp service)
• Unsafe or outdated wiring (knob-and-tube, aluminum)
• No grounding for outlets
• Lack of GFCI/AFCI protection
• Two-prong outlets and undersized circuits

🧰 Solutions We Offer:
• Full or partial rewires
• Panel upgrades (200 amp standard)
• Dedicated circuits for HVAC, appliances, or home offices
• Whole-home surge protection
• Code-compliant outlet & breaker installation

Protect your investment and stay safe. Let TriCities Electric modernize your home’s power safely and efficiently.

Simple Tips to Protect Your Family and Home
Use this checklist to identify potential electrical hazards in your home. Spotting problems early can prevent shocks, fires, and expensive damage.

🔎 Electrical Safety Checklist:
• No buzzing or warm outlets or switches
• GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoors
• Panel labeled clearly with all circuits
• No extension cords used as permanent wiring
• Smoke detectors tested monthly
• Surge protection installed at panel
• Breakers reset cleanly — no double-tapping
• Appliances have dedicated circuits (HVAC, oven, dryer)
• No frayed wires or loose plugs
• Licensed electrician has inspected panel in the last 5 years

If you’ve checked 2 or more items off this list, it’s time to schedule a safety inspection.

📞 Book your home electrical checkup with TriCities Electric — serving Kingsport, Johnson City, Bristol, and surrounding areas.

Yes, TriCities Electric provides financing options for projects over $500. We partner with Wisetack to offer flexible financing terms with rates from 0% to 35.9% APR and the option to finance up to $25,000. Prequalifying is quick and easy, with no impact on your credit score.

We accept a variety of payment methods to make it as convenient as possible for you:

  • Checks
  • Cash
  • Credit cards (Note: Credit card payments incur a 4% fee)
  • Direct ACH payments

We proudly serve all of Northeast Tennessee, including the following cities and counties:

  • Johnson City
  • Jonesborough
  • Kingsport
  • Bristol
  • Washington, Sullivan, Carter, Greene counties, and more!

Yes! We offer free estimates for most services. There is a $25 diagnostic fee for troubleshooting, which is waived if you decide to move forward with the service.

When upgrading your electrical panel, we coordinate with your local power provider to ensure minimal downtime. Typically, power is restored the same day, and we make every effort to ensure the process is as fast and efficient as possible.

We specialize in providing electrical services for high-end residential properties. Many of our clients trust us with upscale remodels, new constructions, and specialized installations that require attention to detail and top-notch craftsmanship.

Scheduling an appointment with TriCities Electric is easy! You can reach us by:

  • Phone: Call us at 423-367-5517
  • Text: Send a message to the same number
  • Online: Visit our website and use the online booking system

Yes! While we specialize in residential services, we also offer electrical services for commercial properties. Whether you need a panel upgrade, new wiring, or electrical repairs, we’re equipped to handle the job with expertise and care.

We’re a family-owned business with deep roots in the community. Our team is built on trust, integrity, and a commitment to quality service. We approach every job with the same care we’d give our homes. Plus, we offer a 2-year warranty on all work to ensure peace of mind.

It may be time for an upgrade if you’re experiencing frequent power outages, flickering lights, or tripped breakers. Our team can assess your home’s electrical capacity and recommend solutions to meet your growing power needs—whether for a kitchen remodel, EV chargers, or modern appliances.

We understand that electrical issues can be urgent. Our team quickly responds to emergency calls, often providing same-day service for critical situations like power outages, electrical fires, or exposed wiring.

We offer free estimates for most services over the phone or online. However, our technicians may need to conduct an in-person inspection to provide an accurate quote for more complex issues.

Yes, all our electricians are fully licensed and insured and undergo continuous training to ensure they meet the latest safety standards and best practices. We prioritize safety on every job to protect you, your home, and your investment.

Have More Questions?

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us directly at 423-367-5517 or info@tricitieselectric.com. We’re always here to help!

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