Stay Safe This Electrical Safety Month: Essential Tips for Nashville Homeowners
September is Electrical Safety Month and for homeowners in Nashville, it is the perfect time to take a close look at the safety of your home’s electrical system. While electricity keeps our homes running and comfortable it can also pose some serious risks if not properly maintained. Preventable hazards like overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or outdated panels are some of the most common causes of electrical fires in the home.
At Airstream Services, we are dedicated to keeping Nashville families safe and comfortable. Here we are going to discuss some practical and easy to follow tips that every homeowner should know.
How to Check for Warning Signs in Your Electrical System?
Some signals and signs that could show your system might be overloaded or failing are flickering lights, outlets that feel warm, or frequently tripped breakers. Although Nashville is growing rapidly, its older homes may still heavily rely on outdated wiring or panels which can increase the risk of electrical fires. If you notice any of these signs, scheduling an electrical safety inspection right away can save you from costly expenses or potential safety risks.
Avoid Overloading Circuits
We live in a very tech heavy world, and it is common to have multiple devices or electronics plugged in at once. However, too many appliances on the same circuit can create overheating and cause spark risks. Using power strips that have surge protection and avoiding daisy changing extension cords can help limit risks.
How Do Overloaded Outlets and Power Strips Cause Electrical Fires?
An overloaded outlet will draw more current than what its capacity is, heating internal components and melting insulation which can then ignite the surrounding materials.
- Use surge protected power strips that are rated for high draw appliances.
- Plug high wattage devices (spaces, etc.) directly into the dedicated circuits.
- Avoid daisy chaining extension cords or overloading a single receptacle.
| Device | Function | Protection |
| GFCI outlet | Monitors current balance | Prevents electrocution in wet areas |
| AFCI breaker | Detects arcing faults | Stops sparks before ignition in living spaces |
Upgrade Outdated Wiring & Panels
Many Nashville homes were built before the 1990’s and they may not be equipped to handle the modern electrical demand. This could be due to outdated fuse boxes, knob and tube wiring, or even undersized panels that aren’t sufficient which can be very unsafe for you and your home. A licensed electrician can assess your system and recommend upgrades that can keep your home both safe and efficient.
What are the signs of Faulty or Outdated Wiring in Your Home?
- Repeated circuit breaker trips under normal loads.
- Flickering or dimming lights when appliances cycle on.
- Discolored or warm outlet covers and scorch marks around receptacles.
Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Electrical fires often start silently and unknown. Having working smoke and CO detectors with current batteries can be life saving. For maximum protection you should test your detectors monthly, change batteries twice a year and even consider installing interconnected alarms.
Why Should You Schedule a Professional Electrical Safety Inspection?
The best way to protect your home and family is to be proactive. A professional inspection can catch hidden hazards to your home before they could turn into emergencies. A licensed electrician should inspect residential wiring every 3-5 years for homes with older wiring or every 10 years for newer homes. At Airstream Services, we provide thorough electrical safety checks that are tailored to meet the needs of Nashville Homeowners.
Why Electrical Safety Matters in Nashville
From the historic charm of East Nashville to the modernized homes in Bellevue and Franklin, every property and home can face unique electrical challenges. Seasonal storms and power surges in Tennessee can add another layer of risk to your home’s safety. When staying on top of electrical safety, you are not only protecting your home but also making sure your family is in top comfort year round.
