Common Electrical Problems in Chattanooga Homes

April 3, 2025

What Are the Most Common Electrical Problems in Chattanooga Homes?

As a homeowner in Chattanooga, you want your home’s electrical system to be safe, efficient, and reliable. However, many local homes—especially older ones—can experience common electrical problems that, if left unchecked, may pose safety hazards or reduce energy efficiency. At Groves Electric, we’ve seen it all. Here are the most prevalent electrical issues Chattanooga homeowners face and how to address them.


1. Outdated or Faulty Wiring

One of the most common issues in older Chattanooga homes is outdated wiring. Knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, commonly installed before the 1970s, can degrade over time and become a fire hazard. Additionally, homes with outdated wiring may struggle to meet the electrical demands of today’s high-tech appliances.


Signs to watch for:

  • Flickering or dimming lights
  • Frequently tripped breakers
  • Burning smells or discolored outlets


If you suspect your home’s wiring is outdated, it’s essential to schedule an inspection with a licensed electrician.


2. Frequently Tripping Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home by shutting off the power when circuits are overloaded. While an occasional trip isn’t cause for concern, repeated tripping signals a deeper issue.


Common causes include:

  • Overloaded circuits
  • Faulty wiring
  • Short circuits or ground faults


To resolve the problem, you may need to redistribute electrical loads, repair faulty wiring, or upgrade your electrical panel to better handle your household’s power needs.


3. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Lights that flicker or dim sporadically can be annoying and may indicate an underlying issue. While minor flickering can be caused by a loose bulb, persistent issues could be due to faulty wiring or overloaded circuits.


Other potential causes:

  • Loose or corroded connections
  • Issues with your utility service
  • Faulty fixtures or switches


If you notice frequent flickering, especially when using high-wattage appliances, it’s best to call a professional to diagnose and fix the issue.


4. Dead Outlets

Discovering a dead outlet can be frustrating. Sometimes, it’s a simple fix, like a tripped GFCI outlet, but it could also be a sign of a more significant electrical issue.


Potential causes include:

  • Loose wiring
  • Burned-out connections
  • Tripped circuit breakers


Addressing the problem promptly ensures your home remains safe and functional.


5. Overloaded Outlets

With the increasing number of devices and appliances in modern homes, overloaded outlets are a frequent problem. Plugging too many items into a single outlet or power strip can cause overheating and potentially start a fire.


Solution:

  • Avoid daisy-chaining power strips.
  • Upgrade outlets or add new circuits if needed.


Keep Your Chattanooga Home Safe with Groves Electric

Whether your home is experiencing flickering lights, dead outlets, or outdated wiring, Groves Electric is here to help. Our licensed electricians have extensive experience serving Chattanooga homeowners, providing reliable, safe, and efficient electrical services.


Contact us today to schedule an inspection or service call. We’ll ensure your home’s electrical system is in top shape!

A house with a cloudy sky in the background

Do You Need Surge Protection Before Chattanooga's Summer Storms Hit?

May 27, 2025
As warm weather rolls into Chattanooga, so do the thunderstorms. With lightning strikes and power outages on the rise, protecting your home and everything inside is crucial. One often-overlooked safeguard is whole-home surge protection. Let’s break down why May is the perfect time to invest in surge protection and how we can help. What Is a Power Surge, and Why Should You Care? A power surge is a sudden spike in voltage that can damage or destroy your home’s electrical devices. Common causes include: Lightning strikes during thunderstorms Downed power lines or outages Large appliances cycling on and off These surges can fry electronics, degrade your HVAC systems, and even spark electrical fires. Unfortunately, standard power strips aren’t enough to stop the damage. Why Surge Protection Matters More in May In Chattanooga, May marks the beginning of our summer storm season. This is when lightning activity and unpredictable power events peak. The Tennessee Valley often experiences: Frequent thunderstorms High humidity and heat Increased use of HVAC and electrical systems Without surge protection, your home is vulnerable to thousands of dollars in damage. What Is Whole-Home Surge Protection? Whole-home surge protection is installed directly at your electrical panel. It safeguards your entire home from external and internal surges by redirecting excess electricity safely into the ground. It’s far more effective than plug-in devices because it protects every outlet, appliance, and system. Benefits include: Protection for expensive appliances and electronics Increased safety from electrical fires Long-term savings on repair and replacement costs Peace of mind during every thunderstorm Why Choose Groves Electric for Installation? At Groves Electric, we’re not just licensed electricians - we’re your neighbors. Serving Chattanooga and surrounding areas, we specialize in: Professional installation of surge protection systems Custom electrical solutions for local homes Fast, friendly service with over 20 years of experience Plus, all our work is backed by our satisfaction guarantee. Don’t wait until it’s too late - protect your home before the next storm hits. Schedule Your Free Estimate Today! Call Groves Electric at (423)847-3300 or visit our Contact Page to book a free surge protection estimate today.