Electrical help in Memphis

Storm outages, flickering lights and breakers that keep tripping are common reasons Memphis homeowners call an electrician. We connect Memphis-area homeowners with independent local electricians. The referral is free.

For homeowners: Electrical referrals are for homeowners or someone authorized to approve work on the home. Renting? Contact your landlord or property manager first.

Power out?

1. Check whether it's just you. If your neighbors are out too, it's probably a utility outage. Most Memphis homes get their power from MLGW. Report it and check updates at the MLGW (Memphis Light, Gas and Water).
2. If only your home is out, check the main breaker at your panel, then call MLGW.
3. If only part of your home is out, look for a tripped breaker, with the handle in the middle or off position, and reset any GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, the garage and outside.
4. If lights get unusually bright and dim, or half the house is out, that can be a problem with the utility connection or the main neutral wire. Turn off sensitive electronics and call MLGW and an electrician.

Using a generator? Run it outside, far from windows, doors and vents, because of carbon monoxide. Never plug it into a wall outlet ("backfeeding"). That can start a fire and endanger utility line workers. A transfer switch installed by an electrician is the safe way to connect one (Ready.gov: Power outages).

Flickering or dimming lights

• One light flickers: often a loose or failing bulb, or a bulb that doesn't work with the dimmer. Try a new bulb first.
• Lights dip when the AC, microwave or another big appliance starts: a brief dip can be normal. Frequent or strong dimming can mean an overloaded circuit or a loose connection.
• Flickering in several rooms, or with a burning smell or warm switches: could be a loose connection in the panel or the service. Have an electrician check it soon.

Panel and breaker problems

• A breaker that keeps tripping is doing its job and telling you a circuit is overloaded or has a fault. Unplug some things or move them to another circuit. If it keeps tripping, call an electrician. Never swap in a bigger breaker or fuse.
• A breaker that won't reset, or a panel that's warm, buzzing, rusty or scorched, needs a professional.
• Running out of capacity? An EV charger, heat pump, hot tub or kitchen remodel may need a panel or service upgrade. An electrician can work out whether your home can handle the load.
• GFCI and AFCI protection: GFCI outlets help protect against shock near water, and AFCI breakers help protect against fires from damaged or arcing wires. Ask an electrician whether your home has them where they're needed.

Memphis weather and your electrical system

Severe thunderstorms can bring down tree limbs and power lines, and lightning can send surges through your wiring that damage electronics and appliances. Hot, humid summers keep AC circuits under heavy load for months. If outages are a worry, ask an electrician about a whole-home surge protector or a properly installed generator transfer switch.

Permits, in plain terms

Many electrical jobs need a permit and an inspection, especially a panel or service upgrade, new circuits, an EV charger or a generator hookup. Simple swaps, like replacing a light fixture or outlet in the same spot, often don't, but the rules vary. The permit is how a city inspector checks that the work is safe, and a licensed electrician usually pulls it for you. Be cautious if an electrician suggests skipping a required permit. Unpermitted work can cause problems with insurance or when you sell. Ask your electrician, or check with Develop 901 Construction Enforcement (Memphis & Shelby County).

Questions to ask before you hire

• Are you licensed in Tennessee and insured? Can I see proof?
• Will I get a written estimate before work starts?
• Will you pull any required permit and schedule the inspection?
• What warranty covers parts and labor?

Electricians in Tennessee may need a state license, a local license or both, depending on the job. Ask for license numbers and check them with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.

More from official sources: U.S. Fire Administration: Appliance and electrical fire safety.

Disclosure: Memphis Home Pros is a free referral service, not a contractor. We connect callers with independent local providers who participate in our network. We may receive compensation from providers. We don't perform work, endorse or guarantee any provider. Always check licensing and insurance and get a written estimate.