Frequently asked Electrical Questions

Serving areas of Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport TN

While you may consider yourself handy, and skilled at DIY projects, most electrical installation and repairs should be left to the professionals. However, you may still have some questions regarding your electrical system.

Thompson Electrical Service, your team of licensed electricians in Kingsport, has compiled a list of answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding electrical systems. If you don’t find your question and answer here, you can always contact us for more information.

What’s the difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker?

Both disrupt the flow of electricity when a fault is detected in the system. The main difference is that, if a fuse blows, it will need to be replaced. A circuit breaker, when tripped, only needs to be re-set. Because they are more convenient, circuit breakers are much more common.

What is a short circuit?

If a wire carrying an electrical current makes contact with either the grounded conductor wire or the equipment ground wire, this creates excessive heat, which may manifest as sparks in your electrical panel. If you see these sparks, you probably have witnessed a short circuit and should contact your electrician in Johnson City to service your panel as soon as possible.

What is a GCFI outlet?

GCFI outlets are designed to protect against electrical shock if moisture is present. Usually installed in areas near a water source such as in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas, these outlets include test and reset buttons. Pressing the test button turns off the outlet. Pressing the reset button turns on the outlet again after being tripped. If pressing the reset button does not re-activate the outlet, call an electrician to troubleshoot and possibly repair the outlet, if necessary.

Why do my light bulbs keep blowing out?

If you notice light bulbs continue to blow out in the same fixture, this might mean the fixture is overheating, which could occur if the fixture has been built with poor airflow design. It also could be a fire hazard. Have an electrician in Bristol inspect your light fixture if bulbs are blowing out on a regular basis.

How can I tell if my electrical panel is safe?

If you live in an older home, your electrical panel may not be up for meeting the demands of modern appliances and electronic devices. If the panel is less than 200 amps, you should have it upgraded at your earliest convenience.

How much does a professional electrician cost?

We prefer to give all price estimates in person, as a quote over the phone could change once one of our professional electricians sees the job up close. Providing an in-person diagnosis, followed by an estimate, is the most accurate way to give you an idea of the expected cost.

How can I lower my energy usage?

Saving energy isn’t just about being “green.” It also will save you money. Energy-saving measures include retrofitting fluorescent fixtures, replacing older fixtures with energy-efficient alternatives, or even switching to LED technology—which improves lighting levels while reducing energy usage.

Electrical Service in Kingsport

Whether it’s for a home, a business, or an industrial construction site, Thompson Electrical Service can meet all your electrical needs. We carry up-to-date licenses in all areas of electrical work, and also offer 24-hour service in the event of an emergency. For more information or to schedule an on-site evaluation by one of our professional technicians, call (423) 343-5726.

Thompson Electrical Service is here for customers in the areas of Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport in Tennessee.