If your power goes out in Nashville this summer, first check your breaker panel. If breakers haven’t tripped, check whether neighbors also lost power before assuming it’s an isolated electrical problem in your home.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Check your electrical panel for tripped breakers
- Look outside – if neighbors are dark too, it’s a utility outage, not your home’s electrical system
- Unplug or turn off major appliances (AC, water heater) to prevent surge damage when power returns
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food
- Report the outage to your utility provider if it’s not already listed on their outage map
When It’s a Utility Outage vs. Your Home’s Electrical System
If your neighbors have power but you don’t, the problem is isolated to your home – often a tripped main breaker, a damaged service line, or a meter issue. This is when you need a licensed electrician, not the utility company.
Protecting Your Home During Outages
- Surge protection: Power often surges when it’s restored – whole-home surge protection guards your appliances and electronics.
- Standby generator: Automatically powers your home during an outage without any manual setup.
- Sump pump backup: Important if summer storms bring heavy rain along with the outage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is food safe in the refrigerator during an outage?
An unopened refrigerator keeps food safe for about 4 hours. A full freezer holds temperature for about 48 hours if left closed.
Should I unplug my AC during an outage?
Yes – turning off or unplugging your AC unit prevents a damaging power surge to the compressor when electricity is restored.
When should I call an electrician instead of the utility company?
If the outage is isolated to your home while neighbors still have power, or if you notice sparking, burning smells, or a tripped main breaker that won’t reset.
Craddock Electrical provides emergency electrical service and generator installation across Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Contact us to prepare your home before the next storm.