• 104 Garner Ave, Madison, TN 37115
Schedule Now
Enter to Win!
Schedule Now!

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

General Questions

At Craddock Electrical, we’re committed to providing honest answers and dependable service from start to finish. Whether you’re in Middle Tennessee or the Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg area, our licensed electricians deliver trusted, professional service backed by integrity and experience.
Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions homeowners ask before booking an appointment.

1. Are your electricians licensed and insured?

Absolutely. Every Craddock Electrical technician is fully licensed, insured, background-checked, and drug-tested for your safety and peace of mind.

We do not offer free on-site estimates. All service visits require a $79 service charge, which covers travel, inspection, and a professional evaluation by a certified technician. Once the technician evaluates the job, we’ll provide clear pricing and options for your project or repair.

We proudly serve homeowners and businesses across Middle Tennessee, including Sumner, Robertson, Davidson, and surrounding counties.

From panel upgrades and lighting installs to whole-home rewiring and surge protection — our licensed electricians handle all electrical repairs, maintenance, and installation needs.

You can book online anytime at craddockelectrical.com, call (615) 822-9983, or message our team through our contact form.

Yes — Craddock Electrical provides emergency electrical service for urgent issues like power loss, burning odors, tripped breakers, or sparking outlets. We prioritize safety-related calls to protect your home and family. Just let our team know it’s an emergency when you call (615) 822-9983, and we’ll dispatch the first available licensed technician.

Absolutely. Our technicians take time to inspect your system, diagnose the issue, and clearly explain what’s happening before any work begins. You’ll receive straightforward recommendations and transparent pricing — no hidden fees, no surprises.

We handle all sizes of residential and commercial electrical work, including:

  • Breaker panel and service upgrades

  • Indoor and outdoor lighting

  • Generator hookups and surge protection

  • Smart home and EV charger installations

  • Whole-home rewiring and safety inspections
    Whether it’s a simple outlet repair or a full remodel, our licensed electricians have you covered.

No. Every project is completed by Craddock Electrical’s own trained, licensed, and insured technicians. That means you get consistent quality, accountability, and service backed by our in-house standards — never a third-party contractor.

If you notice flickering lights, tripped breakers, buzzing switches, or outlets that feel warm, it’s time for a professional inspection. Aging or damaged wiring can create fire hazards or power loss. Our certified electricians can perform a whole-home safety inspection to evaluate your electrical system and bring it up to code.

All of our work is backed by a satisfaction guarantee and covered under our parts and labor warranty. If something isn’t right, we make it right — no exceptions. We stand behind our workmanship and use only trusted materials from reputable manufacturers.

After your appointment, we send follow-up messages to confirm that everything is working properly. You’ll also receive seasonal tips and reminders to keep your system running efficiently. Our goal is to build a long-term relationship, not a one-time transaction.

Craddock Electrical blends small-town values with modern expertise. We believe in honesty, education, and professionalism. Our team explains every step of the process, provides upfront pricing, and treats your home with care. It’s why so many Tennessee homeowners trust us generation after generation.

Yes — customer satisfaction is at the core of what we do. Our office follows up after each job to ensure the service met your expectations and that everything is functioning safely. If you ever have questions after your visit, we’re only a phone call away.

Craddock Electrical proudly serves Middle Tennessee, including Hendersonville, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, White House, Portland, and Springfield, as well as Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg in East Tennessee.
We’re honored to serve homeowners and businesses across both regions with dependable, local electrical expertise.

We’re here to help! Call (615) 822-9983 or visit our Contact Page. Whether you have a quick question or need a full electrical consultation, our licensed professionals are happy to assist.

FAQs

Billing & Pricing

Craddock Electrical believes in complete transparency. We want every customer to feel confident knowing exactly what they’re paying for — no hidden fees, no surprises. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our pricing, service charges, and payment options.

1. Why do you charge a $79 service fee?

Our $79 service fee covers travel, vehicle maintenance, and a full diagnostic visit by a licensed and background-checked technician. During this visit, your electrician will perform a safety inspection and provide upfront pricing for any recommended repairs. If you move forward with the work, the service fee is credited toward your total.

Yes. Every job starts with a detailed quote so you know exactly what to expect — including labor, materials, and time frame. We never begin work without your approval, and there are no surprise add-ons or hidden charges.

We accept all major credit cards, checks, and digital payments. We also offer financing options for larger projects to make upgrades and safety improvements affordable.

Yes! Craddock Electrical partners with trusted lenders to provide flexible financing for major projects such as panel upgrades, generator installations, EV chargers, or whole-home rewiring. Ask your technician or our office team for details about available plans.

Emergency and after-hours calls are subject to a slightly higher diagnostic rate due to increased staffing costs. However, our technicians will always explain pricing before any work begins — so you can approve or decline service without pressure.

Yes! Our CAP Plan (Craddock Advantage Program) gives members priority scheduling, discounted repairs, and annual safety inspections to help prevent costly breakdowns. It’s a great way to keep your electrical system safe, efficient, and up to date year-round.

Absolutely. Once you receive an estimate, that price will not change unless you request additional work. We stand by our word and our written quotes — transparency is part of the Craddock Electrical promise.

Yes. After your service, you’ll receive an electronic invoice that can be paid securely online using a credit or debit card. You’ll also have access to a detailed receipt for your records.

We take pride in every job. If something isn’t right, call us immediately — our workmanship guarantee covers follow-up adjustments or corrections at no additional cost. Your satisfaction comes first.

Electrical

FAQS

Electrical systems are the backbone of every home and business, and they deserve expert attention. At Craddock Electrical, our licensed technicians handle everything from troubleshooting to full installations — always with safety, code compliance, and your peace of mind in focus. Below are answers to the electrical questions we’re asked most often.

1. Why do my lights flicker or dim sometimes?

Flickering lights often mean your circuit is overloaded, your wiring is loose, or your electrical panel is outdated. While it might seem minor, it can indicate a potential safety issue. Our technicians can inspect your system, pinpoint the cause, and ensure your home’s wiring is safe and up to code.

If your breakers trip frequently, your panel is warm to the touch, or you still have fuses instead of breakers, it’s likely time for an upgrade. Modern panels are designed to handle today’s higher power demands safely and efficiently. A Craddock technician can evaluate your system and recommend the right upgrade for your home.

Yes — surge protection is one of the most important safeguards for your home’s electronics and appliances. Power surges can be caused by lightning, utility issues, or even major appliances cycling on and off. A professionally installed surge protection system can save thousands in potential damage.

First, check if the circuit breaker has tripped or if a GFCI outlet needs to be reset. If that doesn’t fix it, it’s best to call a licensed electrician — the issue could involve wiring damage, a faulty connection, or an overloaded circuit. Our team will diagnose the cause safely and restore power quickly.

Tripped breakers are a sign that a circuit is drawing more current than it’s designed for. Common causes include overloaded outlets, faulty appliances, or wiring problems. Never force a breaker to stay on — call us to inspect and prevent potential fire hazards.

Absolutely. Craddock Electrical installs a variety of Level 2 home EV chargers for brands like Tesla, Ford, and Chevrolet. We ensure the wiring, breaker capacity, and dedicated circuit meet manufacturer and code requirements so your charger runs safely and efficiently.

Yes! We specialize in smart switches, dimmers, timers, and full-home lighting control systems. Whether you’re upgrading to smart bulbs or designing a fully automated system, our electricians can integrate the technology safely into your home.

We recommend a comprehensive electrical safety inspection every year,, or immediately if you move into an older home. Regular inspections catch small issues before they become major hazards and help ensure compliance with current electrical codes.

Electrical repairs should always be handled by a licensed electrician. Even small mistakes can lead to serious injury or fire hazards. Our team follows strict safety procedures and code requirements on every job to protect your home and your family.

Yes. We offer energy-saving solutions like LED lighting upgrades, occupancy sensors, and smart thermostats that help lower utility costs while improving comfort and safety.

We do! Our electricians install standby and portable generators, including automatic transfer switch systems. We’ll size your generator properly for your home’s load requirements and handle all permitting and safety connections.

You can start by ensuring all outlets near water sources are GFCI-protected, upgrading old two-prong outlets, scheduling regular inspections, and installing whole-home surge protection. Our technicians can assess your entire system and recommend simple upgrades that enhance both safety and efficiency.

Call (615) 822-9983 or Contact Us Online.
Our licensed electricians are here to answer your questions, inspect your system, and keep your home running safely — from Middle Tennessee to Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg.

Storm & Emergency Electrical

FAQS

Storms in Middle Tennessee can cause serious electrical issues, from power surges to damaged wiring and partial outages. After heavy rain, lightning, or high winds, it’s important to make sure your electrical system is safe and functioning properly. Below are answers to the most common storm-related electrical questions we get from homeowners, along with guidance on when to call a licensed electrician.

1. What should I do if my home has electrical issues after a storm?

After a storm, avoid using any outlets or switches that seem damaged or not working properly. If you notice flickering lights, tripped breakers, or partial power, it’s best to have a licensed electrician inspect your system to make sure everything is safe before continuing normal use.

Yes, it can be. Flickering lights may indicate damaged wiring, loose connections, or issues with your electrical panel. While it may seem minor, it can lead to bigger safety concerns if not addressed.

Common signs include flickering or dimming lights, outlets not working, breakers tripping repeatedly, burning smells, or partial power in your home. These can all indicate underlying electrical damage that should be inspected.

You should call right away if you notice burning smells, buzzing sounds, sparks, exposed wiring, or loss of power to part of your home. These can be signs of serious electrical issues that need immediate attention.

Yes. Lightning strikes and power surges can cause hidden damage to wiring, your panel, and appliances. Even if everything seems fine, it’s a good idea to have your system checked if your home was affected by a storm.

This usually means a breaker has tripped, a circuit is damaged, or there’s an issue with wiring in that specific area. Storms can cause partial outages like this, and it’s best to have it inspected to find the root cause.

You can reset a breaker once, but if it trips again, do not continue resetting it. Repeated tripping is a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be diagnosed by a professional.

Turn off power to that area immediately if possible and avoid using it. A burning smell is a serious warning sign and should be inspected by a licensed electrician as soon as possible.

Yes. Even if your system continues working, storms can weaken components over time. This can lead to future failures if not addressed early.

In many cases, storm-related electrical damage may be covered, but it depends on your policy. We can document the issue and provide information to help with your claim if needed.

Yes. We can perform a full electrical inspection to check for damage, safety issues, and any problems caused by storms or power surges.

Surge Protection

FAQS

Power surges are one of the most common causes of electrical damage in homes, especially during storm season in Middle Tennessee. A single surge can damage or shorten the lifespan of appliances, HVAC systems, and electronics throughout your home. Whole-home surge protection is one of the most effective ways to protect your electrical system and everything connected to it. Below are answers to the most common questions homeowners ask about surge protection.

1. Do I really need a whole-home surge protector?

Yes. In Middle Tennessee, storms and power fluctuations are common, and a whole-home surge protector helps protect your entire electrical system from sudden voltage spikes that can damage appliances and electronics.

It protects everything connected to your electrical system, including TVs, refrigerators, HVAC systems, computers, and smart home devices. It works at your electrical panel to stop surges before they reach your devices.

Power strips provide limited protection for individual devices, but they don’t protect your entire home. A whole-home surge protector offers a much higher level of protection by stopping surges at the source.

Power surges can be caused by lightning strikes, storms, utility grid issues, or even large appliances turning on and off inside your home. Most surges actually originate from within the home.

Small power surges happen more frequently than most homeowners realize, often without noticeable signs. Over time, these small surges can damage electronics and reduce their lifespan.

The cost can vary depending on your electrical system, but it’s typically one of the most affordable upgrades you can make to protect thousands of dollars in appliances and electronics. We provide upfront pricing after evaluating your system.

Whole-home surge protectors typically last several years, depending on how often they absorb surges. Over time, they can wear out and may need to be replaced to maintain full protection.

While no system can guarantee 100% protection from a direct lightning strike, a whole-home surge protector significantly reduces the risk of damage from most lightning-related surges and power spikes.

Yes. Many homeowners don’t realize damage is happening until an appliance fails. Surge protection is a preventative measure that helps avoid costly repairs and replacements.

It’s installed directly at your electrical panel, which allows it to protect your entire home instead of just individual outlets.

In most cases, yes. Our electricians can evaluate your panel and determine the best surge protection solution for your home.

For most homeowners, yes. It’s a relatively small investment compared to the cost of replacing major appliances, HVAC systems, or electronics damaged by power surges.

Scheduling & Service

FAQS

We know that scheduling electrical service can come with a lot of questions — especially when you’re dealing with an issue in your home or business. At Craddock Electrical, we make the process simple, clear, and stress-free from the first call to the completed job. Below are answers to common questions about scheduling, what to expect, and how our service process works.

1. How quickly can you come out?

We do our best to offer same-day or next-day service whenever possible. Availability depends on our current schedule, but we prioritize urgent electrical issues and work to respond as quickly as we can.

You can schedule by calling our office or booking online through our website. Our team will help find a time that works for you and make sure your issue is properly noted before your appointment.

Once your appointment is scheduled, a licensed electrician will arrive on time, assess the issue, explain what’s going on, and provide upfront pricing before any work begins.

Yes, in most cases we recommend someone be present so we can walk you through the issue, explain the work, and answer any questions before and after the job is completed.

Absolutely. We believe in clear communication. Our technicians will explain the issue, go over your options, and provide pricing before any work is performed.

The time varies depending on the issue, but many common electrical problems can be diagnosed and repaired during the same visit. Larger projects may require additional time or scheduling.

Make sure the area is accessible and clear of obstacles if possible. If you’re experiencing a specific issue, it helps to take note of when it started and what you’ve noticed.

Yes. We respect your home and make sure the work area is cleaned up before we leave.

Just give us a call as soon as possible and we’ll work with you to find a new time that fits your schedule.

Yes, we keep you informed with reminders and updates so you know when your technician is on the way.

Yes. Let us know everything you’d like looked at when scheduling, and we’ll do our best to address multiple issues during the same visit.

We serve homeowners and businesses throughout Middle Tennessee, including Nashville, Hendersonville, Gallatin, and surrounding areas.

Commercial Electrical

FAQS

Craddock Electrical provides reliable electrical services for both residential and commercial properties throughout Middle Tennessee. We understand that businesses rely on safe and efficient electrical systems to operate smoothly. Whether you need repairs, upgrades, or new installations, our licensed electricians are equipped to handle a wide range of commercial electrical needs. Below are answers to common questions from business owners and property managers.

1. Do you provide commercial electrical services?

Yes. Craddock Electrical works with both residential and commercial clients. We handle everything from troubleshooting and repairs to installations and upgrades for businesses throughout Middle Tennessee.

We work with a variety of commercial properties, including offices, retail spaces, warehouses, and other business facilities. If you have a specific project, we’re happy to take a look and provide a solution.

Yes. Our team is experienced in handling both small and large-scale electrical work, from minor repairs to more complex installations and upgrades.

Absolutely. If you’re experiencing power issues, equipment problems, or inconsistent electrical performance, we can diagnose the issue and provide the right solution.

Yes. We can upgrade panels, circuits, and electrical systems to meet current demands and ensure everything is safe and up to code.

Yes. We install, repair, and maintain electrical panels and can assist with commercial-grade equipment, including switchgear and distribution systems.

Yes. We can work with businesses to provide ongoing electrical maintenance and support to help prevent issues and keep systems running smoothly.

Yes. We install and upgrade lighting systems and can recommend energy-efficient solutions to help reduce operating costs.

We understand that downtime impacts your business. We do our best to work around your schedule whenever possible to minimize disruptions.

Yes. We can assist with electrical work for new construction, tenant build-outs, and renovations.

You can call us or schedule an appointment, and we’ll evaluate your project and provide clear, upfront pricing based on your needs.

We focus on reliability, clear communication, and doing the job right. Our licensed electricians work efficiently while maintaining safety and quality standards your business can depend on.

Warm or Loose Outlets? Don’t Ignore Them.
If an outlet feels warm, loose, or discolored, it could signal a wiring issue. Shut off power to that circuit and call a licensed electrician right away — overheating can lead to electrical fires.
Learn More
Why Surge Protection Matters Year-Round
Lightning and power grid fluctuations can send voltage spikes through your home. Whole-home surge protection safeguards your electronics and appliances from damage.
Learn More
Avoid the Tripped Breaker Blues
Plugging too many high-draw devices into one outlet can overload circuits. Spread out appliances and use surge-protected strips — or ask us about adding a dedicated circuit.
Schedule an Inspection
Prevent Problems Before They Start
An inspection every 3–5 years ensures your wiring and panel meet safety codes. Small issues like loose connections can be fixed before they cause bigger problems.
Book an Electrical Safety Check
Ready for an Electric Vehicle?
We install EV chargers that meet manufacturer specs and local code requirements. Safe, convenient, and future-ready.
EV Charger Installation
Still have questions?
If you don’t see your question here, give us a call — we’re happy to help.
📞 (615) 822-9983
🌐 Schedule online: craddockelectrical.com
Learn About Outdoor Lighting
When to Call an Electrician
Smelling burning plastic, seeing sparks, or flickering lights are signs of danger. Turn off the breaker and call us immediately — safety comes first.
Call Now
Rated 5 out of 5

“Craddock Electrical installed a generator for my home, and it was a game-changer during the last storm! The team was knowledgeable, courteous, and made sure everything was set up perfectly. Highly recommend!”

Sarah L.

Satisfied Customer

Schedule Your Service TODAY!