Experienced Electricians
Experienced Electricians | Electrical Outlets | Electrical | Hixson
When sparks fly, breakers trip, or you simply need more places to plug in, HEP’s seasoned professionals are ready to help Hixson homeowners and businesses power up with confidence. Our electricians arrive in fully stocked trucks, diagnose problems fast, and install or replace electrical outlets that meet today’s codes—whether you’re adding convenient USB charging, tamper-resistant receptacles for the kids’ rooms, or weather-proof GFCIs for your outdoor living space. We know every project is different, so we listen first, explain your options in plain English, and give you an upfront price before the work begins.
From historic riverfront houses to bustling retail shops, we treat every property as if it were our own. You’ll get meticulous craftsmanship, friendly service, and a rock-solid satisfaction guarantee backed by one of Chattanooga’s most trusted home-service brands. Ready to eliminate extension-cord clutter, boost safety, and future-proof your power? Call or click today and HEP will be on the way!
FAQs
How do I know when an electrical outlet in my Hixson home needs to be replaced?
Replace an outlet if it shows any of the following: excessive heat on the cover plate, scorch marks or discoloration, cracking or broken housings, loose-gripping slots that let plugs fall out, buzzing or sparking when you plug something in, a persistent burning odor, or frequent breaker trips whenever the receptacle is used. Two-prong (ungrounded) outlets that still exist in older Hixson homes also merit replacement with properly grounded, three-prong or GFCI models to meet the National Electrical Code (NEC) and improve safety.
What kind of outlets are required by electrical code in kitchens and bathrooms around Hixson?
Hamilton County follows the NEC (currently the 2017 edition with local amendments). In both kitchens and bathrooms, every receptacle within 6 ft. of a sink must be GFCI-protected. In kitchens, all 120-V, 15- and 20-amp outlets serving countertop spaces must be both GFCI- and AFCI-protected, usually achieved with a GFCI/AFCI breaker or a dual-function receptacle. Small-appliance outlets in kitchens must be on at least two separate 20-amp circuits, while bathroom receptacles require a 20-amp dedicated circuit if they will power high-load grooming tools.
Can your electricians install USB or smart outlets in existing walls without major demolition?
Yes. Most USB-combo or Wi-Fi–enabled smart receptacles are direct, code-listed replacements for standard duplex outlets. As long as the existing box has enough cubic-inch capacity, a grounding conductor, and (for smart outlets) a neutral wire, we can swap the devices with minimal drywall disturbance. If the box is shallow or overfilled, we may need to install a larger “old-work” box. All smart/USB receptacles we install are UL-listed and meet the same GFCI/AFCI or tamper-resistant requirements that apply to conventional outlets.
Why do some outlets in newer homes have a red or amber indicator light?
Those lights are built-in self-diagnostics. An amber or green light on a GFCI or AFCI/GFCI combo means the device is powered and has passed its internal self-test. A flashing red or solid red light signals that the outlet has tripped or that its self-test failed, indicating it can no longer provide protection. Press the TEST and RESET buttons; if the red light persists, call a licensed electrician to replace the receptacle because protection against shock or arc fault may be compromised.
How much does it cost to add a completely new outlet with proper permitting in Hixson?
For a same-room feed (tapping an existing circuit in the same stud cavity), budget $125 – $250 per outlet, including a Hamilton County permit and a tamper-resistant receptacle. Running a new branch circuit back to the main panel, fishing wire through finished walls, or cutting brick/stone siding raises labor and material costs to $300 – $600 per receptacle. Adding GFCI/AFCI protection, upgrading the panel, or working in two-story sections with no attic/crawlspace access can increase that range. We provide firm, written estimates after a site visit.
Are tamper-resistant (TR) outlets mandatory in Hamilton County and Hixson?
Yes. NEC 406.12 requires tamper-resistant receptacles in nearly all areas of new or renovated dwelling units, including bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and outdoors. Hamilton County enforces this rule during electrical inspections, and replacing a worn or broken receptacle now triggers the same requirement. TR outlets have internal shutter mechanisms that block foreign objects but allow standard plugs, reducing shock hazards for children without affecting everyday use.