Metro Codes Alert: Always verify the that any contractor has the proper license before you hire them to perform any building or trades work. Property owners can verify a contractor’s credentials by visiting verify.tn.gov.
Codes Electrical Emergency Reconnects
The Department of Codes and Building Safety provides 24-hour assistance to any emergency electrical service reconnect call.
"Emergency Reconnects", are emergencies which have resulted in power outages or destruction of electrical services. These normally include thunderstorms, windstorms, hailstorms, snowstorms, ice storms, prolonged freezing temperatures, fires, explosions, and vehicular accidents. Of course other catastrophes may also require an emergency response (tornado, earthquake, building collapse, etc...).
The Electrical Inspection Division of the Department of Codes and Building Safety is truly an emergency working unit.
What Steps Should Be Taken To Have Repairs Made?
If a building has sustained electrical damage, property owners must secure the services of a licensed electrical contractor to complete repairs. Contractors should always be verified as properly licensed before work begins.
To have electrical service restored by Nashville Electric Service (NES), the following steps must be completed:
- Secure a licensed electrical contractor to make all necessary repairs to the electrical system.
- After repairs are completed, the contractor contacts the on-duty Metro Codes Electrical Inspector to request an inspection.
- Metro Codes will immediately conduct a virtual inspection of the repaired electrical work.
- Once the work is approved, Metro Codes issues a required release number to NES, allowing electrical service to be restored.
After the release number has been issued, all remaining steps are handled by Nashville Electric Service. For updates following the issuance of a release number, contact NES directly at 615-736-6900.
Tips to Avoid Electrical Hazards During Reconnection
When a building is reconnected to the power grid, voltage spikes may occur, potentially damaging electrical components and increasing the risk of fire.
Residents and property owners are urged to follow these safety precautions:
- Leave the main electrical breaker turned off and unplug all appliances before power is restored.
- Once power is restored, reenergize appliances one at a time.
- Disconnect any generators or external power sources connected to the electrical system, as these create serious fire hazards and can delay power restoration.
The Nashville Fire Department stresses that improper electrical reconnection can lead to dangerous conditions.
Who is Responsible for the Repairs?
The property owner's responsibility begins where Nashville Electric Service connects the service drop wires that are run from the electric pole and transformer to the owners building or house and connects to the service wires that are going into the owners service riser and meter base where the electric meter is installed.
Any damage to the electrical system from this point to the electrical breaker panel or fuse box must be repaired by a licensed electrical contractor at the owner's expense.
