Electrical Basics for Back to School

Jan 27, 2025

The start of a new semester is always a busy time in Fayetteville. Families all across town are getting back into the swing of things with everything from shopping for school supplies to coordinating carpool schedules. While you’re preparing for the hustle and bustle of school life, there’s one area that often gets overlooked: your home’s electrical system.
Whether you’ve got young kids in elementary school, teenagers navigating high school, or you’re juggling your own college coursework at the University of Arkansas, a few electrical upgrades and safety checks can make a world of difference.
In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Electric, we share some practical and budget-friendly tips to ensure your home is ready for the academic year ahead. If you’d rather have a certified electrician in Fayetteville evaluate your system, then call Mr. Electric to get started with a consultation.

Create Study-Friendly Spaces

As assignments pile up, your kids (or you) will need a comfortable and well-lit space for studying. Good lighting is essential for staying focused and avoiding eye strain. Here are some tips for those late-night cram sessions:

Upgrade to LED Lighting: LED bulbs are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and provide excellent brightness.
Install Dimmable Lights: These flexible lights let you adjust the brightness for different times of day and activities.
Add USB Outlets: With laptops, tablets, and smartphones in constant use, USB wall outlets can keep devices charged without needing bulky adapters.

Power Up Safely

With more devices in use than ever before, your home’s outlets and circuits could be under more strain than they’re designed to handle. Overloaded outlets and outdated wiring aren’t just inconvenient; they can be dangerous.
Inspect your outlets for looseness or sparking, and replace or repair affected outlets before they become a fire hazard. If you’re going to use power strips, then look for ones that include surge protection and can handle multiple devices safely.
If you’ve noticed flickering lights, frequently tripping breakers, or a lack of outlets for your growing tech setup, then it might be time for an electrical panel upgrade. This is work that should be left to certified electricians.

Stay Connected with Smart Technology

Smart home technology isn’t just convenient; it can also boost your home’s safety and efficiency. Here are a few gadgets that can make your school year smoother:

Smart Outlets: Turn “dumb” fixtures and appliances into smart ones so that you can remotely control them from your phone.
Smart Thermostats: With kids in and out all day, a smart thermostat can save you money by optimizing your home’s heating and cooling schedule.

Schedule a Professional Electrical Inspection

The best way to ensure your home’s electrical system is safe and efficient is to have it inspected by a certified electrician. They’ll check for vulnerabilities, issues, and potential for upgrades. They’ll also recommend electrical repair and make sure everything’s up to code.
Need help getting started? Reach out to Mr. Electric to get in touch with a licensed electrician in Fayetteville, AR.