Don’t Let an Outdated Panel Turn Your Building Into a Fire Hazard
If you manage a commercial building in Bartlett or nearby towns like Lakeland or Arlington, you already know the quirks that come with older infrastructure. From flickering lights in back offices to circuit breakers that mysteriously shut down multiple rooms at once, age always leaves a mark. But among all the issues you might face, few are more dangerous than commercial panel failure.
Electrical panels act as the control center of your building’s power system. When they are overloaded, neglected, or simply too old, they can do more than cause inconvenience. They can spark full-scale electrical fires. In Bartlett’s humid, storm-prone climate, these risks increase even further. At ServiceMaster by Cornerstone, we partner with property managers and owners to identify electrical fire hazards and restore buildings quickly after panel-related incidents.
Why Commercial Panel Failure Is a Growing Threat
Panels installed before 1990 may not meet today’s higher power demands.
Certain brands, such as Zinsco and Federal Pacific Electric (FPE), have a long history of failure yet remain in use in older buildings.
Tennessee’s humid climate accelerates corrosion, especially in outdoor or poorly ventilated panel locations.
Undetected arcing can smolder behind walls for hours before triggering alarms.
Many commercial properties expand without upgrading panels, creating overload situations.
Breakers that trip constantly, or worse, fail to trip at all, signal dangerous conditions.
At ServiceMaster by Cornerstone, we work hand-in-hand with certified electricians to evaluate these risks. If a fire occurs, our team is ready to restore both visible damage and hidden problems caused by smoke, soot, or water suppression efforts.
Warning Signs You’re at Risk for an Electrical Fire
A burning or metallic smell near panels or outlets.
Heat radiating from the panel cover in normal conditions.
Discolored outlets or flickering lights that point to larger system issues.
Circuit breakers that trip often or fail to respond when overloaded.
Buzzing sounds near breaker boxes or switches.
Tenant complaints about surges, outages, or inconsistent power.
Our fire recovery crews document every detail of panel damage, coordinate with insurers, and bring in licensed electrical specialists when necessary. With quick response protocols, we contain fire-related damage and reduce costly downtime.
Bartlett’s Building Landscape: Why Age and Layout Matter
Many commercial properties in Bartlett, particularly along Stage Road or near Elmore Park, were built in the 1970s and 1980s. These structures often contain aluminum wiring and breaker boxes that were never intended to power today’s modern systems. HVAC units, computer networks, security systems, and high-efficiency lighting all push electrical infrastructure far beyond its original design.
Other risks come from building modifications. Restaurants, schools, and medical offices sometimes tap into already overburdened panels during renovations. Add Bartlett’s fluctuating humidity and frequent storms, and the potential for surges and corrosion only increases.
ServiceMaster by Cornerstone knows these buildings well. Our restoration team has seen how overlooked panels become weak points, and we bring both local knowledge and advanced fire recovery methods to protect your property.
What Happens When a Panel Fails: The Chain Reaction
When a panel fails, the results can be immediate and devastating:
Arc flashes generate temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun, igniting materials within seconds.
Fires often start behind drywall or ceilings, spreading unseen.
Plastic insulation on wiring produces toxic smoke that contaminates office and storage spaces.
Smoke penetrates wall studs, insulation, and HVAC systems, creating odors and indoor air quality problems.
Suppression efforts, including sprinklers and fire department response, add water damage to the mix.
Our crews handle all aspects of cleanup, from removing fire-damaged drywall to deploying HEPA air scrubbers and ozone treatments. With complete restoration services, we ensure the building is safe, clean, and ready to reopen.
Fire Prevention Tips for Bartlett Property Managers
Schedule annual electrical inspections with a licensed electrician.
Replace outdated or recalled panels, even if they appear functional.
Use clear breaker labels and avoid loading multiple systems onto one circuit.
Keep storage and flammable materials at least three feet away from panels.
Install smoke detectors near electrical rooms in addition to tenant spaces.
Maintain written records of all electrical upgrades and incidents.
Train staff to recognize signs of panel overheating, tripping, or arcing.
Preparedness is the best way to protect tenants and reduce costly fire events. If a fire does break out, ServiceMaster by Cornerstone is your first call for recovery and electrical infrastructure restoration.
How We Restore Buildings After Electrical Panel Fires
Restoring a building after an electrical panel fire requires quick action and careful attention to detail. Our team begins by securing the scene and assessing the extent of fire, smoke, and water damage. With infrared cameras and moisture mapping tools, we locate hidden issues like damp insulation or lingering heat spots that could cause future problems.
Next, we remove or dry damaged materials such as drywall, carpet, and insulation, always following IICRC S700 standards to prevent further damage or mold growth. At the same time, we coordinate with licensed electricians to repair or replace compromised wiring and electrical systems so the building’s infrastructure is safe.
To restore indoor air quality, we deploy HEPA air scrubbers, odor neutralizers, and drying equipment that eliminate smoke odors and stabilize humidity. Salvageable items are cleaned and disinfected, while unsalvageable materials are responsibly discarded according to EPA guidelines.
Throughout the process, we keep detailed documentation and photographs to support insurance claims, helping property managers avoid delays. The result is a building that is safe, clean, and ready to be used again with confidence.
Schedule an Inspection or Fire Restoration Consultation
If your building shows signs of outdated electrical systems, or you have already experienced a commercial panel failure, take action before sparks turn into a fire. Call ServiceMaster by Cornerstone in Bartlett today. We will inspect, restore, and help safeguard your property from the risks of aging electrical infrastructure.
