FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

General Electrical Questions

How do I know if my electrical panel needs to be upgraded?

If your home still has a fuse box, or if you notice your panel is warm to the touch, smells like ozone, or is a brand known for defects (like Federal Pacific or Zinsco), it’s time for an upgrade. We also recommend upgrades if you are adding high-draw appliances like EVs or hot tubs.

What size electrical service does my home need — 100 amp or 200 amp?

Most modern homes benefit from 200-amp service. While 100-amp was the standard for decades, our modern reliance on electronics, EVs, and high-efficiency HVAC systems often exceeds that capacity. 200-amp service provides “room to grow” for future renovations.

Is aluminum wiring dangerous?

Aluminum wiring (common in homes built between the mid-60s and mid-70s) isn’t inherently “dangerous,” but it is prone to expansion and contraction, which can loosen connections and cause house fires. We can evaluate your system and provide “AlumiConn” or “CO/ALR” retrofitting to make it as safe as copper.

Do I need AFCI or GFCI outlets? What’s the difference?

You likely need both!

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter): Prevents shocks. Required in “wet” areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors.

AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter): Prevents fires. It detects dangerous “arcing” (sparks) behind walls.
Modern codes require both in many areas of the home to ensure total protection.

Can I add more outlets to a room?

Absolutely. If you find yourself relying on a “daisy chain” of power strips, it’s safer and more convenient to have us install additional outlets. We can often fish wires through walls with minimal damage to your drywall.

Can you wire a hot tub or generator?

Absolutely. Both require specialized circuits. Hot tubs need specific GFCI protection for safety, and for generators, we install manual transfer switches or interlock kits to ensure you can power your home safely without back-feeding the grid.

Is it possible to add power to a detached shop or garage?

Yes! This is one of our specialties. Whether you need a simple light and a plug or a full sub-panel for heavy machinery and welding, we can trench the lines and get your workspace fully powered.

Do I need a permit for electrical work?

In most cases, yes. For your safety and for the sake of your home’s resale value, major electrical work must be permitted and inspected. We handle the permitting process for you to ensure everything is “to code.”

How long does a panel upgrade take?

Typically, a standard residential panel upgrade takes 8 to 10 hours. We coordinate with the utility company to disconnect and reconnect your power, usually resulting in only one day of downtime for your home.

Do you provide free estimates?

Yes, we provide free estimates for major projects like panel upgrades, car chargers, and remodels. For small service calls (like fixing a single dead outlet), we typically have a standard service call fee.

How quickly can you schedule a service call?

Our hours are Monday through Saturday 8am to 4:30pm. If it is an emergency, please call / text and we can make arrangements. Scheduling your project depends of the type of electrical work that is needed. Typically a light fixture replacement can be scheduled within 5 to 10 business days.

Emergency 24/7: Call / Text: (360) 298-5178

What's the difference between a circuit breaker and a fuse?

Fuses and circuit breakers both disrupt electricity flow during faults. Fuses use a metal strip that melts with excess current, requiring replacement, while circuit breakers trip to halt the circuit and can be reset. Fuses are cheaper initially but costly over time, whereas circuit breakers have higher upfront costs but save money long-term.

Q

Electrical Safety Questions

Why do my breakers keep tripping?

Breakers trip to prevent your wires from overheating and starting a fire. Usually, it’s one of three things:

Overloaded Circuit: You have too many appliances running on one line.
Short Circuit: A “hot” wire is touching a neutral or ground wire.
Ground Fault: Like a short, but the current is leaking to the ground.

If a breaker trips immediately after resetting, stop and call us—it’s a clear sign of a deeper electrical fault.

Are older homes in Skagit, Whatcom and Snohomish Counties safe electrically?

Many older homes in our area still have their original “knob and tube” wiring or ungrounded systems. While they worked for decades, they weren’t designed for the high-power demands of modern life (large TVs, microwaves, and space heaters). We recommend a safety inspection for any home over 40 years old to ensure your insulation hasn’t become brittle or dangerous.

What are the signs of an electrical fire risk?

Keep an eye (and ear) out for flickering lights, discolored or charred outlets, a persistent burning smell, or a buzzing sound coming from your walls or breaker panel. If your breakers trip frequently, your system is telling you something is wrong.

Is it safe to use extension cords long-term?

No. Extension cords are designed for temporary use only. They can easily overheat, degrade, or become trip hazards. If you find yourself needing a permanent extension cord, it’s much safer to have us install a permanent outlet in that location.

Is it normal for lights to flicker occasionally?

A minor flicker when a large appliance (like your AC or dryer) kicks on is common. However, persistent flickering, dimming, or “wavering” light can indicate loose wiring, a failing ballast, or issues with your main service connection. It’s worth an inspection to rule out a fire hazard.

Why does my outlet feel warm or smell like something is burning?

This is an electrical emergency. A warm outlet or a “fishy/burning” smell usually indicates a loose connection or arcing. Turn off the breaker to that circuit immediately and give us a call.

H

Home Inspections

What electrical issues commonly come up during home inspections?

Common “red flags” include:

Uncovered junction boxes.
Double-tapped breakers (two wires in one terminal).
Lack of GFCI protection in kitchens/baths.
Ungrounded “three-prong” outlets.

Can you provide electrical repairs before closing?

Yes. We understand the tight timelines of real estate transactions. If an inspector flags an issue, we can provide a quote and perform the repairs quickly to keep your closing on track.

If an inspector flags something, does it always need to be replaced?

Not necessarily, but it does need to be addressed. Sometimes an “issue” is just a minor code update, while other times it’s a serious safety hazard. We can provide a professional second opinion and a clear estimate for what truly needs to be fixed to satisfy the sale requirements.

How quickly can electrical work be done during a real estate transaction?

We prioritize real estate “crunch time” repairs. Once we have the inspection report, we can usually get out for a bid within 24–48 hours and complete most common repairs shortly after.

L

Lighting

What’s involved in installing recessed lighting?

It’s a great way to modernize a room! We typically use “wafer-style” LED lights now, which require very small holes in your ceiling and can often be installed without a major construction mess. We’ll handle the wiring, switch installation (including dimmers), and layout.

Can you install under-cabinet lighting or shop lighting?

Yes! Under-cabinet LEDs are one of the most popular kitchen upgrades we do—it changes the whole feel of the room. For shops, we can install high-output LED shop lights that are much brighter and more energy-efficient than old fluorescent tubes.

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Electrical concern or upgrade needed?

We’re here to help.

Electrical Issues?

We are are available to diagnose and repair issues with your electrical system, whether it’s a malfunctioning appliance, outlet, switch, or wiring. We’ll also provide an upfront estimate for the necessary repairs.

Electrical Upgrades

Is your home’s electrical system keeping up with your power needs? We offer service upgrades to improve capacity and ensure your home can handle modern appliances and devices without compromising safety.

LED Light Install

Save energy and reduce costs by converting your current lighting to energy-efficient LED options. We handle the installation and make sure the new lighting meets your needs.

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