Electrical FAQs for Washington Homeowners
Straight answers to the questions we hear most in Tacoma and Pierce County homes.
If you see smoke or flames, get out and call 911. If something is sparking, hot to the touch, or smells like burning, stop using it and call a licensed electrician.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Why does my breaker keep tripping?
A breaker trips to cut power before wiring overheats. The three most common causes are an overloaded circuit (too many devices on one circuit), a short circuit (a hot wire touching a neutral or ground), and a ground fault or arc fault detected by a GFCI or AFCI breaker. If it trips when one appliance runs, that appliance or its circuit is the likely cause. If it trips with nothing running, or right after you reset it, call an electrician.
Is it dangerous if a breaker keeps tripping?
The trip itself is the breaker doing its job. The risk is the cause behind it, such as an overloaded circuit, damaged wiring, or a failing breaker. Repeated trips mean something needs to be found and fixed, not reset again. Never put in a larger breaker to stop the trips. The breaker has to match the wire size.
How do I safely reset a tripped breaker?
Turn off or unplug what’s on that circuit. Find the breaker with its handle in the middle or OFF position, push it firmly to OFF, then back to ON. If it trips again right away, leave it off and call an electrician. If the panel is hot, buzzing loudly, or smells like burning, don’t touch it.
Why is my outlet not working when no breaker is tripped?
Check for a tripped GFCI outlet first. One GFCI outlet, the kind with TEST and RESET buttons, can protect other outlets downstream, often in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoors. Press RESET on each GFCI you can find, and check whether a wall switch controls the outlet. If it still doesn’t work, it may be a loose connection, which can overheat. Have it checked.
Why do my lights flicker?
A single flickering light is usually a loose bulb, a failing fixture, or an LED bulb that doesn’t match the dimmer. Lights that flicker or dim throughout the house, or when a large appliance starts, can point to an overloaded circuit, a loose connection in the panel, or a problem at the service connection. Whole-house flickering should be inspected promptly.
Why is my electrical panel buzzing?
A faint hum from breakers under load can be normal. A loud buzz, crackling, or any new sound, especially with heat, discoloration, or a burning smell, can mean a loose connection or a failing breaker. Don’t open or touch the panel. Keep the area clear and call an electrician.
When is an electrical problem an emergency?
Treat it as an emergency if you see smoke or flames, smell burning plastic, see sparks, find an outlet, switch, or panel that is hot to the touch, or someone gets a shock. If there is smoke or fire, get out and call 911. For a downed power line, stay far away and call 911 or your utility.
Electrical Panels & Upgrades
What are the signs I need an electrical panel upgrade?
Common signs are breakers that trip often, no open slots for new circuits, a fuse box, a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel, rust or heat damage, and plans that add major load, such as an EV charger, heat pump, hot tub, or induction range. A load calculation shows whether your current service can handle what you want to add.
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost?
It depends on the scope. Replacing a panel on your existing service costs less than a service upgrade, such as going from 100 to 200 amps, which also involves the utility. Panel location, grounding updates, and the surge protection now required by code also affect the price. Panel replacements start at $2,299.99, and we give you an exact quote after a free onsite visit.
Is a Federal Pacific (FPE) Stab-Lok panel dangerous?
We recommend replacing it. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission testing found that Stab-Lok breakers failed certain Underwriters Laboratories calibration tests. The CPSC closed its investigation in 1983 without a recall, and in 2011 it clarified that the matter was closed without a determination on the breakers’ safety. That’s not a clean bill of health.
Is a whole-house surge protector required in Washington?
Yes, when your electrical service is new or replaced. National Electrical Code section 230.67, which Washington enforces, requires a surge-protective device on services supplying homes, including service replacements. Washington L&I lists missing surge protection among its most frequent electrical corrections. We include it in every qualifying panel project.
Old & Unsafe Wiring
Is knob and tube wiring safe?
Knob and tube wiring was installed in homes built from the late 1800s into the 1940s, so most of it is now more than 80 years old. It has no ground wire, its insulation can become brittle, and it must not be buried in thermal insulation. Many insurance companies limit or decline coverage on homes with active knob and tube. We recommend an inspection and, in most cases, replacement.
Is aluminum wiring dangerous?
It can be. The risk is at the connections. Aluminum branch-circuit wiring was used in some homes from about 1965 to the mid-1970s. A survey conducted for the Consumer Product Safety Commission found that homes built before 1972 and wired with aluminum were 55 times more likely to have an outlet connection reach “fire hazard conditions” than copper-wired homes. The CPSC recommends permanent repair of the connections or replacement by a qualified electrician.
When should old wiring be replaced?
Consider replacement if you have active knob and tube, ungrounded two-prong outlets throughout the house, cracking cloth-insulated wiring, aluminum branch wiring without approved repairs, or warning signs like warm outlets, scorch marks, or frequent trips. A remodel is the best time, since the walls are already open.
Outlets, GFCIs & AFCIs
What is a GFCI outlet, and where is it required?
A GFCI cuts power in a fraction of a second when it detects current leaking to ground, which protects people from shock. Current code requires GFCI protection for outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, garages and accessory buildings, outdoors, crawl spaces, basements, laundry areas, boathouses, indoor damp or wet locations, and anywhere within 6 feet of a sink, bathtub, or shower.
What is an AFCI, and why do I need one?
An AFCI detects dangerous arcing, such as from a damaged cord or a loose connection, and shuts the circuit off before it can start a fire. Current code requires AFCI protection on most 120-volt, 15- and 20-amp circuits in living areas, including bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, hallways, closets, and laundry areas, and when existing circuits in those areas are extended or modified.
Is it safe to use extension cords long term?
No. Extension cords are for temporary use. The electrical code doesn’t allow flexible cords as a substitute for permanent wiring, and cords run under rugs, through walls, or plugged into each other can overheat. If you rely on cords every day, you need more outlets or a new circuit.
Permits, Licensing & Cost
Do I need a permit for electrical work in Washington?
Yes, for most electrical work. Who issues it depends on your address. Tacoma Power issues permits and inspects for properties it serves in Tacoma, Fife, Fircrest, University Place, Lakewood, parts of Steilacoom, and unincorporated Pierce County as far south as Roy. Some cities run their own programs, and L&I covers the rest of the state. When you hire us, we pull the permit and schedule the inspection.
Can I do my own electrical work in Washington?
Yes. Washington lets homeowners do electrical work on their own home, but you still need a permit and inspection where one is required. The exemption doesn’t cover new buildings intended for rent, sale, or lease, with limited exceptions. For safety, insurance, and resale, panel, service, and rewiring work is best left to a licensed electrical contractor.
How can I verify an electrician is licensed in Washington?
Use L&I’s free Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson or Business tool at lni.wa.gov. Search the company name or license number to see license status, bond, insurance, and any violations. Washington Electrical, LLC’s license number is WASHIEL776C3.
How much does an electrician cost?
It depends on the job. At Washington Electrical, diagnostics are $195 for the first half hour, EV charger installations start at $799, and panel replacements start at $2,299.99. Rewiring and other project work is quoted after a free onsite visit. We offer senior and military discounts on eligible work.
EV Charger Installation
Do I need a panel upgrade to install an EV charger?
Not always. A load calculation shows whether your panel and service have room for a 240-volt charging circuit. If capacity is tight, options can include a subpanel, a lower charger amperage setting, a load-management device, or a service upgrade. We check your panel before we quote.
Still Have a Question?
Call (253) 234-5359 or text (253) 234-5219. A licensed electrician can usually tell you over the phone whether you need a visit.