FAQs

The answer is generally, both yes and no. In Washington, a homeowner can do their own electrical work but will require a permit and inspection. However, this comes with a serious warning. Electrical work can be dangerous or even life-threatening. Some simple fixes, like replacing a light switch or rewiring an outlet may not be too challenging for some homeowners. But never forget that poorly installed electrical components can short-circuit and cause fires or electrocution. If you’re unsure of what you’re doing, it’s better to call the best electrician around, South Sound Electrical, LLC.

A worn-out or defective breaker is the usual culprit. If you know which breaker is humming, switch it off immediately and call for professional help from an electrician. It can cause serious damage to plugged-in electrical devices if left unrepaired.

GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. The circuit is designed to disconnect when it detects an imbalance between the energized conductor and the neutral return. The imbalance can be caused when the body of a grounded person accidentally touches an energized part of the circuit. Rather than deliver a fatal electrical shock to a wet person, for example, the GFCI shuts off the power to that circuit. In addition to the bathroom and kitchen, GFCI circuits should be installed by an electrician in any wet locations, such as basements, garages, outdoor receptacles, or anywhere within six feet of a sink, tub, or shower.

One is a test button. When you press it, it trips the circuit to show you that the outlet is working properly. The other button is a reset button to turn the power back on after testing or if the circuit has been tripped. If you have any other questions regarding your GFCI outlet, ask your electrician today!

You can’t reset a tripped breaker without first clicking it fully into the OFF position. You’ll hear a click. Then, try to return it to the ON position. If you hear another click and the breaker doesn’t trip again, you have reset it successfully.

If the breaker trips again, the circuit may be overloaded. That means you may have too many devices plugged into one circuit (for example, two multi-outlet six-plug power strips filled with electronic devices). Try unplugging some devices. If that works, your circuit was overloaded.

If that doesn’t solve the problem, you may have a short circuit. Then, it’s time to call an electrician like South Sound Electrical, LLC.

Many older homes just don’t have enough “juice” in their electrical systems to handle the loads of modern life. While most states require only 100 amp systems, this may not be enough for multiple computers, TVs, microwave ovens, central AC, and electric heat. We recommend 200 amps, especially when wiring a new home.

CAUTION: Never attempt this type of repair yourself. It involves replacing everything that runs from your meter into the home, including the entire electrical panel. Only a licensed electrician like Sound Sound Electrical LLC is qualified to do this repair. One mistake in this process can severely injure or even kill you.

Call an electrician immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Flickering or dim lights, or frequently tripped circuit breakers
• A burning smell from outlets, switches, or your electrical panel
• You need additional outlets installed
• Your outlets have only two prongs, requiring you to use three to two-prong adaptors.

NOTE: These are dangerous and could result in serious injury or death. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation, home electrical fires start about 51,000 fires per year.

Call South Sound Electrical, LLC for a whole-house safety inspection. We strongly recommend a rewiring under certain conditions, such as defective or hazardous wiring (more common in older homes). If your house has hazardous wiring, or your wiring is in poor condition, then a rewire by an electrician should be considered.

Most homes can be completed in a week. Some larger homes may take several weeks. You don’t need to move out during the process. As the best electrician around, South Sound Electrical, LLC can rewire your home with minimal disruption to its details and structure by finding efficient pathways to complete the job in the least intrusive way.

We offer a one-year service warranty on all electrical repairs. That's why we're the electrician Washington relies on.