Not sure which electrical service you need? Start with what is happening: something stopped working (repair), your system cannot keep up (upgrade), or you are adding something new (installation). Electrician Federal Way helps homeowners and businesses in Federal Way, WA sort that out and connects them with a licensed local electrician for the job. The guide below explains each service and when it fits. Call (253) 555-0100 if you would rather just describe the problem.
Start With the Problem or the Goal
| If this is happening | Start here |
|---|---|
| Outlet, switch or circuit is dead, sparking or warm | Electrical repair |
| A breaker trips again and again or will not reset | Circuit breaker repair |
| Old, full, rusty or problem-brand panel | Panel replacement and repair |
| Adding an EV charger, heat pump or remodel to an older home | Wiring and service upgrades |
| Buying, selling or insuring a home | Electrical inspection |
| Power outages during windstorms | Generator installation |
| Running a business or building out a commercial space | Commercial electrical service |
Repair and Safety Services
These are for problems you can see, hear or smell, and for keeping your home safe.
- Electrical repair: troubleshooting dead circuits, flickering lights, buzzing, burning smells and damaged wiring.
- Circuit breaker repair and replacement: breakers that trip, run hot or fail to reset, plus GFCI and AFCI breakers.
- Outlet replacement: loose, cracked or 2 prong outlets, GFCI outlets for kitchens, baths and outdoors, and USB outlets.
- Smoke detector replacement and repair: hardwired and interconnected smoke and CO alarms, chirping and false alarms.
- Electrical inspection: a full check of the panel, wiring and safety devices for home sales, insurance and older homes.
Power, Panels and Upgrades
Much of Federal Way was built between the 1960s and 1990s, when homes used far less electricity than they do now. These services bring older systems up to today’s needs.
- Panel replacement and repair: replacing aging or recalled panels and upgrading capacity, such as 100 amp to 200 amp.
- Wiring and upgrades: rewiring, new circuits, aluminum wiring repair and remodel wiring.
- Surge protection: whole home surge protectors at the panel to protect appliances and electronics.
- Generator installation: standby generators, portable generator inlets, transfer switches and interlocks for storm season outages.
Not sure which service fits?
Describe what is going on and we will connect you with a licensed local electrician in Federal Way.
New Installations and Smart Home
- EV charger installation: Level 2 chargers, NEMA 14-50 outlets and load checks for your panel.
- Ceiling fan installation: new fans, replacements and fan-rated boxes.
- Smart home installation: smart switches, dimmers, thermostats and energy monitors, including homes with no neutral wire.
- Smart doorbell installation: wired video doorbells, transformer upgrades and chime fixes.
Looking for lights? Our lighting services section covers indoor fixtures, kitchen and bath lighting, landscape lighting and commercial lighting.
Commercial Electrical Service
For offices, shops, restaurants and other businesses along Pacific Hwy S, S 320th St, The Commons area and beyond, see commercial electrical service. It covers tenant improvements, 3 phase power, service upgrades and code corrections.
Repair vs Upgrade vs New Install
| Repair | Upgrade | New install | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it means | Fixing something that stopped working or became unsafe | Replacing or enlarging parts of the system so it can do more | Adding something that was not there before |
| Typical examples | Dead outlet, tripping breaker, flickering lights | Panel replacement, service upgrade, rewiring | EV charger, generator, ceiling fan, smart devices |
| How urgent | Often soon, right away if there is heat, smoke or burning smell | Planned, sometimes prompted by a repair or inspection | Planned on your schedule |
| Permit likely? | Sometimes, depending on the work | Usually | Often, especially for new circuits |
| Good first question | Is this safe to leave on? | Can my panel and service handle what I want? | Is there space and capacity in my panel? |
These often overlap. A repair call can reveal that a panel needs replacing, and an EV charger install can require a service upgrade first. A good electrician will explain the options instead of pushing the biggest job.
If you see smoke, sparks or scorch marks, or smell burning, shut off the circuit or main breaker if it is safe to do so. Call 911 for fire. For downed power lines or a problem on the utility side of the meter, contact Puget Sound Energy.
Permits and Licensing in Federal Way
Inside Federal Way city limits, electrical permits and inspections are handled by the City of Federal Way Building Division, not by Washington L&I. The Permit Center can be reached at 253-835-2607, and inspections are scheduled online through MyBuildingPermit. Panel replacements, service upgrades, new circuits, EV chargers and generators typically need a permit.
Statewide, electrical contractors must be licensed and electricians certified by the Washington Department of Labor & Industries, and work follows WAC 296-46B, which adopts the National Electrical Code with state amendments. If you live in a nearby city such as Kent or Auburn, the permit authority may be different. See our service areas.
Electrician Federal Way serves homes and businesses across Federal Way, including Twin Lakes, Dash Point, Redondo, Lakeland, Steel Lake and Camelot, in ZIP codes 98003, 98023 and part of 98001.
Electrical Services FAQs
How do I know which electrical service I need?
Describe the symptom or goal. If something stopped working, start with repair. If your system cannot handle new loads, look at upgrades. If you are adding something, it is a new install. When you call, we can help point you in the right direction.
Who does the work?
Electrician Federal Way connects you with independent, licensed local electrical contractors. The electrician you are connected with does the work, sets the price and handles permits.
Do I need a permit for electrical work in Federal Way?
Many jobs do, including panel replacements, new circuits, EV chargers and generators. Inside city limits, permits come from the City of Federal Way, not L&I. Your electrician will know what applies.
Should I repair my old panel or replace it?
It depends on its age, brand, condition and how much capacity you need. Loose connections or a bad breaker may be repairable, while recalled brands, corrosion or a full panel usually point to replacement.
Can one electrician handle several projects at once?
Often, yes. Combining work, such as a panel upgrade with an EV charger or surge protector, can make planning and permits simpler. Mention everything you have in mind when you call.
Do you help businesses as well as homeowners?
Yes. See our commercial electrical service page for tenant improvements, 3 phase power and code corrections.