Your Licensed Residential Electrician in Seattle, WA

Yes—most residential electrical work in Seattle requires a permit, especially if it involves modifying your home’s wiring, upgrading your electrical panel, or adding new circuits. The city enforces strict codes to ensure all electrical systems meet safety and reliability standards. Working without a permit can not only delay home sales in the future, but it can also increase the risk of fire or injury and void your homeowner’s insurance in the event of an electrical fault.

Our licensed electricians are familiar with all local requirements and will handle the application, inspection scheduling, and compliance paperwork on your behalf. Whether you’re installing a new EV charger or rewiring your kitchen, we make sure every job is properly documented and fully code-compliant.

There are several common signs that your home’s electrical panel may need an upgrade:

• Frequent breaker trips: Especially when using multiple appliances or devices at once
• Flickering or dimming lights: A sign of overloaded circuits or failing connections
• Outdated equipment: Panels from brands like Federal Pacific or Zinsco are known fire hazards
• Burning smell or discoloration: Indicates overheating behind the panel cover
• Too few amps: Most modern homes need 200 amps to run HVAC systems, EVs, and high-demand appliances safely

If you’re noticing any of the above, it’s best to schedule an inspection. A panel upgrade not only improves your electrical capacity—it also helps protect your home, appliances, and loved ones from dangerous overloads or shorts.

Absolutely. Our team installs a wide range of smart home devices, including lighting systems, smart switches, thermostats, doorbells, security systems, and whole-home automation hubs. Whether you’re dipping your toes in with a few voice-controlled lights or building out a full smart ecosystem, we’ll make sure the setup is efficient, secure, and easy to manage.

We also assist with hardwiring smart devices when required, ensuring clean installations that avoid overloading circuits or reducing connectivity. For many homeowners in Seattle, energy management and remote control are key benefits of smart technology—and we’re here to help bring those upgrades to life with expert guidance and reliable electrical integration.

Our pricing is always transparent and tailored to the scope of your project. Key factors include:

• Labor and time required: Based on complexity, access, and scale of the work
• Materials and equipment: Includes wiring, fixtures, panels, or devices being installed
• Permit and inspection fees: If your project requires city documentation or testing
• Code requirements: Some older homes may need additional upgrades to meet modern code

Once we evaluate your home and understand your needs, we provide a clear, detailed estimate with no upsells or surprise charges. We believe in fair, honest pricing that respects your budget.

If you’re facing an electrical emergency—such as sparks, a burning smell, or visible smoke—the first priority is safety. Do not attempt to inspect or repair anything yourself. If safe to do so, turn off your main breaker to cut power to the home and keep others away from the affected area. Water near electrical wiring is especially dangerous, so avoid entering basements or crawl spaces if flooding is involved.

Once you’re safe, call Rhema Electric right away. We provide emergency electrical services throughout Seattle and can respond quickly to assess the situation. Whether it’s a failed panel, exposed wiring, or a power outage due to storm damage, our licensed electricians will troubleshoot the issue and make necessary repairs to restore safety and functionality to your home.