Electrical in Seattle, WA

Permits, licenses and your utility

Seattle City Light delivers electricity in Seattle. If the whole block is dark, report it to them first. If it is just your home or one circuit, that is electrician territory. Washington licenses electricians and electrical contractors through the Department of Labor and Industries.

Homes in Seattle: what pros run into

Old home heating oil tanks, some buried in yards, are a known issue with older Seattle houses, and decommissioning them is common. Craftsman houses and Seattle box houses, the local name for foursquares, line streets in Wallingford, Ballard and Capitol Hill.

Backyard cottages and other accessory units have spread since the city loosened its rules in 2019. Older basements and garages tend to be short on outlets, so extension cords end up doing permanent work for freezers and tools. That is worth fixing properly.

Windstorms knock down trees and lines here most winters. If you rely on a generator, have an electrician install a proper transfer switch. West Seattle and Beacon Hill have many mid-century houses with basements and single-car garages.

What to have ready

Clear a path to the electrical panel and label any breakers you already know.

When it is time for a pro

You may want a electrician if you notice any of these:

• Flickering lights
• Buzzing from a panel or switch
• Need more outlets or a bigger panel

How we connect you

1. Call or use the form and describe the problem.
2. We look for an available electrician near Seattle and connect you.
3. They confirm timing, price and any fees with you directly.