Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. All Big State Electricians technicians are fully licensed in the state(s) where they operate, bonded, and carry comprehensive liability insurance and worker's compensation coverage. We comply with all National Electrical Code (NEC) standards and local jurisdiction requirements.

Yes. We provide round-the-clock emergency electrical service every day of the year including holidays. When you call our emergency line, a live dispatcher answers — no voicemail or answering service.

Call us immediately if you experience sparks or arcing from outlets or the panel, a burning or melting smell from walls or fixtures, outlets or switches that are hot to the touch, a breaker that trips immediately when reset, visible burn marks on outlets or panels, or complete loss of power. These are safety hazards that require immediate professional attention.

Electrical service costs vary widely by job type and complexity. Simple outlet repairs are much less expensive than panel upgrades or full rewiring projects. We provide upfront, transparent estimates before any work begins so you always know the cost. Call for a free estimate on your specific project.

Yes. We provide free estimates for most electrical projects. Our technician will assess the work, provide a clear quote, and answer your questions — with no obligation to book.

Simple repairs like outlet replacements or switch swaps typically take 1–2 hours. Panel upgrades take a full day. Home rewiring projects take several days. We'll give you a realistic time estimate when we quote the job.

Permits are required for most significant electrical work including panel upgrades, new circuit installation, rewiring, and EV charger installation. Simple outlet and switch swaps typically don't require a permit. We handle all permitting and inspection coordination for jobs that require it.

Frequently tripping breakers indicate one of three issues: the circuit is overloaded, there's a short circuit in a device or wiring, or the breaker itself has failed and needs replacement. We diagnose the root cause and resolve it properly.

Aluminum wiring, common in homes built in the 1960s–1970s, requires attention because it expands and contracts differently than copper, which can loosen connections over time and create fire hazards. Options include full copper rewiring, CO/ALR rated device replacement, or COPALUM connections at all termination points. We assess your situation and recommend the appropriate solution.

A GFCI outlet detects imbalances in electrical current that could indicate a shock hazard and shuts off power in milliseconds. They are required by code in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoor locations, and anywhere near water. If your older home doesn't have GFCI protection in these areas, we recommend installing it — one of the most cost-effective safety upgrades available.

Signs your panel may need replacement: breakers trip frequently under normal loads, the panel is a recalled brand (Federal Pacific Stab-Lok or Zinsco), it still uses fuses instead of breakers, it's under 100 amps and you've added major appliances, or it's 30+ years old and has never been evaluated. We provide free panel assessments.

In most jurisdictions homeowners can perform limited electrical work on their own homes, but unpermitted or incorrectly installed electrical work creates fire and shock hazards and can void homeowner's insurance. Licensed electrical work is safer, properly permitted, and inspected.

A whole-home surge protector installs at your electrical panel and stops power surges before they reach your outlets and devices. Unlike power strip suppressors, a panel-level SPD protects every outlet in your home. Given the cost of modern electronics and smart appliances, it's a wise investment for most homeowners.

A Level 2 EV charger installation involves running a dedicated 240V, 40–50 amp circuit from your electrical panel to your garage or parking location, installing the EVSE unit, and completing a permitted inspection. The full process typically takes 2–4 hours and includes all wiring, hardware, and permit coordination in our quoted price.

The fastest way to schedule is to call us directly at +1 253-541-1053 or the direct number for your local office. You can also submit a request through our contact page. For emergencies, always call — we answer 24/7.