Frequently Asked Questions

You should upgrade when your panel is over 25 years old, you're adding major appliances or an EV charger, or if breakers trip frequently. Many Puyallup homes built before the 2000s require panel modernization for safety and increased capacity. At Champs Electric, we assess your load needs and recommend upgrades that future-proof your home.

Knob-and-tube wiring lacks grounding, can't handle modern electrical loads, and poses serious fire hazards as insulation degrades. Many mid-century Puyallup homes still contain this outdated system. At Champs Electric, we safely remove and replace it with modern wiring, labeling, and code-compliant installation to bring your home up to current safety standards.

A whole-home rewire involves removing old wiring, installing new code-compliant cables, upgrading outlets and switches, and testing all circuits. The process improves safety, capacity, and reliability—especially important in Puyallup's aging housing stock. At Champs Electric, we complete thorough rewires with clean routing, secure connections, and detailed labeling for future maintenance.

It depends on your panel's current capacity and available circuits. Level 2 EV chargers require dedicated 240-volt circuits, and older panels may not support the added load safely. At Champs Electric, we perform load calculations to determine if your Puyallup home needs a panel upgrade before charger installation.

Common causes include tripped GFCI outlets, loose wiring connections, faulty breakers, or internal outlet failure. Older Puyallup homes often have worn wiring that leads to intermittent power issues. At Champs Electric, we troubleshoot dead outlets, test circuits, and make safe, code-compliant repairs or replacements.

A panel upgrade replaces your entire electrical panel to increase capacity and improve safety, while panel repair fixes specific issues like faulty breakers or loose connections. Upgrades are ideal for older Puyallup homes needing modern load support. At Champs Electric, we assess your system and recommend the safest, most cost-effective solution.

Breakers trip due to overloaded circuits, short circuits, ground faults, or aging panel components. Frequent tripping indicates your electrical system can't safely handle current demand. At Champs Electric, we diagnose the root cause, upgrade circuits if needed, and ensure your Puyallup home's electrical system operates safely and reliably.

High-quality permanent lighting systems like Trulight use durable LEDs rated for 50,000+ hours and withstand Pacific Northwest weather year-round. They're low-maintenance, programmable, and boost curb appeal across all seasons. At Champs Electric, we're certified Trulight Dealers serving Puyallup, South Hill, and surrounding neighborhoods with professional installation.

GFCI outlets detect ground faults and shut off power to prevent shock, required by code in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas. Older Puyallup homes often lack proper GFCI protection. At Champs Electric, we install GFCI outlets during upgrades, replacements, or remodels to keep your home safe and code-compliant.

Burning smells, sparking outlets or panels, complete power loss, or exposed wiring are emergencies requiring immediate attention. These conditions pose fire and shock hazards. At Champs Electric, our licensed technicians provide 24/7 emergency response across Puyallup, stabilizing危险 situations safely before making permanent repairs.

Yes, many older Puyallup homes lack dedicated circuits for high-draw appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, or washers, leading to overloads and tripped breakers. Adding dedicated circuits during wiring upgrades improves safety and performance. At Champs Electric, we design and install code-compliant circuits tailored to your home's needs.

Clear access to your electrical panel, attic, and crawl spaces, and plan for temporary power interruptions during work. Communicate any specific concerns about aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring. At Champs Electric, we walk Puyallup homeowners through the entire process, explain timelines, and ensure minimal disruption with thorough cleanup after completion.