FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT PANTHER:
-
After you fill out our contact form, we’ll:
Jump on a quick call with you to discuss the project scope, timeframe, budget + answer any outstanding questions you may have. This conversation allows us both to confirm that working together feels like a good fit!
Schedule an appointment for an in-person walkthrough and consultation (if necessary).
Put together written options & get your approval
Collect the job-start deposit (if necessary)
Schedule your project!
-
We warranty our workmanship for life. That means that if your electrical installation fails due to a mistake that we made, we will return and fix it for free. We’re always committed to taking great care of our customers, and as such, if things go wrong, we’ll do everything we can to help remedy the situation. Our top priority is to ensure that our team’s work stands the test of time!
Although we cannot warranty every part we use, we make sure to use the best quality products on the market - in fact, these parts often have their own manufacturer’s warranties (ex: ALL breakers, panels & electrical meters we supply)!
-
If it involves electrical work, there’s a good chance we do it!
Panther Electric handles a wide range of services, from troubleshooting and small repairs to large-scale projects. Our expertise includes: new construction, remodels, service upgrades, panel changes, lighting design/installation, EV charger installations, and comprehensive electrical inspections.
Whether you’re building from the ground up, updating an older system, or just need help diagnosing an issue, we’re ready to help!
-
We’re proud to serve from Seattle to Tacoma & all around the Greater Puget Sound. This includes:
Auburn, WA
Burien, WA
Bonney Lake, WA
Covington, WA
Des Moines, WA
Edgewood, WA
Federal Way, WA
Fircrest, WA
Gig Harbor, WA
Kent, WA
Lacey, WA
Lake Tapps, WA
Maple Valley, WA
Milton, WA
Olympia, WA
Pierce County, WA
Ruston, WA
SeaTac, WA
Seattle, WA
Steilacoom, WA
Sumner, WA
Tacoma, WA
Tumwater, WA
University Place, WA
-
Pricing depends on the scope and complexity of the project, but we keep our rates fair, transparent, and competitive.
For troubleshooting, we offer a “$300 or it’s free” policy—if we can’t identify the issue, you don’t pay. (See troubleshoot question below for a more on this)!
For remodels and new construction, we don’t use a flat per-square-foot rate across the board, as pricing depends on the specifics of the job (ex: level of finish, access, complexity, scope). That said, remodels typically range between $14–$20 per square foot, while new construction usually falls between $10–$14 per square foot. Providing a detailed estimate is our standard practice, so you’ll always know what to expect before any work begins.
-
Typically, no—we don’t charge a trip fee just for coming out. If we’re providing an estimate or if we perform work during the visit, there’s no charge for the trip itself. However, if we’re called out for something very quick and straightforward—like resetting a tripped breaker—we do charge a small service fee of $80 + tax. This helps cover the time and resources involved in even the simplest visits.
-
While estimates are free, we can’t provide a reliable solution to a problem we haven’t fully diagnosed. The best way to serve you isn’t by guessing—like saying, “it’s probably a bad breaker,” replacing it, charging you, and then realizing that wasn’t the real issue. That kind of guesswork leads to wasted time and money. Instead, we take the time to accurately find the root cause of the problem so we can fix it the right way, the first time.
Performing a troubleshoot means we open up everything on the problematic circuit—checking every device, testing all connections at the panel, and using professional meters and testers to evaluate the system thoroughly. It’s a detailed process that gives us the clarity needed to make the correct repair.
Our troubleshooting follows a ”$300 or it’s free” policy (plus tax). If the issue turns out to be minor—such as repairing a bad connection, replacing one standard breaker, or swapping out a faulty outlet—it’s covered under the flat $300 rate. If we find that the issue requires a more extensive or costly repair (like a damaged panel, faulty wiring, or multiple failed components), we’ll pause, explain what we’ve found, and review your options and pricing before moving forward. No additional work will be done—and no extra charges will apply—without your approval. And if we can’t find the issue, you don’t pay anything.
-
Knob and tube (K&T) wiring is an old electrical system installed in homes built prior to the 1950’s. This method used ceramic knobs to support wires and ceramic tubes to protect them as they pass through wood framing. While it was relatively safe when it was first installed, knob and tube wiring no longer meets today’s electrical standards due to:
being ungrounded (this means that modern appliances, electronics and metal fixtures have no safety path if a fault occurs).
not having enough capacity for modern electrical needs (homes built in this era simply did not have nearly as many electric appliances as we do today - think electric ranges, refrigerators, microwaves, etc. Back then homes typically just had lights and a radio!)
insulation becoming brittle with age (original cloth/rubber insulation cracks or falls apart completely over time, potentially exposing copper wire).
Unsafe alterations - over the decades, DIY fixes or handymen spliced the old wiring into new wiring improperly, which applies the demand of modern appliances on the old, unfit system.
heat concerns (K&T was designed to dissipate heat into open air, which worked fine without insulation, but as insulation was introduced over the years, this now poses a fire risk as the old wiring has no “room to breathe.”)
Insurance problems (home insurance companies refuse to insure homes with K&T wiring OR charge higher premiums due to increased fire risk).
In short, replacing your knob-and-tube wiring not only brings your electrical system up to today’s safety standards, it also adds value and confidence if you’re looking to sell or remodel your home. If you suspect your home has K&T wiring, reach out to us to schedule an electrical inspection & quote for rewiring.
-
A tripped breaker is usually a sign that too much power was being used on one circuit, or that something is wrong with an appliance or the wiring.
Here’s what to do:
Unplug or turn off devices in the area where the power went out.
Find your electrical panel and look for a breaker that is in the middle or “off” position.
Flip the breaker fully off, then back on to reset it.
Plug devices back in one at a time. If the breaker trips again right away, stop and call an electrician.
⚡ Tip: Frequent tripping can be a sign of overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or a larger issue. If this happens often, it’s best to have a licensed electrician check it out (hint: that’s us!).
-
A surge protector is a device that helps shield your electronics and appliances from sudden spikes of electricity (called power surges). These surges can be caused by lightning, power outages, or even large appliances turning on and off.
There are two main types:
Power strip surge protectors – plug into your wall and protect smaller devices like TVs or computers.
Whole-home surge protectors – installed at your electrical panel to protect your entire house.
Having surge protection in place can extend the life of your electronics and prevent costly damage. Want to protect your home? Contact us today for a free quote on whole-home surge protection!
-
When you schedule an electrical inspection with Panther Electric, here’s what you can expect:
We’ll arrive on time and introduce ourselves.
We’ll perform a full visual inspection of your home’s electrical system.
We’ll test outlets and devices using electronic plug testers.
We’ll spot-check a few outlets or switches by opening them up.
We’ll inspect your electrical panel, meters, and lighting to ensure everything is in safe working order.
We’ll alert you to any potential concerns or urgent hazards.
We’ll provide recommendations and tips to help you protect your investment and plan for the future.
Our goal is to give you peace of mind by making sure your home’s electrical system is safe, reliable, and set up for the long run.
Ready to schedule your inspection? Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
-
Here’s how Panther Electric handles EV charger installations:
Initial visit – We discuss what type of charger you’d like (Level 1 or Level 2, hardwired or 240V outlet) and where you want it installed, then measure the distance from your panel.
Panel inspection – We visually check your panel to see if it has enough capacity.
Load calculations (if needed) – We calculate your home’s power usage to see how much “space” is available.
Types of EV chargers:
Level 1 – Standard 120V outlet, slower charging, usually no panel upgrade needed.
Level 2 – 240V outlet, faster charging, may require more capacity or a panel upgrade.
Next steps based on your system:
Charger installation with no issues – Your system can safely handle the charger.
Load management system – If your home is at capacity but doesn’t need a full upgrade, this system monitors power usage and automatically adjusts the charger to prevent overloading.
Service upgrade – Recommended if your panel or meter is older or in poor condition, making a full upgrade a better long-term investment.
Ready to add an EV charger? Contact us for a consultation and quote!