What to Know Before Installing an EV Charger at Home in Kitsap County
Electric vehicles (EVs) are more popular than ever in the Pacific Northwest — and for good reason. They’re clean, efficient, and ideal for our local commutes. But if you’ve recently purchased an EV or are planning to, there’s one thing you’ll want to upgrade at home: your charging setup.
Installing a Level 2 EV charger at home is the best way to make your EV ownership convenient and efficient — but there are a few key things to know before you plug in.
⚡ Why Install a Level 2 Charger?
While most EVs come with a basic Level 1 charger, those can take over 24 hours for a full charge. A Level 2 charger can fully charge most EVs in 4–8 hours, making it perfect for overnight charging. That means:
Faster charging
More flexibility for daily use
Better energy efficiency
🛠 What You’ll Need
Here’s what a proper EV charger installation usually requires:
A dedicated 240V circuit (like what’s used for an electric dryer)
Room in your electrical panel to support the added load
Weatherproofing for outdoor installs
A licensed electrician familiar with EV installs and permitting
At Downpour Electric, we handle the full process — from checking your panel and wiring to pulling permits and installing chargers like Tesla Wall Connectors, ChargePoint, and more.
🏡 EV Charging & Permitting in Kitsap County
Local jurisdictions like Kitsap County and the City of Bainbridge Island require permits for most EV charger installations. Working with a professional ensures:
Proper load calculations
Code-compliant wiring
A safe and reliable setup
Faster inspection approval
We know the local codes and utility requirements, so we’ll make sure your install goes smoothly.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Trying to DIY without permits
Using a dryer or range outlet for charging
Overloading an outdated electrical panel
Skipping surge protection or GFCI protection outdoors
Let us help you avoid these costly mistakes and get the job done right the first time.
💡 Why Choose Downpour Electric?
We’re based right here in Kitsap County and specialize in residential electrical services — including EV charger installs. We’re known for our:
Clean, code-compliant work
Clear communication and up-front pricing
Fast scheduling and permitting
Local experience you can trust
👉 Ready to Install Your Home EV Charger?
Whether you’re driving a Tesla, Rivian, Ford Lightning, or Chevy Bolt — we’ll get you powered up.
📞 Contact us today for a free estimate or to schedule your install.
Why DIY Electrical Work Can Void Your Home Insurance
With so many DIY tutorials online, it's tempting to take on electrical work yourself—especially when it seems like “just” installing a new outlet or replacing a light fixture. But what many homeowners don’t realize is this: doing electrical work without a licensed professional can void your home insurance.
Here’s why it’s not worth the risk.
⚠️ 1. Insurance Companies Require Code-Compliant Work
Your home insurance policy assumes your home’s electrical system meets local building and safety codes. If you make electrical changes that don’t meet code—or worse, cause damage—your insurer may deny any claims tied to the work.
🛑 Even a small electrical fire caused by DIY wiring can leave you holding the bill if the work wasn’t done (and documented) by a licensed electrician.
🔌 2. Unpermitted Work = No Coverage
Many types of electrical work—like replacing panels, running new circuits, or installing EV chargers—require permits and inspections. If the work was done without permits or failed inspection, your insurance provider can legally deny coverage in the event of a fire or electrical failure.
🔥 3. DIY Mistakes Can Lead to Fires or Injury
Incorrectly wired outlets, overloaded circuits, or poor grounding are more than just code violations—they’re fire hazards. Insurance companies investigate fire claims closely. If the fire is traced back to unlicensed electrical work, your claim can be denied completely.
📷 4. Insurance Adjusters Look for Red Flags
If you file a claim after damage, an adjuster will inspect your home—including the electrical system. Signs of DIY wiring (loose wires, wrong gauge wire, non-code boxes, or unmarked work) are immediate red flags.
They may ask:
Who did the work?
Was it permitted and inspected?
Can you provide receipts or proof?
If you can’t answer confidently, it may cost you big.
👷 5. Licensed Electricians Provide Protection
Hiring a licensed electrician doesn’t just get the job done right—it protects your home and finances. Licensed pros:
Pull the correct permits
Perform code-compliant work
Carry liability insurance
Document everything
This gives you proof of proper installation, which insurance companies love.
🏠 Bottom Line: Don’t Risk It
DIY electrical work might save you a few bucks now, but one small mistake can void your insurance and cost you thousands later. When it comes to wiring, panels, and power—it’s just not worth the risk.
At Downpour Electric, we make it easy. We’re fully licensed, insured, and experienced in residential work across Kitsap County. Whether it’s a panel upgrade, EV charger, or troubleshooting a tricky outlet—we’ll do it right, so your home and your insurance stay protected.
🔧 Serving Kingston • Silverdale • Poulsbo • Bainbridge Island & More
📞 Call us today at 360-860-1450
🌐 www.downpourelectric.com
How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Electrical Panel
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system—it sends power to every light, outlet, and appliance. But if your panel is outdated, overloaded, or showing signs of trouble, it might be time for an upgrade.
In Kitsap County, many homes—especially in areas like Bremerton, Silverdale, Poulsbo, and Port Orchard—still have older panels that aren’t designed to handle today’s electrical demands. Here's how to tell if it's time to replace yours.
⚠️ 1. You Have an Old Fuse Box
If your home still uses a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker panel, it's time to upgrade. Fuse boxes can’t handle the electrical loads of modern homes and are less safe and convenient than today’s breaker systems.
🔁 2. Your Breakers Trip Frequently
Are you constantly heading to the panel to flip breakers back on? That’s often a sign your panel is either overloaded or has worn-out components. It means your home’s electrical system can’t keep up with your needs.
🔌 3. You’re Adding New Appliances or Technology
Installing a hot tub, EV charger, or even a new HVAC system? Many older homes have 100-amp panels, but newer setups may require 200 amps or more. A panel upgrade ensures everything runs smoothly and safely.
🔥 4. You Notice Burn Smells, Corrosion, or Rust
Smelling something burning or seeing rust on your panel? That’s a red flag. It could mean overheating, water damage, or corrosion—all of which are serious safety risks. Call a licensed electrician immediately.
🏠 5. You’re Renovating or Expanding
If you're remodeling your kitchen or adding on to your home, your electrical system may need an upgrade. A panel replacement helps you meet code, run new circuits, and future-proof your home.
🕒 6. Your Panel Is 25+ Years Old
Even if it still works, panels over 25 years old may no longer meet current code—and parts may be obsolete. Federal Pacific, Zinsco, and some other brands have known safety issues and should be replaced regardless of condition.
🔍 Local Tip from Kitsap County Electricians:
Many homes we service around Port Orchard, Bainbridge Island, and Poulsbo were built before 1990 and still have outdated or undersized panels. With more people working from home and adding EVs, demand on electrical systems is higher than ever.
✅ So, What Should You Do?
If your electrical panel is showing any of these signs—or you’re just unsure about its condition—it’s time to have it inspected by a pro. At Downpour Electric, we specialize in safe, code-compliant electrical panel replacements in Kitsap County.
We handle everything: permits, inspections, parts, and clean, high-quality installation.
📍 Serving All of Kitsap County:
Bremerton • Silverdale • Poulsbo • Port Orchard • Bainbridge Island
📞 Call us today at 360-860-1450
🌐 Visit: www.downpourelectric.com
🔧 Learn more about our Electrical Panel Upgrade Services
❓ FAQ: Replacing Electrical Panels
How much does it cost to replace an electrical panel in Kitsap County?
Most panel upgrades range from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on amperage, location, and permits. We offer free estimates to help you plan.
Do I need a permit to replace my electrical panel?
Yes. Washington State requires a permit and inspection. We take care of all the paperwork for you.
Is it safe to replace a panel myself?
No. Panel replacement involves high-voltage work and should only be done by a licensed and insured electrician.
Final Thoughts
Replacing your electrical panel might seem like a big step, but it’s one of the best things you can do to keep your home safe and ready for the future. Whether you're adding new appliances or just want peace of mind, Downpour Electric is here to help.
Why does electrical work cost what it does?
Why Does Electrical Work Cost What It Does?
We get this question a lot: “Why does it cost so much to install an outlet or fix a light?” On the surface, it might seem like a quick job, but there’s a lot that goes into electrical work—and a lot you’re getting in return.
Safety First
Electricity isn’t something to mess around with. Doing it wrong can lead to shocks, fires, or serious damage. When you hire a licensed electrician, you're paying for someone who knows how to do it right—and safely. That peace of mind is priceless.
It’s Not Just Time on the Job
We’re not just showing up with a screwdriver and some wire. We bring thousands of dollars worth of tools, safety gear, and parts so we can fix most things in one trip. Plus, there’s the cost of keeping a reliable work truck on the road.
Permits & Inspections
A lot of electrical work requires permits and inspections from the state. We handle all of that for you, but it does add time and cost to the job. Still, it means your work is up to code and safe for the long haul.
Training & Know-How
Electricians go through years of training, apprenticeships, and continuing education. That means when we walk into your home, we can spot problems quickly, fix them efficiently, and make sure everything’s done right the first time.
Quality Materials
We don’t use cheap parts that will burn out in a year. We use solid, long-lasting materials that meet code and keep your home safe. That might cost a bit more upfront, but it saves headaches later.
Business Costs
Behind every service call, there’s also insurance, fuel, licensing, scheduling, and more. It’s not just about the work in your home—it’s about running a reliable, professional service you can count on.
In the end, you’re not just paying for an hour or two of labor. You’re paying for safety, experience, quality, and the peace of mind that your home’s electrical system is in good hands.
Why isn’t my GFCI outlet working?
Why isn’t my GFI working? Here’s a few possibilities.
Here’s the top 5 reasons your GFI may not be working:
Ground fault occurrence - Ground faults occur when the hot wire or live wire comes into contact with the ground wire or the grounded area of an appliance. Usually, GFCIs function by detecting when the current is flowing along an unintended path (e.g., through water or a person).
The instant the GFCI detects there is even the slightest of current leakage as low as 0.005 amps, it trips right away.
Moisture in the receptacle box - Obviously this is more of an issue in outdoor GFCI outlets. This is much more common with older GFCI’s that weren’t rated specifically for outdoor use. This is a simple repair of swapping out the older GFCI with a new weather proof device and ensuring the box cover seals properly.
Overloaded Circuit - Circuit overload occurs when more amperage flows through an electric wire or circuit than it can handle. This may happen if you connect malfunctioning or defective appliances. Loose, corroded wires or connections may also be to blame. Once the GFCI outlet senses an overload, it trips or "breaks" the circuit.
Electrical Fault - If your GFCI outlet trips consistently, it could be an electric fault resulting from faulty structural wiring. An electrical outlet connected to the same circuit could also be the source of the problem, especially if it was not part of the original wiring of your home. In the case of an electrical fault, you will need a professional electrician to fix the problem.
Faulty GFCI Outlet - If you've tried all else and the GFCI outlet reset doesn't solve the problem, that means the outlet itself is defective. GFCI outlets have highly responsive internal circuitry to detect whenever there's a flaw in the electric system. With time, the sensitive circuitry wears out, rendering the outlet dysfunctional. In this case, the outlet will need replacing and should be done by a qualified electrician.