Search
Close this search box.

Outlets, Switches and Dimmers

Installation Services for Electrical Outlets, Switches, and Dimmers in Spokane

Mainstream Electrician Installing Switch on Wall

Outlet Installation & Replacement

Electrical Outlet Installation & Replacement in Spokane and Spokane Valley

Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing has been a trusted name for electrical installation and repair services in the Spokane area since 2000.

Here’s what you can expect when you call us for repair or installation services for your home’s outlets, switches, and dimmers:

The Mainstream Difference

Why Spokane Homeowners Choose Mainstream

Welcome to Mainstream Home Services  – your one-stop solution for all your electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing needs. Here’s why you should trust us with your home services:

Flexible Scheduling

We respect your time and prioritize efficient communication. We ensure minimal wait times for our technicians, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your home. Expect a call before our technician arrives, giving you the flexibility to plan your day accordingly.

Transparent Pricing

No surprises, no hidden costs. Our upfront pricing provides competitive quotes tailored to your specific service requirements. You'll receive a detailed breakdown of the work involved, ensuring transparency and total peace of mind.

Expert Technicians

Our friendly, skilled technicians are experts in electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing services. With state-of-the-art tools and expertise, we guarantee precise, code-compliant work. Your home will be left spotless, reflecting our commitment to cleanliness and professionalism.

Our Blog

A tablet device showing functions common in a smart home

Smart Switches

Control Your Lights From Your Phone

At Mainstream, we’re your Spokane experts in integrating the latest in smart home technology. Smart switches, an essential component of the Internet of Things, offer unparalleled convenience by allowing you to control or program your home’s lighting and appliances remotely. With these innovative devices, enhance your home’s efficiency, security, and comfort, all at the touch of a button or through a simple voice command. Trust us at Mainstream to seamlessly install smart switches, ensuring a connected and intuitive living experience. Choose us for a smarter home that adapts to your lifestyle, providing both control and peace of mind.

2 Mainstream Technicians Sitting in Truck

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

All Electric Services

We can handle all your electrical needs with ease and efficiency. Here are just some of our electrical services. View all of our electric services available in Spokane and Northern Idaho.

Call or Schedule Your Service Online!

OUTLETS, SWITCHES, AND DIMMERS

Frequently Asked Questions

Embarking on a home renovation or addition is an exciting venture that can significantly enhance your living space and property value. However, it’s crucial to consider the capability of your current electrical system to support these new demands. At Mainstream, your safety and the efficiency of your home’s electrical infrastructure are our top priorities. Here’s why an electrical upgrade might be essential for your renovation project:

  • Capacity for Expansion: Modern lifestyles and appliances necessitate approximately 200 amps for a home’s electrical demand. Yet, many older homes are equipped with electrical systems designed for much lower capacities — some as low as 40 amps. As you plan your home addition or renovation, it’s essential to assess whether your existing electrical panel can handle the increased power requirements or if an upgrade is necessary.
  • Panel Limitations: If your current electrical panel is maxed out with no room for additional circuits, you may need to consider installing a larger panel or an additional one to accommodate your renovation plans. While updating your electrical panel represents an additional expense, it’s a critical investment in the safety and functionality of your home. Cutting corners on electrical work can lead to significant risks.
  • Safety and Code Compliance: Especially in older homes, your electrical system may not only be underpowered for today’s needs but also potentially not up to current building codes. Upgrading your electrical system ensures that your home can safely handle the increased demand from new appliances, additional outlets, and more, keeping your home safe, efficient, and compliant with local regulations.
  • Mainstream’s Expertise: With years of experience in electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing services in the Spokane area, Mainstream is your go-to expert for ensuring your home renovation or addition project is supported by a robust and code-compliant electrical system. Our team of certified professionals is ready to assess your needs and provide solutions tailored to ensure your project’s success.

Don’t let outdated electrical systems hold back your renovation plans. Contact Mainstream today to ensure your home is prepared to meet the demands of your exciting new project. Our commitment to quality, safety, and efficiency makes us the trusted choice for homeowners looking to enhance their living spaces. Let us help you navigate the complexities of electrical upgrades with ease and confidence.

While having both a GFCI outlet and a GFCI breaker can provide extra protection against electrical shocks, it’s not always necessary. The need for both depends on local electrical codes, cost considerations, and the specific areas in your home. GFCI outlets are commonly used in areas with water exposure, like bathrooms and kitchens – while GFCI breakers typically go in the main electrical panel for broader protection. In many cases, consulting an electrician to assess your needs and ensure code compliance is wise.

CAN YOU USE A GFCI OUTLET AND A GFCI BREAKER?

Yes, you can use a GFCI outlet and a GFCI breaker in the same electrical circuit. While this may provide additional protection against electrical shocks, it’s not always necessary in all situations. GFCI outlets are commonly used at specific outlets in areas with water exposure, like bathrooms and kitchens, while a GFCI breaker in the main electrical panel can provide broader protection for the entire circuit. However, ensuring they are correctly wired and do not interfere with each other’s operation is essential. Consulting a licensed electrician is advisable to ensure proper installation and adherence to safety standards and electrical codes.

IS IT BETTER TO USE A GFCI OUTLET OR BREAKER?

GFCI outlets and GFCI breakers safeguard against electrical shocks but vary in placement and scope. GFCI outlets are positioned at individual electrical outlets, whereas GFCI breakers are integrated into the main breaker panel. Installing GFCI circuit breaker protects your entire electrical system, while a GFCI outlet only safeguards one specific outlet.

These two options ultimately depend on your specific home or business requirements. GFCI outlets are ideal if you want to comply with code requirements. On the other hand, if you seek the utmost protection available, GFCI breakers offer a superior choice.

Ground Fault Circuit Breakers last 30 to 40 years, but the average life expectancy is 35. This is longer than the 15 to 25 years life expectancy of GFCI outlets. Before determining the right time to replace your circuit breaker, it’s crucial to understand the kind of outlet in your home.

Standard three-prong outlets, the most common in the United States, can serve you for up to 30 years. However, if the outlet is in regular use, it should be changed after 15 to 20 years. However, two-prong outlets lack grounding wire, which makes them less durable. It is therefore advisable to replace them with a three-prong outlet for better protection.

Circuit breakers can go bad or wear out and fail. Just like any other electrical equipment, GFCIs also experience wear and tear at some point and should be replaced immediately. There are many causes of a worn-out circuit breaker, including overloading the outlet and loose wiring.

Moisture in a room can accelerate rust on the metal screws of your GFCI device, serving as wire connection points. At the same time, your circuit breaker can wear out due to age. Electrical codes dictate installing new GFCI devices if they start tripping abnormally and have been in service for over 15 years.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters stop working or trip whenever there’s an overload or abnormal readings. The internal current transformer senses these readings. Although a trip is an ordinary thing, you should not ignore it. Apart from resetting the GFCI, it’s advisable to investigate the cause.

Many things cause the tripping, including conductive dust, worn insulation, water, or other soft grounds. Ground faults cause 80% of equipment short circuits, while insulation deterioration on cables and wires causes 90%. If you or your loved one becomes the unintended path, ventricular fibrillation, which leads to cardiac arrest, can occur.

Ground fault circuit interrupter outlets are now required in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and garages, where the risk of electrical shock is greatest. However, some older homes may still have the original, standard outlets in these locations. GFCIs can be identified by the “test” and “reset” buttons located on the receptacle. These outlets help protect you from electrical hazards by monitoring the amount of electricity flowing in a circuit. The moment the outlet detects an imbalance in the flow of electricity, the GFCI cuts off power to the outlet.

Installing a GFCI outlet greatly reduces the risk of electrical shock. They also help prevent fires, an especially important function in areas like kitchens where high-voltage appliances are frequently in use.

All mass-produced electric vehicles today include a 110-volt-compatible (Level 1) charging unit which is able to be plugged into any standard 110v household outlet.

Installing an outlet or EV charging equipment on the exterior of your house is completely safe.  Almost all EV power connectors are NEMA 3R rated.  This means that they can withstand wind, rain, snow, and ice without failing.  They are not submersible, however, so installing a power connector or EV outlet in a place that can be flooded is not advisable.  

AFCI is short for “Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter.”

AFCI outlets are designed to protect your home from fires caused by arcing faults. Arcing faults occur when loose wire connections or corrosion on your wires lead to sparks or arcing, which often leads to electrical fires. AFCIs detect these arcs on the circuit and respond by cutting off electricity.

GFCI is short for “Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter”.

GFCI outlets are most common in rooms with plumbing, like bathroom or kitchen sinks. These outlets are designed to protect people from severe electric shocks.

Ground faults are an abnormal, unintentional electrical path that directs current into the ground. Ground faults happen when an electrical current escapes a home’s insulated wires as a result of damaged wires. A GFCI outlet detects the flow of a home’s electrical currents through the wiring and senses the presence of a ground fault. If ground faults are found, the GFCI outlet shuts off the flow of electricity to prevent a person from receiving a potentially fatal shock.

If your electrical outlets are no longer able to hold the prongs of a plug, or are providing inconsistent power, it’s time to call an electrician to come fix or replace them.

Broken outlets can cause serious shock and fire hazards, and should be inspected at the first sign of damage. Some signs to look for include:

Discolored Outlets

Signs of discoloration indicate overheating, which is a serious problem.

Sparks or Smoke

If an outlet emits sparks or smokes when an appliance is plugged into it, something is wrong. There is a good chance the outlet was exposed to water or short circuited.

Cracked Outlet Plates

When an outlet’s cover plates become cracked, its wires can become exposed, which presents a shock risk and fire hazard. When this happens, it’s best to shut off power to the outlet, or at the very least avoid using it until it can be replaced.

Outlet Repair IN SPOKANE

Electrical Outlet on the Fritz? Mainstream Electric Can Fix It Fast in Spokane

We’ve all been there. You reach for your phone charger, only to find your trusty outlet lifeless. No power, flickering lights, or even sparks – a malfunctioning outlet can throw your whole routine into disarray. But fear not, Spokane residents! Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing is here to get your home’s power flowing smoothly again.

Safety First: Why DIY Outlet Repair Can Be Risky

While some minor household repairs are DIY-friendly, electrical work is best left to the professionals. Faulty outlets pose serious safety hazards. Here’s why attempting a DIY outlet repair can be risky:
  • Risk of Electrical Shock: Even when the power is off, there’s a chance of residual current or hidden dangers within the wiring. A qualified electrician has the training and equipment to safely handle electrical systems.
  • Fire Hazards: Damaged or loose wiring can cause sparks that ignite surrounding materials. A professional can identify and rectify electrical issues before they escalate into a fire.
  • Improper Installation: Incorrectly installed outlets can lead to overheating, arcing, and even short circuits. Mainstream’s electricians ensure outlets are installed according to code for optimal safety and functionality.

Signs You Need Outlet Repair

How do you know if your outlet needs repair? Here are some telltale signs:
  • No Power: This is the most obvious indicator. If a plugged-in device doesn’t work and you’ve verified it’s functioning properly, the outlet itself might be the culprit.
  • Flickering Lights or Unstable Power: Inconsistent power delivery can damage electronics and create frustration. Mainstream’s electricians can diagnose the source of the issue and ensure stable power flow.
  • Sparks or Crackling Noises: These are definite red flags! Sparks indicate a loose connection or damaged wiring, both of which pose a fire risk.
  • Warm or Hot Outlet: An outlet that feels warm or hot to the touch is a serious safety hazard. Contact Mainstream immediately to address the problem.
  • Loose Plugs: If plugs don’t fit snugly or easily fall out, the outlet might be worn or damaged.

Mainstream: Your Trusted Partner for Outlet Repair

When it comes to outlet repair in Spokane, Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing is the name you can trust. Here’s what sets us apart:
  • Licensed and Insured Electricians: Our team is comprised of highly trained and experienced professionals who prioritize your safety.
  • Upfront Pricing: We believe in transparency. You’ll receive a clear quote before any work begins, so there are no hidden surprises.
  • Fast and Efficient Service: We understand the inconvenience of a malfunctioning outlet. Mainstream prioritizes prompt service to get your home’s power back on track as quickly as possible.
  • Fully Stocked Trucks: Our electricians come prepared, carrying a wide range of parts to handle most repairs on-site.
  • Focus on Customer Satisfaction: We go the extra mile to ensure you’re happy with the service.

Beyond Outlet Repair: A Range of Electrical Services

Mainstream is your one-stop shop for all your electrical needs in Spokane. In addition to outlet repair, we offer a comprehensive range of services, including:
  • Switch Repair and Replacement: From faulty light switches to malfunctioning dimmer switches, Mainstream can diagnose and fix the problem.
  • Electrical Panel Upgrades: Outdated electrical panels can pose safety risks and limit the power capacity of your home. Mainstream can assess your needs and recommend a safe and efficient upgrade.
  • Dimmer Switch Installation: Want to create the perfect mood lighting? Mainstream can install dimmer switches that allow you to adjust the brightness of your lights..
  • Whole-Home Surge Protection: Protect your valuable electronics from damaging power surges with a whole-home surge protector. Mainstream can ensure proper installation for optimal protection.

Keeping Your Home Safe and Efficient

Don’t wait until a complete blackout to address electrical concerns. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can prevent small issues from escalating into major problems. Mainstream is committed to keeping your Spokane home safe and electrically sound. Contact Mainstream today for a consultation on your outlet repair needs. We’re here to ensure your home’s electrical system functions smoothly and safely for years to come.

Need Help? Get the Best in Home Services.

Let's Talk!

How Can We Help You?

Complete the form and a member of our team will be in touch shortly with answers and assistance.