FAQ – GCM ELECTRIC LLC

Frequently asked questions

At GCM Electric, our main goal is to provide our customers with the highest level of service as well as the utmost level of transparency. To further assist our customers, we have answered several common questions below. If you do not find the answers you are looking for, feel free to reach out and give us a call at 253-434-2832. We look forward to hearing from you.

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What Types of electrical services do you offer?

We provide a full range of residential and commercial electrical services, including but not limited to:

Complete electrical system installation for new construction
Electrical panel upgrades and replacements
EV charging station installation
Tenant improvement
Lighting retrofit/remodel
Lighting design and installation
Surge protection systems
Home safety inspections

Whether you are looking to modernize your homes electrical system or need urgent repairs, our licensed electricians have you covered.

Are you licensed and insured?

Absolutely! We are fully licensed, bonded and insured. Our team undergoes complete training and continuous education to stay up to date with the latest electrical codes and safety standards. We carry comprehensive liability insurance for your peace of mind and will gladly provide proof upon request.

What is a surge protector? Do I need one?

A surge protection device is an electrical component designed to protect your electrical equipment from spikes in voltage. These surges, often caused by lightning strikes, power outages can damage sensitive electronic components such as computers and appliances. We recommend a whole home surge protection device.

Do I need to upgrade my electrical panel?

If you’re experiencing frequently tripped breakers, flickering flights, are planning to add major appliances or an EV charger, you most often need an upgrade. Most homes built prior to 1990 are not able to handle the large loads generated by our modern electric equipment. We can perform a load calculation to further determine if an upgrade would benefit your homes safety and functionality.

Can you make my home more energy efficient?

Of course! We specialize in energy efficient solutions that can help lower your homes utility bills. This includes load management systems which actively monitor and shut off non-essential circuits to reduce the load on your home, modern LED lighting upgrades and automated lighting controls. During our assessment we’ll identify areas that can be improved and provide cost effective recommendations.

What safety precautions do you take?

We strictly follow the most recent edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local regulations. Our team uses state of the art safety equipment and follows strict protocols, including:

Comprehensive safety assessment prior to beginning work
Proper lockout/tagout procedures where applicable
Regular safety training and certifications
Clean work areas with proper protection for your property
Thorough testing of all installations before project completion

What should I do if I smell burning coming from an electrical box or notice other electrical problems?

Immediately turn off the power at the main electrical panel if safe to do so and give us a call right away. These are serious concerns that require immediate attention and can lead to fires or further damage to your electrical system. Never attempt to fix electrical issues yourself, as this can be extremely dangerous.

GFCI vs AFCI

You will often find a GFCI in a wet or damp location such as a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room or garage. The GFCI prevents electric shock by detecting ground faults, which occur when electricity flows outside of the normal circuit path, for example through a person’s body. AFCI protection is designed to open the circuit when an arc fault is sensed. This can be due to a loose connection or a damaged wire, which could otherwise start a fire. This protection is required in almost all habitable areas of the home including bedrooms, hallways, dining rooms, closets and other living areas.

GFCI protects against electric shock caused by ground faults

AFCI protects against fires caused by arc faults.

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