Most of Spokane Valley was built after World War II: blocks of 1950s and ’60s ranch homes along Sprague and Broadway, 1970s split-levels, and newer subdivisions climbing toward the south hills and out past Greenacres.
That era of construction has its own electrical story. Homes from the 1960s and ’70s are where Federal Pacific Stab-Lok and Zinsco panels turn up, and a few were built during the short window when aluminum branch wiring was used. Many of these houses also have one overworked garage circuit and a panel with no open spaces left.
Common jobs in Spokane Valley
- 01Federal Pacific and Zinsco panel replacement
- 02Service upgrades for heat pumps and AC
- 03Garage and shop subpanels
- 04Hot tub circuits
- 05EV charger circuits
- 06Basement and family-room remodels
Spokane Valley questions
Asked in Spokane Valley.
Burning smell, sparks, a hot panel or half the house dark? Turn off the breaker or the main if it’s safe, then call. For fire or smoke, get out and call 911. For a downed line, stay clear and call your utility.
Which utility do I call in Spokane Valley, Avista or Modern Electric?
It depends on your street. Avista, Modern Electric Water Company and Vera Water & Power each serve parts of Spokane Valley. The name on your power bill tells you which one.
It matters for panel and service upgrades, because the utility handles the disconnect, reconnect and meter. Sonshyne Electric coordinates with whichever utility serves the house.
I have a Federal Pacific panel in my Valley rambler. Should I replace it?
Many electricians recommend it. Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels, common in homes of the 1960s and ’70s, have a long history of breakers that may not trip when they should.
If yours is working today, there’s no need to panic, but it’s worth having it inspected and planning a replacement. Don’t remove the cover yourself.
Do I need a permit for a hot tub in Spokane Valley?
Yes. A hot tub needs a dedicated circuit with GFCI protection and a disconnect within sight of the tub, and that work requires an electrical permit from L&I in Spokane Valley.
Placement matters too: there are clearance rules between the tub, the disconnect and overhead lines.
Nearby
Also serving nearby.
- Spokane home baseHome base. Sonshyne Electric works on houses all over the city, and a lot of them are older than the light bulbs in them.Electrician in Spokane
- Liberty LakeNewer homes, bigger loads. Liberty Lake’s houses are mostly young; the work is about adding to them, not rescuing them.Electrician in Liberty Lake
- MeadNorth of the city: suburban streets, acreage, detached shops and long runs to outbuildings.Electrician in Mead