Ostlund Electric Inc., Residential and Commercial Electricians

Ostlund Electric Inc., Residential and Commercial Electricians Third generation, in business 50+ years. Quality service without outrageous prices. Experienced technicians, skilled in latest technology.

Dedicated to quality, integrity, and reliability. 24/7 Emergency Service Available! Located in Auburn, we’ve been serving commercial, industrial and residential customers with a complete array of electrical services for over half a century. We know the needs of our community, and we work to bring your project in on time, within budget, and with top craftsmanship.

If you run a retail space in Tacoma, your electrical system does more than keep the lights on. It supports your sales, c...
06/03/2026

If you run a retail space in Tacoma, your electrical system does more than keep the lights on. It supports your sales, customer experience, and daily operations. Many older storefronts, especially around downtown Tacoma and areas near Pacific Avenue, were not built for modern power demands. So what electrical upgrades do retail spaces in Tacoma actually need to stay safe, efficient, and ready for growth?

What electrical upgrades do retail spaces in Tacoma need? Learn how to improve safety, efficiency, and performance for your business.

If your manufacturing plant, warehouse, or production facility runs into an electrical problem, calling just any electri...
04/28/2026

If your manufacturing plant, warehouse, or production facility runs into an electrical problem, calling just any electrician can cost you more than the repair itself. Industrial electrical systems operate at higher voltages and demand specialized training that most residential and commercial electricians simply don't have. Knowing when you need an industrial electrician and what to look for when hiring one can save you thousands of dollars in downtime and prevent safety incidents.

Not all electricians are created equal. Learn when you need an industrial electrician to ensure that your electrical system meets your needs.

When the lights go out during a Pacific Northwest storm, do you scramble for flashlights and worry about your freezer fu...
12/12/2025

When the lights go out during a Pacific Northwest storm, do you scramble for flashlights and worry about your freezer full of food? You’re not alone. Many Federal Way homeowners experience this same anxiety when power outages strike.

Preparing for any event gives you peace of mind. Knowing the advantages of generator installation helps you decide if it’s right for you.

Congratulations on getting an electric vehicle! Making the switch to electric driving represents a smart investment in y...
12/12/2025

Congratulations on getting an electric vehicle! Making the switch to electric driving represents a smart investment in your future and the environment. However, before you can enjoy the convenience of charging at home, you need to properly prepare for EV charger installation.

An electric car revolutionizes the way you drive. Find out how to prepare your home for EV charger installation.

Electrical problems in commercial buildings rarely happen without warning. Most electrical failures give clear signs wee...
12/12/2025

Electrical problems in commercial buildings rarely happen without warning. Most electrical failures give clear signs weeks or months before they become serious safety hazards or costly emergencies.

As a commercial electrician serving Puyallup and the South Puget Sound area for over 50 years, Ostlund Electric has seen how recognizing these warning signs early can save business owners thousands of dollars and protect their operations from dangerous electrical failures.

If you own a building, keeping it running smoothly is essential. Knowing the signs your building needs a commercial electrician can help.

Whether you’re dealing with flickering lights, a tripped breaker that won’t reset, or planning a renovation, finding the...
12/12/2025

Whether you’re dealing with flickering lights, a tripped breaker that won’t reset, or planning a renovation, finding the right residential electrician in Gig Harbor isn’t just about getting the job done; it’s about protecting your family and your most valuable investment.

If your home needs electrical repairs, the right professional is important. Knowing what to look for in a residential electrician can help.

Why Your Auburn Business Needs a Professional Commercial ElectricianOstlund Electric Auburn commercial electricianRunnin...
07/28/2025

Why Your Auburn Business Needs a Professional Commercial Electrician
Ostlund Electric Auburn commercial electrician

Running a business in Auburn means there is a lot on your plate. One thing you can’t afford to overlook is your electrical system. When your lights flicker during a client meeting or your equipment suddenly shuts down during peak hours, the frustration and potential revenue loss undermine everything you’ve built. That’s where a qualified commercial electrician becomes your business’s lifeline.

Commercial electrical systems are complex. They require specialized knowledge and experience. A commercial electrician can keep your operations running smoothly while protecting your bottom line.

Keeping your business safe and in good working order is essential. Knowing why you need the services of a commercial electrician can help.

The stakes couldn’t be higher when your business needs electrical upgrades, installations, or repairs. Poor electrical w...
06/23/2025

The stakes couldn’t be higher when your business needs electrical upgrades, installations, or repairs. Poor electrical work can shut down your operations, endanger your employees, and cost you thousands in fines and repairs. That’s why choosing professional electrical work from experienced contractors makes the difference between a successful project and a costly disaster.

The Real Cost of Cutting Corners on Electrical Work
Many business owners consider handling electrical projects themselves or hiring the cheapest contractor they can find. This decision can backfire spectacularly.

Faulty wiring can cause equipment failures, fire hazards, and expensive downtime far exceeding the cost of doing it right the first time. Professional electrical work protects your investment and keeps your business running smoothly.

Guaranteed Efficiency That Keeps Your Business Moving
Time is money in business, and electrical problems can bring everything to a grinding halt. Professional electricians understand this urgency. They arrive with the right tools, materials, and expertise to complete your project efficiently without cutting corners.

Professional contractors also coordinate with utility companies, inspectors, and other trades to keep your project on schedule. They handle permits, inspections, and code compliance requirements so you can focus on running your business instead of managing paperwork.

Code Compliance: Your Shield Against Costly Problems
Electrical codes exist for good reason. They protect lives and property. However, navigating local building codes, NEC requirements, and municipal regulations can overwhelm even experienced business owners. One missed requirement can result in failed inspections, expensive rework, and significant delays.

Professional electrical work ensures complete code compliance from start to finish. Licensed electricians stay current with changing regulations and know what inspectors look for. They pull proper permits, schedule required inspections, and guarantee their work meets or exceeds all safety standards.

This compliance protects you from liability issues if accidents occur. Insurance companies and legal authorities expect businesses to maintain proper electrical systems. Professional installation creates documentation that proves you’ve met your responsibility to provide a safe environment.

Safety: The Non-Negotiable Priority
Electrical hazards kill more than 400 workers annually and cause thousands of injuries. These numbers represent real people whose lives were changed forever by preventable accidents. Professional electrical work dramatically reduces these risks through proper installation, quality materials, and adherence to safety protocols.

Professional electricians use specialized equipment to test circuits, identify potential hazards, and ensure proper grounding. They understand load calculations, wire sizing, and protection requirements that prevent overheating and fires.

Beyond installation safety, professional work creates systems that remain safe throughout their lifespan. Proper labeling, documentation, and installation techniques make future maintenance safer and more efficient for your facility management team.

The Technology Advantage: Future-Proofing Your Investment
Modern businesses demand more from their electrical systems. Smart building controls, energy management systems, and advanced lighting technologies require sophisticated installation techniques and programming knowledge. Professional electricians bring expertise in these emerging technologies that can reduce your operating costs and improve your competitive position.

Energy-efficient LED lighting, programmable controls, and power monitoring systems can cut your electrical bills by 30% or more. Professional contractors help you identify rebate opportunities and tax incentives that offset installation costs while delivering long-term savings.

Minimize Business Disruption
Professional electricians understand that your business can’t stop operating during electrical work. They coordinate with your schedule to minimize disruption, often working during off-hours or planning phases that keep critical systems operational.

They also bring backup solutions and contingency plans when power interruptions are unavoidable. This preparation keeps your losses to a minimum while ensuring work proceeds safely and efficiently.

Your Trusted Partner for Professional Electrical Work Near Tacoma
Don’t gamble with your business’s electrical needs. Ostlund Electric has provided reliable professional electrical work throughout the South Puget Sound area for over 50 years. Our licensed, experienced electricians deliver code-compliant installations on time and within budget.

We offer comprehensive commercial electrical services that keep your operations running smoothly. From design consultation to final inspection, we handle every detail so you can focus on what you do best.

Contact us today and let our three generations of expertise work for your business success.

If you have an electrical project coming up, you want the best help. Find out the benefits of professional electrical work for your business.

Your home’s electrical system works silently behind the scenes, powering everything from essential appliances to enterta...
05/22/2025

Your home’s electrical system works silently behind the scenes, powering everything from essential appliances to entertainment devices. When something goes wrong, the consequences can range from minor inconveniences to serious safety hazards.

Recognizing the early warning signs that your home needs electrical repairs can protect your family and property while preventing costly damage. Here are ten warning signs Tacoma area homeowners should never ignore.

1. Strange Odors
That distinctive burning smell from an outlet or electrical panel isn’t just unpleasant, it’s dangerous! Electrical fires often start with a unique fishy or ozone odor as insulation melts or wires overheat. If you notice unusual smells near any electrical components, immediately turn off the power to that area and call for professional electrical repairs.

2. Flickering or Dimming Lights
While occasional light flickers might seem minor, consistent flickering indicates an underlying problem. This issue often signals loose wiring connections, overloaded circuits, or voltage fluctuations. In older neighborhoods, flickering lights might reveal outdated wiring that can’t handle modern electrical demands.

3. Unusual Sounds
Your electrical system should operate silently. Buzzing, crackling, or popping sounds from outlets, switches, or your electrical panel suggest loose connections, arcing electricity, or failing components. These sounds are early warning signs of potential electrical fires.

4. Frequently Tripping Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers protect your home by shutting down power when lines become overloaded. If you’re constantly resetting breakers, your electrical system is telling you something’s wrong. Your home may need electrical repairs to address inadequate wiring or require a panel upgrade to handle your household’s power demands.

5. Warm or Discolored Outlets and Switches
Touch your outlets and switches occasionally (when not in use). They should never feel warm. Discoloration around outlets, particularly yellowing, browning, or scorching, indicates dangerous heat buildup from loose connections or faulty wiring behind your walls.

6. Electrical Shocks
Even minor shocks when plugging in appliances or touching switches aren’t normal. These small jolts warn of improper grounding, damaged wiring, or moisture issues that require immediate electrical repairs.

7. Higher Than Normal Electric Bills
Sudden increases in your electricity bill without corresponding changes in usage patterns might indicate electrical leaks or inefficiencies. Damaged wiring forces your system to work harder, consuming more power and increasing costs. Professional electrical repairs can correct these inefficiencies and potentially lower your bills.

8. Outdated Electrical Panel
If your home still has a fuse box or a panel installed before 1990, you’re overdue for an upgrade. Older panels lack modern safety features and often can’t handle today’s electrical demands. Signs your panel needs attention include warm metal, rust, or the inability to add new circuits.

9. Too Few Outlets
Finding yourself constantly using power strips or extension cords means your home’s electrical system hasn’t kept pace with your needs. This overreliance on temporary solutions creates fire hazards and indicates your home needs proper electrical repairs and updates.

10. Aging Wiring
Homes built before 1980 often contain outdated wiring types like aluminum wiring or knob-and-tube systems. These older materials deteriorate over time and may not support modern electrical loads. Warning signs include frequent bulb burnouts, inability to run multiple appliances, and unexplained power issues.

When to Call a Professional
While some household tasks are DIY-friendly, electrical repairs aren’t among them. Always consult a licensed electrician when:

Problems persist after simple fixes like changing bulbs
You experience multiple warning signs simultaneously
Your home is more than 25 years old and hasn’t had electrical updates
You notice any signs of electrical burning or melting
Switches or outlets stop working entirely
Electrical problems don’t resolve themselves; they worsen over time, potentially leading to dangerous situations and costly damage. Early intervention through professional electrical repairs saves money, prevents property damage, and protects what matters most, your family’s safety.

Trust Ostlund Electric with Your Tacoma Area Home
Ostlund Electric has proudly served the South Puget Sound area for over 50 years. Our licensed electricians provide thorough inspections, honest recommendations, and quality electrical repairs for homes throughout Tacoma, Auburn, Federal Way, Kent, Gig Harbor, Puyallup, Bonney Lake, and Olympia. We also provide top-quality and affordable commercial and industrial electrical services.

Don’t wait until minor electrical issues become major problems. Contact us online or call today at (253) 258-0955 for expert electrical repairs and peace of mind. Our emergency service is available 24/7 for those situations that simply can’t wait.

Keeping your house safe is an important part of home ownership. Knowing some of the common signs that you need electrical repairs can help.

Every year, thousands of families face the devastating consequences of electrical fires. Your home should be a sanctuary...
05/02/2025

Every year, thousands of families face the devastating consequences of electrical fires. Your home should be a sanctuary for your family, not a place of danger. While most electrical systems operate safely, taking proactive steps can prevent tragedy from striking your household.

The Real Dangers Behind Electrical Fires
Tips for Preventing Electrical FiresMost homeowners don’t realize that electrical fires often start silently, with warning signs that go unnoticed until it’s too late. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical failures cause approximately 51,000 home fires each year, resulting in hundreds of deaths and over $1 billion in property damage.

Keep Heat-Producing Appliances Unplugged When Not in Use
Your space heaters, hair dryers, and other heat-generating appliances draw a tremendous amount of power through your electrical system. Each time you leave these items plugged in when not using them, you’re taking an unnecessary risk. Make unplugging these items part of your daily routine, just like locking your doors before bed. This simple habit could prevent a fire while you sleep.

Don’t Use Extension Cords as Permanent Solutions
We’ve all stretched an extension cord across a room because we needed power where no outlet exists. While convenient, extension cords pose serious fire hazards when used as a permanent solution. They can overheat, especially when powering multiple devices, and create connection points that may spark.

Ask yourself: Is convenience worth risking your family’s safety? Instead, contact a licensed electrician to install proper outlets where you need them.

Never Remove the Third Prong
That third prong on electrical plugs isn’t optional. It’s a critical safety feature designed to protect your family. It provides a path for electrical current to travel safely into the ground during a fault, preventing dangerous situations that could lead to fires or electrocution. Cutting it off might seem like a quick fix for older outlets, but it eliminates a crucial safety mechanism.

If your home still has two-prong outlets, investing in proper three-prong installations could save lives.

Watch for Warning Signs
Many electrical fires give warning signs before disaster strikes. Pay attention to:

Flickering lights that loose bulbs can’t explain
Burning smells with no obvious source
Outlets or switches that feel warm to the touch
Circuit breakers that trip repeatedly
Appliances that spark when plugged in
These signals shouldn’t be ignored. They’re your electrical system’s way of telling you something’s wrong.

Schedule Regular Electrical Inspections
When was the last time a professional examined your home’s electrical system? Many homeowners go years or even decades without proper inspections. Think of electrical inspections like medical check-ups; preventative care that catches problems before they become life-threatening. A qualified electrician can identify outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, and other hazards you might miss.

Protecting What Matters Most
The emotional toll of a house fire is more than property damage. Family photos, cherished mementos, and the sense of security that comes from knowing your home is safe are things no insurance policy can replace. Taking steps to prevent electrical fires is about preserving the irreplaceable aspects of your life and ensuring your family never experiences the trauma of a preventable disaster.

Need Expert Help Preventing Electrical Fires Near Federal Way?
Don’t wait until warning signs appear to take action. At Ostlund Electric, we’ve been safeguarding South Puget Sound families for over 50 years. Our team of licensed, experienced electricians understands the electrical challenges facing homes in Auburn, Federal Way, Kent, and surrounding areas.

We create safer environments in homes, Puget Sound businesses, and industrial properties through thoughtful upgrades, expert installations, and preventative maintenance. Our team will find solutions that work for your needs and budget, delivering peace of mind along with expert service.

Contact us today for a safety consultation. We’re here to help with all of your electrical needs.

Keeping your home safe should be your top priority. These tips for preventing electrical fires help you protect yourself and your family.

Address

1006 A Street SE
Auburn, WA
98002

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