Introduction
Kitsap County is home to an abundance of beautiful older houses from 1940s Bremerton bungalows to 1970s Port Orchard and Silverdale ranch-style homes. With that charm, however, often come electrical systems that were designed for a different era. Many older homes still use wiring and panels that worked well when installed but may not align with today’s electrical demands or safety expectations.
At Siren Electric, we often hear from homeowners who are experiencing minor electrical quirks, planning remodels, or simply seeking peace of mind. Issues such as aging wiring, overloaded circuits, outdated panels, or older work completed to past standards are very common and homeowners often find themselves needing or desiring modernization of their electrical system.
Below are the top five electrical conditions we see in older Kitsap homes, along with clear, practical options for addressing them if needed.
1. Outdated or Overloaded Electrical Panels
Many pre-1980 homes still have:
- 60-amp or 100-amp electrical service
- Panels with limited breaker space
- Panels not up to modern safety standards
Why it matters
These panels were built for much lower electrical demand and no longer adequately support modern devices and appliances
Common signs
- Breakers tripping
- Flickering lights
- Buzzing or warm breakers
- No room for additional circuits
Possible solutions
Upgrading to a 150A or 200A panel provides additional space and modern breaker protections (AFCI/GFCI) as required by current Washington electrical code.
2. Aluminum Wiring (1965–1975 Homes)
Many Kitsap homes built in the late ’60s and early ’70s used aluminum wiring due to copper shortages.
Why it matters
- Aluminum expands and contracts, which can loosen connections over time
- Outlets and switches can overheat
- Older terminals may not be rated for aluminum
Common signs
- Warm outlets or switches
- Flickering lights
- Scorched outlet covers
- Loose connection points
Possible solutions
- COPALUM crimping (code-approved)
- AlumiConn connectors
- Full rewiring during major renovations
Most homeowners opt for connection upgrades rather than full rewiring.
3. Ungrounded Outlets
Homes built before 1962 often lack grounding because it simply wasn’t required at the time.
Why it matters
Lack of a ground conductor affects how safely a circuit can redirect excess electrical energy, especially for sensitive electronics or appliances with metal housings.
Common signs
- Two-prong outlets
- No GFCIs in kitchens or bathrooms
- Frequent outlet wear
Possible solutions
- Add a grounding conductor
- Install GFCI protection
- Rewire circuits during remodels
- Replace outdated outlets and switches
This is one of the most common upgrades we perform in older Bremerton and Silverdale homes.
4. Knob-and-Tube Wiring (Pre-1950 Homes)
Some older Kitsap homes still contain knob-and-tube wiring in attic or basement spaces.
Why it matters
- No grounding
- Brittle or deteriorated insulation
- Not designed for today’s electrical loads
- Often buried under insulation (not allowed under current standards)
Unlike other items on this list, knob-and-tube wiring is something most homeowners eventually choose to replace for both safety and insurance requirements.
Common signs
- Visible porcelain knobs and tubes
- Inconsistent lighting or outlets
- Homes with minimal electrical upgrades
Possible solutions
- Disconnect unused sections
- Replace with modern copper NM-B wiring
- Add grounding and updated breaker protection
5. Improper or Unpermitted Electrical Work
What we often see
- Back-stabbed outlets
- Mismatched wire and breaker sizes
- Open junction boxes
- Loose attic connections
- Outdoor wiring not up to current standards
Possible solutions
A licensed electrician can:
- Inspect the affected circuits
- Clean up older connections
- Replace worn components
- Bring wiring up to current code if desired
How Siren Electric Can Help
Based in Bremerton and serving Kitsap County and surrounding areas, Siren Electric specializes in helping homeowners modernize older homes safely and at a pace that feels comfortable.
- Panel upgrades
- Whole-home inspections
- Partial or full rewiring
- GFCI/AFCI updates
- Grounding & bonding corrections
- Troubleshooting flickering/outages
- EV charger installation
- Remodel and addition wiring