Our Story

Since 1975

Electrical Representatives West (ERW) was founded in 1975. ERW is the longest continuously operating commercial lighting and controls business in the market. A Seattle-based, family-run business that has grown into a full-service lighting and controls sales agency representing some of the most distinguished brands available on the market today.

ERW is a lighting and controls solutions company prided on authentic leadership, a distinguished line card, and a culture that represents hard work, service, and integrity. We are proud members of the National Electric Manufacturers Representatives Association (NEMRA).

Our Values

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of projects does ERW specialize in?

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ERW supports design-build, commercial, municipal, and residential projects, K-12, tunnel, roadway, municipality, lab, higher education, warehouse, automotive, with expertise in lighting controls, custom lighting design, and energy-efficient retrofits.

2. How is ERW different from other lighting agencies?

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Our team combines deep product knowledge, fast response times, and hands-on project management. We’re known for solving complex challenges pre- and post-sales and delivering quotes within 48 hours (2 hours for government projects). Our objective is to carry excellence through as many of the construction phases as we are capable of touching. We start with Design to help develop the specification, using the idea that there is a right product for the project on our line card.

 

We continue into Procurement by providing efficient quotations to the channel, reflecting the budget pricing we may have provided in the Design phase. Our project team will expertly handle the Construction Phase by proactively solving project problems and providing accurate lead times to the channel.  Finally, in the Commissioning Phase, our team will commission Lighting Controls and assist with complex DMX color-changing operations.

3. Where does ERW operate?

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We serve clients across Seattle, Western Washington, and the Pacific Northwest, with projects spanning from municipal infrastructure to private residences.

4. Does ERW have experience with K-12 education projects?

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Absolutely. We’re actively supporting K-12 bond-funded projects throughout Washington State, with expertise in classroom lighting controls that meet energy code requirements, easy-to-use systems for teachers and facilities teams, and vandal-resistant solutions. Our specification team understands the unique challenges of educational environments, budget constraints, long-term durability needs, and the importance of lighting quality for student learning and well-being. We also provide training for district facilities staff to ensure they can confidently operate and maintain their lighting control systems long after installation.