Chicago homes built before the 1970s often need electrical panel upgrades to handle modern power demands safely.
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If your electricity is constantly turning off because of a tripped circuit breaker, you probably need to update your home’s electricity. An updated electrical system can handle all your daily electrical needs without any breakers being tripped. Homes that experience frequently tripped circuit breakers have an electrical system that doesn’t supply enough power.
If your breakers trip frequently, your lights dim when appliances turn on, or you rely heavily on extension cords and power strips, these can all be signs that your current panel is maxed out and due for an upgrade. These aren’t just minor inconveniences—they’re your home’s way of telling you the electrical system can’t safely handle your power needs.
Walk over to your electrical panel right now and take a close look. Electrical panels should look “as good as new” all the time. If your electrical panel looks old, is rusted, or has obvious signs of damage, it needs to be evaluated by a licensed electrician or professional building inspector.
When your house is at its most common “full-capacity” (lights are on, a TV or two are going, phones are charging, and some appliances are in use), make a date with your electrical panel. Place your hand on its cover and then along the wall above, below, and on its sides. If it feels at all warm or hot to the touch, the system is overloaded, and you need to have it looked at immediately.
While you’re there, see if you notice any burning or burnt smells. Sometimes, a hot circuit or corroded wires slowly begin to melt the plastic wire jackets and can even begin to smolder in your insulation or structural wood. This is a hazardous sign, and it should be addressed ASAP. That smell is a precursor to a fire.
Don’t ignore scorch marks, rust, or corrosion around breakers either. If you see signs of corrosion in the electrical box, corrosion happens over time when moisture is introduced within the panel. If you open the panel and visibly see corrosion or signs of moisture, you’ll want to address this as soon as possible. Corrosion may appear as a build-up of rust and/or a chalky white substance around the screw terminals.
If your home is over 40 years old and it’s never been renovated, this is a sure sign that you need to update the electrical system. Although this does require some time and investment, replacing outdated wiring and outlets can make your home safer and identify issues before they lead to a fire.
Unbeknownst to many homeowners, the average lifespan of an electrical panel is only 20 to 50 years. If you live in an older home, having your electrical system inspected is important. Your existing electrical panel may not be equipped to handle the demands of today’s appliances.
Certain panel brands are particularly problematic. For a long time (1950s-1980s) Federal Pacific Electric was one of the most popular manufacturers of electrical panels in the United States and they were installed in millions of homes. But these panels are extremely unsafe. FPE electric panels’ circuit breakers fail to trip when they should (when there’s a short circuit or circuit overload).
Zinsco was a popular brand of electrical panel installed in many homes throughout the 1970s. Around 1973, Zinsco was purchased by GTE-Sylvania. Although Zinsco no longer exists, their panels were part of a class-action lawsuit in 2002. Zinsco panels are unsafe because many of their circuit breakers melted to the main bus bar. The melted circuit breakers failed to trip in the event of a short or overloaded circuit. The unchecked surge of power melted wires and started fires in homes. If you see the name Zinsco anywhere on your electrical panel, it should be replaced immediately.
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An outdated electrical system is a fire hazard. Electrical failures are a leading cause of house fires. Upgrading your system reduces this risk significantly. Electricity is the cause of more than 140,000 fires each year, resulting in 400 deaths, 4,000 injuries, and $1.6 billion in property damage. Total economic losses due to electrical hazards are estimated to exceed $4 billion annually.
The numbers tell a sobering story about electrical safety in American homes. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there were an average of 31,647 home fires every year between 2011 and 2023 caused by electrical distribution or lighting equipment. These fires caused an estimated average of 425 deaths, 1,279 injuries, and $1.6 billion in direct property loss.
Electrical panel upgrade cost in Chicago is approximately $850 to $4,000 depending on the amperage. The cost to replace an electrical panel is $850 to $1,600 for 100 amps or $1,475 on average. To upgrade to 200 amps, expect to spend $1,300 to $2,500.
Many older homes have 100-amp service panels. We often recommend upgrading to a 200-amp electrical panel to meet modern electrical needs. The investment might seem significant upfront, but consider what you’re actually buying: your family’s safety, your home’s functionality, and protection against devastating electrical fires.
The cost of an electrical upgrade can vary widely based on the work needed. While it might seem expensive upfront, consider it an investment in your home’s safety and functionality. Many homeowners in the Chicago area believe that paying for peace of mind and improved electrical performance is worthwhile. They feel that the benefits justify the expense.
In the greater Chicago area, most electrical upgrades require permits. We handle this process, ensuring all work is legal and up to code. This isn’t just bureaucratic red tape—it’s protection that ensures your upgrade meets current safety standards and won’t cause problems when you sell your home.
Our homes are using more energy than ever before, and the electrical system that was installed decades ago may not have the necessary capacity to handle the electrical load required of it today. To keep a house running smoothly, the proper rating of electrical panel can eliminate tripped circuit breakers and prevent fires.
Think about everything that didn’t exist when your home was built. Smart TVs, computer workstations, electric vehicle chargers, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and countless other devices that have become essential to modern life. Televisions, computers, microwaves, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, and more are high-tech appliances that improve our comfort and make modern life a little bit easier. However, as technology has expanded by leaps and bounds over the past 50 years, the power needs of these appliances have exceeded the capacity of many residential electrical systems. As a result, many electrical panels are ill-equipped to provide the safe, reliable stream of electricity these systems require.
If you’re adding new appliances, a home office, or a major renovation, an upgraded panel ensures you have the power capacity to support these additions without overloading the system. Modern panels are designed to distribute power more efficiently, reducing energy waste and lowering your utility bills. Plus, an upgraded electrical panel is a valuable selling point for potential buyers, enhancing your property’s marketability and value.
Remember, electrical work is not a DIY project. Hire a licensed, qualified electrician to ensure the job is completed safely and correctly. Due to the potential for electric shock or fire hazard, only Electrical Contractors licensed by the City of Chicago can perform electrical installations.
Upgrading your home’s electrical system is an important decision, but for many Chicago area homeowners, it’s a necessary one. By ensuring your home’s electrical system is up to date, you’re not just improving functionality. You’re investing in your family’s safety and your home’s future. Don’t wait for an electrical emergency to strike.
If you’ve recognized any of these warning signs in your home, or if you’re simply concerned about your electrical panel’s age and capacity, contact Jimco Electric today. With 25 years of experience serving Chicago homeowners, we specialize in panel upgrades and emergency electrical repairs, ensuring your family’s safety with professional, licensed service you can trust.
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