Electrical Panel Upgrades in Hodgkins, IL

Stop Dealing with Flickering Lights and Tripped Breakers

Get the reliable electrical power your Hodgkins home needs with professional electrical panel upgrades from our licensed electricians.

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Residential Electrical Panel Replacement Hodgkins

Your Lights Stay On When They Should

You flip a switch and the lights work. Your air conditioner kicks on without dimming every bulb in the house. Your breakers stop tripping every time you run the dishwasher and microwave at the same time.

That’s what happens when your electrical panel can actually handle what you’re asking it to do. Most homes in Hodgkins were built when families owned a fraction of today’s electronics and appliances. Your current panel is doing its best, but it’s fighting a losing battle against modern electrical demands.

An upgraded electrical panel gives you the capacity to live normally in your own home. No more strategically timing when you use appliances. No more wondering if that burning smell is serious. Just reliable power when you need it.

Licensed Electricians Hodgkins Illinois

25 Years Solving Electrical Problems That Matter

We’ve been handling electrical emergencies and panel upgrades in the Hodgkins area for 25 years. We’ve seen what happens when electrical systems fail, and we know how to fix it right the first time.

We’re licensed, bonded, and insured because electrical work isn’t something you take chances with. When your panel needs upgrading, you want electricians who understand both the technical requirements and the safety codes that keep your family protected.

Our team specializes in residential electrical service, particularly emergency repairs and panel upgrades. We know that electrical problems don’t wait for convenient times, which is why we focus on quick, reliable solutions for homeowners who need their power working properly.

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Electrical Panel Installation Process Hodgkins

Here's How Your Panel Gets Upgraded

First, we inspect your current electrical system to determine exactly what capacity you need. Most Hodgkins homes benefit from upgrading from 100-amp service to 200-amp service, but the right choice depends on your specific electrical demands.

Next, we handle all the permitting and coordination with your utility company. This isn’t a DIY project – electrical panel work requires proper permits and inspections to ensure everything meets current safety codes.

The installation involves replacing your old panel with a new one that can handle modern electrical loads. We’ll also upgrade the main breaker, install new circuits as needed, and ensure all connections are secure and up to code. The work typically takes most of a day, and we’ll test everything before considering the job complete.

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Circuit Breaker Panel Upgrade Hodgkins

What's Included in Your Panel Upgrade

Your electrical panel upgrade includes a complete assessment of your current electrical needs and a new panel sized appropriately for your home. Most residential upgrades in Hodgkins involve moving from older 100-amp service to 200-amp service, giving you the capacity to run modern appliances without overloading your system.

The service includes replacing the main breaker, installing new circuit breakers, and ensuring all electrical connections meet current safety codes. We’ll also coordinate with ComEd for any necessary utility work and handle all required permits and inspections.

Hodgkins homeowners often choose to add new circuits during the upgrade process, particularly for electric vehicle charging stations or high-demand appliances. The new panel provides space for future electrical needs, so you’re not limited by your electrical capacity as your needs change.

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How do I know if my electrical panel needs upgrading?

Your electrical panel likely needs upgrading if you’re experiencing frequent breaker trips, flickering lights when appliances turn on, or if you’re still using an old fuse box. Other signs include burning smells near your electrical panel, warm or discolored outlets, or if your home is more than 30 years old and still has the original panel.Many Hodgkins homes were built when electrical demands were much lower than today. If you find yourself avoiding using certain appliances at the same time, or if you’re relying heavily on extension cords and power strips, your panel probably can’t handle your current electrical needs.The most reliable way to know is to have a licensed electrician inspect your system. We can assess whether your current panel capacity matches your electrical demands and identify any safety concerns that need immediate attention.
A 100-amp electrical panel can handle about 24,000 watts of power, while a 200-amp panel can handle about 48,000 watts. For most modern homes, 100-amp service is the minimum acceptable capacity, but 200-amp service is preferred and often necessary.The difference becomes obvious when you consider that a central air conditioning unit uses about 3,000-5,000 watts, an electric dryer uses about 3,000 watts, and an electric water heater uses about 4,000 watts. Add in refrigerators, computers, lighting, and other appliances, and you can see how quickly you approach the limits of 100-amp service.Most electrical panel upgrades in Hodgkins involve moving from 100-amp to 200-amp service because it provides the capacity for current needs plus room for future additions like electric vehicle chargers or additional appliances.
Most residential electrical panel upgrades take 6-8 hours to complete, typically requiring a full day of work. The exact time depends on the complexity of your electrical system and whether additional circuits need to be installed.The process involves shutting off power to your home while the old panel is removed and the new one is installed. We coordinate with ComEd to ensure the power disconnection and reconnection happens efficiently. Most of the work happens with the power off, so you’ll be without electricity for several hours during the installation.Planning ahead is important – you’ll want to prepare for a day without power by charging devices, having alternative lighting ready, and planning meals that don’t require cooking. The temporary inconvenience is worth it for the long-term reliability and safety of an upgraded electrical system.
Yes, electrical panel upgrades require permits and inspections in Hodgkins and throughout Illinois. This isn’t optional – it’s required by law and necessary for your safety and insurance coverage. We handle all permitting as part of our service.The permit process ensures that your electrical work meets current safety codes and is properly inspected before being approved. This protects you from potential safety hazards and ensures your electrical system will pass inspection if you sell your home.Attempting to upgrade your electrical panel without proper permits can create serious problems. Your insurance may not cover damage from unpermitted electrical work, and you’ll likely need to redo the work to meet code requirements. Working with licensed electricians who handle permitting properly saves you from these complications.
No, electrical panel upgrades should only be performed by licensed electricians. This type of electrical work is dangerous and requires specific training, licensing, and knowledge of electrical codes. DIY electrical panel work is not only unsafe but also illegal in most areas.Working with electrical panels involves high-voltage electricity that can cause serious injury or death. Even experienced DIY enthusiasts lack the specialized knowledge needed to properly size electrical components, ensure proper grounding, and meet safety code requirements.Licensed electricians have the training to work safely with electrical panels and the knowledge to ensure your upgrade meets all current safety codes. We also carry insurance to protect you from liability, and our work comes with warranties that DIY installations don’t provide.
Electrical panel failures can range from minor inconveniences to serious safety hazards. Common failures include breakers that won’t reset, burning smells, visible sparks, or complete loss of power to parts of your home. Any of these symptoms require immediate attention from a licensed electrician.More serious panel failures can cause electrical fires, which is why addressing warning signs quickly is crucial. If you notice burning smells, hear sizzling sounds, or see any signs of sparks or heat damage around your electrical panel, shut off power at the main breaker and call an electrician immediately.Regular electrical panel maintenance and timely upgrades prevent most failures. If your panel is more than 20-30 years old or showing signs of wear, having it inspected by a professional can identify potential problems before they become emergencies.