Electrical Panel Upgrades in Preston Heights, IL

Safe, Reliable Power for Your Modern Home

Professional electrical panel upgrades that handle today’s power demands without the safety risks of outdated systems.

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Preston Heights Electrical Panel Installation

Your Home Works Better When Everything Actually Works

You flip a switch and the lights come on. Your appliances run without dimming the house. Your circuit breakers stop tripping every time you use the microwave and dishwasher together.

That’s what happens when your electrical panel can actually handle what you’re asking it to do. Most homes in Preston Heights were built when we had fewer devices plugged in and smaller power demands. Now you’ve got smart TVs, gaming systems, electric vehicle chargers, and high-efficiency appliances that need more juice than your old panel was designed to provide.

An upgraded electrical panel gives you the capacity you need without the safety risks. No more flickering lights when the AC kicks on. No more choosing between using the dryer or the vacuum cleaner. Just reliable power that keeps up with how you actually live.

Licensed Preston Heights Electrical Contractors

25 Years Solving Critical Electrical Problems

We’ve been handling emergency electrical repairs and panel upgrades in Preston Heights for over two decades. We’re the team homeowners call when their electrical system isn’t keeping up with their needs.

We’re licensed, bonded, and insured, which means you’re protected and the work is done right. Our electricians specialize in the kind of urgent electrical issues that can’t wait—like panels that are overloaded, circuits that keep tripping, and systems that need immediate attention for safety reasons.

Preston Heights homeowners trust us because we understand that electrical problems don’t happen at convenient times. We’re equipped to handle everything from adding circuits for EV chargers to complete panel replacements that bring your home up to modern safety standards.

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Electrical Panel Upgrade Process Preston Heights

Here's Exactly What Happens During Your Upgrade

First, we assess your current panel and calculate your home’s electrical load. We look at what you’re using now, what you plan to add, and what capacity you actually need. Most Preston Heights homes benefit from upgrading to 200-amp service, but we size it based on your specific situation.

Next, we handle the permits and coordinate with your utility company for the temporary power disconnect. We remove your old panel and install the new one, upgrading the main breaker, adding circuits as needed, and ensuring everything meets current electrical codes.

The final step is inspection and reconnection. A local inspector verifies the work meets safety standards, then your utility company restores power. The whole process typically takes 6-8 hours, and you’re back to full power the same day. We clean up completely and walk you through your new panel so you know exactly what you’re getting.

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Preston Heights Panel Upgrade Services

What's Included in Your Panel Upgrade

Your electrical panel upgrade includes the new panel itself, properly sized for your home’s needs—typically 200 amps for most Preston Heights residences. We install new circuit breakers, upgrade the main breaker switch, and add circuits as needed for modern appliances and EV chargers.

We handle all the permit paperwork and coordinate with ComEd for the power disconnect and reconnection. The installation includes proper grounding, updated wiring where necessary, and full compliance with current electrical codes. Everything is labeled clearly so you know which breaker controls what.

Preston Heights homes built before 1980 often need additional work to bring the electrical system up to code. This might include upgrading the meter socket, adding GFCI protection, or installing new grounding systems. We identify these needs upfront so there are no surprises, and we offer military, first responder, senior, teacher, and student discounts to make the upgrade more affordable.

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How do I know if my Preston Heights home needs an electrical panel upgrade?

You’ll notice the signs pretty quickly. Lights that flicker when appliances turn on, circuit breakers that trip frequently, or having to unplug things to use other devices are all indicators your panel is overloaded. If your home was built before 1990, you likely have a 100-amp panel that can’t handle modern electrical demands. Adding an EV charger, upgrading to electric appliances, or installing a hot tub typically requires a 200-amp panel. You might also notice burn marks around outlets, a burning smell near the panel, or appliances that don’t run at full capacity. The definitive way to know is having a licensed electrician perform a load calculation. We assess your current usage, factor in planned additions, and determine whether your panel can safely handle the demand. Most Preston Heights homes benefit from upgrading to 200-amp service for safety and future needs.
Most electrical panel upgrades in Preston Heights range from $1,200 to $3,000, depending on the complexity of your installation and the amperage you need. A standard upgrade from 100 to 200 amps typically falls in the middle of that range. The final cost depends on several factors: whether we need to relocate the panel, upgrade your meter socket, add new circuits, or bring other components up to current code. Homes that need extensive rewiring or have challenging access will cost more than straightforward replacements. We provide upfront pricing after assessing your specific situation. There are no hidden fees, and we offer discounts for military, first responders, seniors, teachers, and students. Most homeowners find the investment worthwhile for the safety improvements and increased capacity, especially when planning for EV chargers or other high-demand appliances.
A typical electrical panel upgrade takes 6-8 hours to complete, and most Preston Heights homes are back to full power the same day. The timeline depends on the complexity of your installation and whether additional work is needed to bring everything up to code. We start early to minimize disruption to your day. The power is only off during the actual panel replacement—usually 4-6 hours. We coordinate with ComEd for the disconnect and reconnection, handle the permit process, and schedule the required inspection. More complex installations that require relocating the panel, extensive rewiring, or upgrading the service entrance may take longer. We’ll give you a realistic timeline upfront and keep you informed throughout the process. The inspection typically happens the same day, so you’re not waiting around for power to be restored.
Most EV chargers require a dedicated 40-50 amp circuit, which means you need available capacity in your electrical panel. If you have a 200-amp panel with room for additional circuits, you can likely add an EV charger without upgrading. However, if you have a 100-amp panel—common in Preston Heights homes built before 1990—you’ll probably need to upgrade to 200-amp service. A 100-amp panel typically can’t handle the combined load of modern appliances plus an EV charger safely. We perform a load calculation to determine your exact needs. This factors in your current electrical usage, the EV charger requirements, and any other planned additions. Sometimes we can use load management devices to make an EV charger work with existing capacity, but upgrading the panel is usually the safer, more future-proof solution.
Yes, electrical panel upgrades require permits in Preston Heights, and we handle all the paperwork for you. The permit ensures the work meets current electrical codes and safety standards, and it’s required for insurance purposes. The permit process includes submitting plans showing the new panel location, electrical load calculations, and details about the installation. We coordinate with the local building department and schedule the required inspections—typically a rough inspection during installation and a final inspection before power is restored. Having proper permits protects you if you sell your home and ensures the work is done to code. Insurance companies may not cover electrical issues if the work wasn’t properly permitted. We’re licensed contractors who understand the local requirements, so you don’t have to worry about navigating the permit process yourself.
Your power will be off for 4-6 hours during the actual panel replacement. We coordinate with ComEd to disconnect your service while we remove the old panel and install the new one, then they reconnect once everything is complete and inspected. We schedule the work to minimize disruption to your day and give you advance notice of exactly when the power will be off. You’ll want to plan accordingly—charge devices beforehand, avoid using appliances that need to stay cold, and have alternative arrangements for anything that requires electricity. The power outage is limited to the installation period. We don’t need to shut off power for the initial assessment, permit applications, or final walkthrough. Once the new panel is installed and passes inspection, ComEd restores your service and you’re back to normal—usually the same day.