Electrical Panel Upgrades in Skokie, IL

Stop Worrying About Your Electrical Safety

Fast, reliable electrical panel upgrades that protect your family and handle modern electrical demands.

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Skokie Electrical Panel Replacement Service

Your Electrical Problems Actually Get Solved

You flip a switch and the lights work. Every time. Your circuit breakers stop tripping when you run the dishwasher and microwave together. You can finally install that EV charger without worrying about overloading your system.

That’s what happens when your electrical panel actually works for your life instead of against it. No more wondering if that burning smell means trouble. No more resetting breakers or dealing with flickering lights during dinner.

Your home’s electrical system becomes something you don’t have to think about anymore. It just works, safely and reliably, the way it should have from the beginning.

Licensed Skokie Electrical Contractors

We've Been Fixing Electrical Problems Since 1999

For 25 years, we’ve been the electricians Skokie homeowners call when something goes wrong. Not for the routine stuff – for the urgent problems that can’t wait until tomorrow.

Jimco Electric specializes in emergency electrical repairs and critical upgrades like panel replacements. We’re licensed, bonded, and insured, which matters when you’re dealing with something as serious as your home’s electrical system.

Many of Skokie’s homes were built when electrical demands were simpler. Today’s homes need panels that can handle everything from high-efficiency appliances to electric vehicle chargers. We understand both the old systems and the new requirements.

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Electrical Panel Installation Process Skokie

Here's Exactly What Happens During Your Upgrade

First, we assess your current panel and electrical needs. This isn’t a sales pitch – it’s a real evaluation of what you actually need versus what you have. We’ll explain what’s wrong, what needs to be fixed, and what your options are.

Next comes the installation itself. We shut off power safely, remove your old panel, and install the new one with proper grounding and connections. Everything gets tested before we leave.

The final step is the inspection. Your upgrade needs to pass local electrical codes, and we handle the permit process. You get a system that’s not just working, but legal and safe for years to come.

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Residential Electrical Panel Upgrade Skokie

What You Get With Your Panel Upgrade

Your new electrical panel handles modern electrical loads without constantly tripping breakers. It includes proper safety features like GFCI protection and arc fault circuit interrupters that older panels lack.

In Skokie, many insurance companies offer discounts for updated electrical systems. Your upgraded panel can also increase your home’s value and make it easier to sell when the time comes.

The upgrade includes all necessary permits and inspections. We handle the paperwork with the village of Skokie so your installation meets local electrical codes. You get a system that’s built to last and legally compliant.

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How do I know if my electrical panel needs to be upgraded?

If your home was built before 1990, your panel probably needs attention. The clearest signs are circuit breakers that trip frequently, especially when you use multiple appliances at once. Other warning signs include flickering lights, outlets that don’t work consistently, or a burning smell near your electrical panel. If you’re planning to add major appliances or an EV charger, your current panel might not handle the additional load. Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels from the 1960s-1980s are known fire hazards and should be replaced immediately. These panels were recalled but many are still in use in older Skokie homes.
Most residential panel upgrades in Skokie range from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the complexity of your installation and the type of panel you choose. The price includes the panel, labor, permits, and inspection. Factors that affect cost include whether your electrical service needs to be upgraded, how many circuits you need, and whether additional electrical work is required. Homes that need service upgrades from 100 to 200 amps cost more than simple panel replacements. We offer discounts for military personnel, first responders, seniors, teachers, and students. The investment pays for itself through improved safety, insurance discounts, and increased home value.
Most panel upgrades take 4-8 hours to complete, depending on the complexity of your electrical system. Simple replacements on existing service can be done in a single day. If your home needs a service upgrade or additional electrical work, the project might take 1-2 days. The actual installation time depends on factors like the age of your home, accessibility of your electrical panel, and whether permits require inspection delays. Your power will be off during the installation, but we work efficiently to minimize the disruption. We’ll coordinate with you to schedule the work when it’s most convenient for your family.
Yes, electrical panel upgrades require permits from the Village of Skokie. This isn’t red tape – it’s a safety requirement that ensures your installation meets local electrical codes. We handle the permit application process for you, including submitting the necessary paperwork and scheduling inspections. The permit cost is typically included in your project quote. After installation, a village inspector will verify that the work meets code requirements. This inspection protects you by ensuring your electrical system is safe and legal. It also helps with insurance claims and home sales down the road.
Electrical panel upgrades are not DIY projects. Working with your home’s main electrical service requires specialized knowledge and can be deadly if done incorrectly. Even experienced electricians take serious safety precautions during panel work. Beyond safety concerns, electrical work requires permits and inspections that most homeowners can’t obtain. Insurance companies may not cover damage from unpermitted electrical work, and you could face problems when selling your home. The money you think you’ll save isn’t worth the risk to your family’s safety. Professional installation ensures your upgrade is done correctly, safely, and legally.
A panel replacement swaps out your old panel box while keeping your existing electrical service capacity. If you have 200-amp service, you get a new 200-amp panel with modern safety features. A service upgrade increases your home’s electrical capacity, typically from 100 amps to 200 amps. This involves new wiring from the utility company and usually requires coordination with ComEd. Most Skokie homes built before 1980 have 100-amp service, which isn’t enough for modern electrical demands. If you’re adding major appliances, an EV charger, or finishing a basement, you probably need a service upgrade, not just a panel replacement.