Electrical Panel Upgrade in Chicago, IL
Many homes on Chicago's south and southwest side still rely on electrical panels installed decades ago. Whether you have a 60-amp fuse box from the 1940s or a 100-amp panel that simply cannot keep up with modern demands, an electrical panel upgrade is one of the most important investments you can make for your home's safety and functionality.
Chicago's residential landscape, especially in neighborhoods like Brighton Park, Pilsen, and Bridgeport, is filled with homes built between the 1920s and 1960s. These homes were wired for a different era, one where the heaviest electrical load might have been a refrigerator and a few light bulbs. Today, central air conditioning, home offices, EV chargers, and dozens of connected devices place far greater demands on your electrical system. An undersized or aging panel is not just inconvenient; it is a genuine fire hazard.
A panel upgrade from MidWest Electrical Services typically involves replacing your existing panel with a new 200-amp service rated breaker panel. This process includes working with ComEd to coordinate the meter and service entrance, pulling the required City of Chicago electrical permits, and performing a final inspection to ensure everything is up to code. Our licensed master electricians handle the entire process from start to finish, ensuring zero disruption to your daily routine.
Beyond safety, a modern panel opens the door to future upgrades. Planning to install an EV charger, add central air, or build out a home workshop? A 200-amp panel gives you the capacity to do it all without worrying about overloaded circuits or tripped breakers.
What to Expect
Free In-Home Assessment
We inspect your current panel, evaluate your electrical needs, and provide a transparent, flat-rate quote with no hidden fees.
Permits & Coordination
We pull all required City of Chicago electrical permits and coordinate with ComEd for meter and service upgrades.
Professional Installation
Our licensed electricians remove the old panel, install the new 200-amp panel, and properly label every circuit for easy identification.
Inspection & Walkthrough
We schedule the city inspection, walk you through your new panel, and ensure everything passes code on the first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost in Chicago?
Panel upgrade costs in Chicago typically range from $1,800 to $3,500 depending on the scope of work. Factors include the current panel size, whether the service entrance needs upgrading, and any additional circuits needed. MidWest provides free in-home estimates with transparent flat-rate pricing, so you know the full cost before any work begins.
Do I need a permit for an electrical panel upgrade in Chicago?
Yes. The City of Chicago requires an electrical permit for panel upgrades. As licensed contractors, MidWest Electrical Services handles the entire permit process for you, including scheduling the required city inspection after installation.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most residential panel upgrades are completed in a single day, typically 6 to 8 hours. There will be a planned power outage during the swap, usually lasting 2 to 4 hours. We coordinate the timing to minimize disruption to your household.
What are signs my electrical panel needs an upgrade?
Common warning signs include frequently tripped breakers, flickering lights when appliances run, a fuse box instead of a breaker panel, scorch marks or a burning smell near the panel, and an inability to add new circuits for modern needs like EV chargers or home offices.
Related Services
EV Charger Installation
Level 2 home EV charger installation with panel assessment and dedicated 240V circuit.
Residential Electrical Repair
Expert troubleshooting and repair for all residential electrical issues in Chicago homes.
Whole-Home Surge Protection
Protect your entire home from power surges with professional panel-mounted surge protection.
Neighborhoods We Serve
We provide electrical panel upgrade services throughout Chicago's south and southwest side, including: