Electrical in Chicago, IL

The local picture in Chicago

Greystones, row houses with limestone fronts, line streets in North Lawndale, Woodlawn and Logan Square. Most of the city has combined sewers, so a heavy summer storm can push water back up through basement floor drains.

Two-flats and three-flats, brick buildings with one apartment per floor, are everywhere in Chicago, and many date to the early 1900s. In multi-unit buildings each apartment usually has its own meter and panel, often in a shared basement. Know which panel is yours before the electrician arrives.

Winter puts space heaters, heat tape and block heaters on circuits that were never sized for them. A tripping breaker in January is often a warning, not a fluke. Hyde Park and Kenwood, near the University of Chicago, hold large older homes and vintage courtyard apartment buildings.

Utilities, permits and licensing

Illinois has no statewide electrician license, but Chicago requires electrical contractors to be licensed by the city. Most work beyond swapping a fixture, such as new circuits, panel changes and service upgrades, needs a permit and inspection through the Chicago Department of Buildings. A service upgrade also means coordinating with ComEd.

Common reasons for a call

You may want a electrician if you notice any of these:

• Buzzing from a panel or switch
• Need more outlets or a bigger panel
• Breakers that keep tripping

A little prep helps

Note which outlets or lights are affected and whether a breaker trips.

How the connection works

1. Reach out by phone or online.
2. We pass your request to an independent electrician who covers Chicago.
3. The two of you settle on a time and a price, or you walk away.