Illinois · Cook County
Electricians in Chicago, IL
Chicago's bungalows, two-flats and greystones were mostly built before 1950, and the city has its own electrical code that differs from the rest of Illinois. Most new wiring in Chicago must run in metal conduit rather than plastic-sheathed cable.
- Call now to check electrician availability in your area
- 62 ZIP codes covered
- Serving Lincoln Park, Logan Square, Bridgeport and more
Homes and wiring in Chicago
Chicago's bungalows, two-flats and greystones were mostly built before 1950, and the city has its own electrical code that differs from the rest of Illinois. Most new wiring in Chicago must run in metal conduit rather than plastic-sheathed cable.
Older two-flats commonly have two small services in the basement, sometimes still on fuses. Basement finishes, garage EV chargers and central air additions are frequent reasons to upgrade a service or add circuits.
Weather, seasons and the utility
Chicago winters bring long cold spells when furnaces, boilers and space heaters all depend on power, and summer brings heavy thunderstorms that can flood basements quickly. Because many Chicago homes keep their panel, meters, laundry and sump pump in the basement, water and electricity often end up in the same room. A sump pump on its own circuit, ideally with a battery backup, and GFCI protection for basement outlets are common recommendations. ComEd serves the city and most of northern Illinois and handles meter work, service drops and reconnection after an upgrade. Space heaters on old circuits are a frequent cause of winter tripping.
Local issues electricians see
- Conduit requirements that make DIY-style cable runs non-compliant
- Fuse boxes and 60 amp services in two-flats
- Basement flooding that reaches outlets, panels or sump-pump circuits
Common calls in Chicago
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- Chicago at a glance
- Cook County, Illinois
- ZIP codes covered
- 62
- Neighborhoods
- Lincoln Park, Logan Square, Bridgeport, Rogers Park, Beverly, Portage Park
- Permits
- Pulled by the electrician
- Electric utility
- ComEd
The utility owns the meter and service drop, so service upgrades and storm reconnections are scheduled with it.
Chicago FAQ
Who issues electrical permits in Chicago?
Electrical permits in Chicago are issued by the Department of Buildings and the work must be done by a licensed electrical contractor registered with the city.
Which Chicago ZIP codes are covered?
Electricians in our network cover 62 ZIP codes in Chicago, including 60601, 60602, 60603, 60604, 60605, 60606, 60607, 60608 and more.
What are the most common electrical problems in Chicago?
Conduit requirements that make DIY-style cable runs non-compliant; Fuse boxes and 60 amp services in two-flats; Basement flooding that reaches outlets, panels or sump-pump circuits.
Guides
Nearby and related metro guides
Also covered in Cook County: Palatine · Schaumburg · Evanston · Des Plaines · Arlington Heights · Oak Park · Skokie · Orland Park · Oak Lawn · Tinley Park · Hoffman Estates · Glenview
Need an electrician in Chicago?
Call now, or send a request and a licensed electrician who serves your ZIP code will contact you.