200 Amp Service Upgrade · Chicago, IL
200 Amp Service Upgrade in Chicago, IL
A 200 amp service upgrade increases the electricity your home can draw from the utility, replacing the panel and usually the meter base and service entrance cable. It is the common fix when a 60 or 100 amp home adds an EV charger, heat pump or electric range.
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Why 200 amp service upgrade comes up in Chicago
A 200 amp upgrade in Chicago often starts in the alley: many bungalows and two-flats are fed by an overhead drop to the rear of the house, and the new service may need a taller mast or a meter relocation to meet ComEd's requirements. Two-flats commonly have two meters, and owners may upgrade both. The city's conduit rules apply to the new service entrance and panel.
Typical reasons include central air, an electric range, a basement unit or an EV charger in the garage. Permits come from the Chicago Department of Buildings, and ComEd schedules the disconnect and reconnect.
- Fuse boxes and 60 amp services in two-flats.
- Common findings include knob-and-tube still in service, fuse panels, 60 amp services, ungrounded outlets, and nonmetallic cable used where Chicago requires conduit.
- 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.
- Electric utility
- ComEd
Signs to look for
- 60, 100 or 150 amp service with major loads planned
- The main breaker trips under heavy use
- No room for new circuits
- An electrician's load calculation near capacity
- An aging meter base or service mast
How the work is done
1. Load calculation
Existing and planned loads are calculated to confirm the service size.
2. Utility application
The utility approves the larger service and schedules the disconnect and reconnect.
3. Install the new service
Meter base, service entrance conductors, panel, grounding and bonding are installed.
4. Inspection and reconnect
After inspection, the utility reconnects power, sometimes with a new meter.
What moves the price in Chicago
Electricians set their own prices. Older two-flats commonly have two small services in the basement, sometimes still on fuses.
- Overhead versus underground service
- Meter base and mast replacement
- Distance between the meter and panel
- Utility requirements and fees
- Grounding electrode upgrades
- Permit fees
200 Amp Service Upgrade in Chicago: questions
Do I need a permit for 200 amp service upgrade in Chicago?
Usually, yes. 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. The electrician normally pulls the permit and schedules the inspection.
Is the utility involved in Chicago?
If the work affects the meter or service, the electrician coordinates with ComEd, which owns the meter and service drop.
Do I need 200 amps for an EV charger?
Not always. A load calculation may show that a 100 or 150 amp service can support a charger, especially with a lower charging setting or a load-management device.
How long does a 200 amp upgrade take?
The installation is often one day, but utility scheduling and permits can add days or weeks.
Does the utility charge for a service upgrade?
Some utilities charge fees or require their own work on the service drop. Policies vary, so ask your utility.
Is 400 amps ever needed?
For very large homes or homes with electric heat, pools and multiple EV chargers, a larger service may be justified by the load calculation.
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