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Electrical Safety Inspection · Illinois
An electrical safety inspection is a hands-on check of the panel, wiring, grounding, devices and protection by a licensed electrician. It is worth doing when you buy an older home, an insurer asks, after a flood or fire, or before a big electrical project.
Chicago-area housing includes many pre-1950 two-flats and bungalows, and Chicago requires conduit in most new wiring.
Across the Midwest, homes deal with cold winters, severe thunderstorms and tornado season. Permit offices, utilities and housing stock differ by city, which affects how electrical safety inspection is planned and scheduled. These local guides cover the Illinois cities where we have written specific notes.
Chicago's electrical code differs from the national code, and work done in a suburb or without a permit may not meet it, so an inspection is worth considering before buying a bungalow, two-flat or greystone. Common findings include knob-and-tube still in service, fuse panels, 60 amp services, ungrounded outlets, and nonmetallic cable used where Chicago requires conduit.
Utility: ComEd
Buying a West Bluff Victorian or a rental near Bradley University is a good reason for an electrical inspection in Peoria. Common findings include knob-and-tube still in use, ungrounded outlets, small services shared between units, and wiring added without permits.
Utility: Ameren Illinois
Before buying a Victorian in Haight Village or Churchill's Grove, or a converted apartment house near downtown Rockford, an inspection can reveal knob-and-tube, small or shared services, ungrounded outlets and wiring added without permits. Basements near the Rock River and Keith Creek should be checked for moisture and sump pump circuits.
Utility: ComEd
1. Panel and service
Panel condition, breaker sizing, grounding and bonding are checked.
2. Branch circuits and devices
A sample of outlets, switches and fixtures is tested.
3. Report
Findings are prioritized by safety.
Electricians set their own prices; local permit fees and utility requirements add to these factors.
Permits come from the city or county where the home is. For example: 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. Peoria: Electrical permits inside the city come from the City of Peoria's community development department. Rockford: Electrical permits inside the city come from the City of Rockford's construction services; Loves Park, Machesney Park and Winnebago County issue their own.
Chicago: ComEd. Peoria: Ameren Illinois. Rockford: ComEd.
Yes. A licensed electrician goes deeper into the panel and circuits than a general home inspection.
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