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Panel Replacement & Electrical Panel Swaps, Quikwire Electric LLC

Panel Replacement & Electrical Panel Swaps Across Chicagoland

Your electrical panel distributes power throughout your property. Old panels with worn breakers, insufficient capacity, or outdated brands create safety risks and trip constantly. We replace electrical panels across Chicagoland—from Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels that fail inspections to undersized panels that can't handle modern loads. Licensed panel replacements that pass inspection.

Panel replacements fix problems that putting in new breakers won't solve. Panels with damaged bus bars, corrosion inside the cabinet, or insufficient breaker spaces need complete replacement. Older homes in Des Plaines and Elgin often have Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels that insurance companies won't cover and inspectors flag during home sales. We replace outdated panels with modern ones that meet current code and handle your electrical load safely. Last month we replaced a Federal Pacific panel in a Schaumburg home that was being sold. The buyer's inspector failed it and the insurance company wouldn't write a policy with that panel. We swapped it for a new 200-amp panel in one day. The inspection passed, insurance approved coverage, and the sale closed on schedule.

Our Panel Replacement & Electrical Panel Swaps Service Includes:

Federal Pacific & Zinsco Panel Replacement

Federal Pacific Stab-Lok and Zinsco panels have known safety issues—breakers that don't trip when they should, bus bars that overheat, connections that fail. Many insurance companies in Chicagoland won't cover homes with these panels. We replace Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels with modern Square D, Siemens, or Eaton panels that meet current safety standards. Most panel replacements in Wheaton and Arlington Heights take one full day including inspection.

Panel Upgrades for Additional Capacity

Panels that run out of breaker spaces or can't handle additional circuits need upgrading. We replace undersized panels with larger ones that have room for expansion—typically upgrading from 100-amp panels with 20 spaces to 200-amp panels with 40 spaces. Panel upgrades solve the problem when you need to add circuits for kitchen remodels, basement finishes, or EV chargers but have no room in your current panel.

Emergency Panel Replacement

Panels with burnt bus bars, melted connections, or fire damage need immediate replacement. We respond quickly to panel failures across Hoffman Estates, Palatine, and surrounding areas. Emergency panel replacements get priority scheduling—usually same-day or next-day depending on parts availability. Damaged panels create serious fire hazards and need replacement right away, not temporary fixes.

Breaker keeps tripping? Outlet stopped working? Need a panel upgrade?

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Residential Electrical Services done by Quikwire Electric LLC

Frequently Asked Questions

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

Why do insurance companies reject Federal Pacific panels in Chicagoland homes?

Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels have documented failures where breakers don't trip during overloads or shorts. This creates fire hazards. Many insurance companies in Illinois won't write homeowner policies for properties with Federal Pacific panels, and home inspectors flag them during sales. We replace these panels regularly across Des Plaines, Schaumburg, and surrounding suburbs—the replacement solves the insurance issue and makes your home safer.

How much does panel replacement cost in the Chicago area?

Standard panel replacements typically cost $1,500-$3,000 depending on panel size and complexity. Replacing a 100-amp panel with a 200-amp panel costs more due to service upgrade requirements. Emergency replacements for damaged panels cost slightly more due to priority scheduling. We provide exact pricing after examining your current panel and discussing your electrical needs at your Chicagoland property.

How long will my power be off during panel replacement?

Power stays off for most of the work day during panel replacement—typically six to eight hours. We disconnect power in the morning, remove the old panel, install the new one, reconnect all circuits, and restore power by late afternoon. Most panel replacements in Elgin or Arlington Heights complete in one day. We coordinate the timing so you can plan accordingly for work requiring electricity.

Can you replace my panel without upgrading my electrical service?

Yes, if your current service capacity meets your needs. Many panel replacements in Wheaton and Palatine swap old Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels for modern panels at the same amperage—100-amp for 100-amp or 200-amp for 200-amp. If you need more capacity or your service entrance is also outdated, we recommend upgrading both together. We assess your situation and explain what makes sense for your property.