As a contractor or property manager in Chicago, staying compliant with modern electrical codes is crucial — not just for passing inspections but for keeping people safe and your operations running efficiently. Whether you’re renovating a retail space, building out an office, or modernizing an industrial facility, electrical upgrades are a foundational step.
At Voltek Electric, we’ve helped dozens of commercial clients across the Chicagoland area upgrade their electrical systems. Here’s what you need to know.
⚡ When Is a Commercial Electrical Upgrade Necessary?
You should consider upgrading your commercial electrical service if:
- You’re adding high-load equipment or HVAC units
- The existing service is below 200 amps (typical for older storefronts)
- Breaker panels are outdated or full
- You experience frequent tripping or brownouts
- You’re remodeling, expanding, or changing the use of the space
- You need to comply with current NEC or local amendments
🔧 Types of Commercial Electrical Upgrades
1. Service Panel Upgrade
Upgrading from a 100A or 200A panel to 400A or more to handle larger loads.
2. Transformer Replacement or Addition
For multi-tenant buildings or mixed-use spaces that need power balancing.
3. Meter Bank Installations
Required for strip malls or commercial condos with multiple tenants.
4. Subpanel Additions
For segmented tenant control or expanding service to new zones.
5. Wiring + Conduit Modernization
Replacing old cloth, aluminum, or damaged EMT for safer, code-compliant power distribution.
💼 Code Compliance in Chicago
The City of Chicago enforces a modified version of the National Electrical Code (NEC). A few key points:
- Conduit (not Romex) is mandatory
- GFCI protection required in specific commercial zones
- Dedicated circuits often required for HVAC, refrigeration, and point-of-sale systems
- Chicago permits and inspections are required for nearly all upgrades
Voltek Electric ensures full compliance and handles all permitting.
📋 What’s the Process Like?
Here’s how a typical upgrade flows:
- Site Assessment – We evaluate current service and future load requirements
- Load Calculation – NEC-based calculations to size panel/service properly
- Proposal + Permitting – Transparent quote + we handle permits
- Service Coordination – Schedule with ComEd and city inspector
- Installation + Inspection – Fast, efficient install followed by final inspection
⏱️ Total time: 2–5 business days for small upgrades, 7–14 days for full service changes
📍 Where We Work
Voltek Electric serves:
- Chicago city limits
- Arlington Heights
- Glenview
- Des Plaines
- Mount Prospect
- All surrounding suburbs
🧰 Trusted by General Contractors Across Chicagoland
We’re known for clean conduit runs, precise load planning, and transparent pricing. Whether it’s a warehouse, office, restaurant, or new build — we’ll get your job powered up to code.
🔌 Ready to Upgrade Your Commercial Service?
Don’t let outdated electrical hold up your permits or projects.
Call Voltek Electric today to schedule a free consultation and commercial service evaluation.
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