Howard Simons Electrical has served Skokie and the surrounding Cook County area since 1992. Whether you need a fast repair on a dead outlet, a full panel upgrade, or a new circuit for a growing business, we show up ready to work. Same-day appointments are available for urgent calls, and every job is handled by licensed electricians who know the code and the area. You get a straight quote before any work begins, no guesswork, no surprises after the fact.
You schedule it. We power it. Simple as that.
Call (224) 592-9789 for a quote today.
Most homeowners can't tell a minor wiring issue from a serious one, and that uncertainty is exactly when a quick call pays off. Flickering lights, a dead outlet, a breaker that keeps tripping, a warm or sparking receptacle, a burning smell near the panel, a buzzing breaker box, or a section of the house that has simply lost power: these are the calls we get every day, and each one deserves a real look, not a guess.
Some of these symptoms are minor. Others point to a wiring fault or overloaded circuit that can become a fire hazard if left alone. We troubleshoot the symptom, trace it back to the source, and fix the actual problem rather than just resetting the breaker and hoping for the best. Clear communication from the first call to the final test is how we work, so you always know what we found and what we did about it.
Call and we'll handle the lights, outlets, and panel.
Outlets and switches are some of the most-touched things in any home or building, and they wear out, get overloaded, or simply need an upgrade. We install standard outlets, GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor locations, and AFCI outlets and arc-fault breakers where the code requires them. Dimmer switches, USB outlets, weatherproof outdoor receptacles, and dedicated garage outlets are all straightforward jobs we handle regularly. Everything is wired to code, and we can walk you through what protection your home currently has and what an upgrade would add.
Seeing flickering lights or a warm outlet? Sometimes the fix starts at the fixture. We install and replace interior light fixtures, recessed and LED lighting, under-cabinet lighting, and exterior fixtures including security lights, flood lights, and landscape lighting. Ceiling fan installation and wiring is a common request, whether you are replacing an old fixture or adding a fan where there was none before. Good lighting makes a real difference in how a space feels and functions, and the right outdoor lighting adds both safety and curb appeal.
Not every electrician works the same way, and older homes in particular need someone who understands what they are dealing with before pulling a single wire. Skokie has a solid mix of mid-century and older housing stock, and knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum branch-circuit wiring shows up more often than most homeowners expect. We handle whole-home rewiring, targeted knob-and-tube replacement, and aluminum-wiring remediation to bring older systems up to current safety standards.
We also wire home additions, finish basements, and run dedicated circuits for the appliances and equipment that need their own breaker: kitchen ranges, dishwashers, refrigerators, laundry machines, dryers, workshop equipment, and sump pumps. A basement circuit that keeps tripping under load is a sign the circuit was never sized for the job. We size it right the first time.
Straight answers about your panel and wiring, no surprises, is the standard we hold ourselves to on every rewiring or circuit job.
Your panel is in good hands with us.
Cook County's four-season climate puts real demands on a home's electrical system. Heating and cooling loads run hard, severe thunderstorms roll through in summer, and ice storms can knock out grid power for hours or longer. The three services below come up constantly in this area, and for good reason.
An older 100-amp panel made sense when it was installed, but modern homes run far more load: central air, EV chargers, induction ranges, home offices, and more. Many Skokie homes still have fuse boxes or undersized panels that were never upgraded. We replace breaker panels, upgrade service to 200 amps, install subpanels for garages or additions, and handle service-entrance and meter work. We run a load calculation before recommending a panel size so the upgrade is matched to what your home actually needs, not just what fits the opening.
When a summer storm or winter ice event takes out power for a day or two, a whole-house generator keeps the lights on, the sump pump running, and the refrigerator cold. We handle the electrical side of generator installation: the transfer switch, the generator circuits, and the hookup to your panel. A properly wired transfer switch is what separates a safe standby generator from a dangerous one, and we do not cut corners on that connection.
A single lightning strike or utility voltage spike can damage every appliance, smart device, and piece of electronics in the house in the same instant. A whole-home surge protector installed at the panel catches that spike before it reaches your circuits. We install surge protection devices sized for residential and light-commercial panels, and we check grounding and bonding at the same time since a solid ground is what makes surge protection work.
Honest quotes. Code-compliant work. Reliable power.
A Level 2 EV charger charges most electric vehicles overnight and requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit sized for the charger and the vehicle. Before we run any wire, we check your panel capacity to confirm it can carry the added load. If an upgrade is needed, we talk through the options before the work starts. Installation typically means running a circuit from the panel to the garage or driveway location, mounting the charger, and testing the connection. Most installations are completed in a single visit.
Reach out and an electrician will follow up.
The hardest part of an electrical problem is knowing when to call, and a safety inspection takes that uncertainty off the table. We inspect panels, wiring, outlets, grounding, and visible components and give you a clear report of what we found. Buyers and their agents call us before closing on older homes in the area to know exactly what they are inheriting. Landlords and property managers use inspections to stay ahead of code violations before a tenant or inspector finds them first.
We also repair code violations, install hard-wired smoke detectors, and wire carbon monoxide detectors where required. A local electrician homeowners rely on is one who tells you what the inspection found and what it will take to fix it, without padding the scope.
Property managers, office tenants, and retail businesses have electrical needs that do not always fit a residential schedule. We work with commercial clients on panel upgrades, commercial wiring, tenant improvement projects, commercial lighting, and outlet installation for offices, storefronts, and multi-unit buildings. With a local company, your questions go straight to the people doing the work. That means faster answers and fewer surprises when a job is on a deadline.
Call and we'll handle the lights, outlets, and panel.
Most homeowners can't tell a minor wiring issue from a serious one, and the same is true for pricing: electrical work varies depending on the job, the panel, the age of the wiring, and how much access is involved. We do not quote a number before we know what we are dealing with, and we do not start work before you have approved the estimate. Call us, describe what you are seeing, and we will tell you what the visit looks like and what factors will affect the final price.
Same-day appointments are available for urgent calls. We also schedule non-urgent work around your calendar, including weekend availability when the job allows. There is no benefit to waiting on an outlet that stopped working or a breaker that keeps tripping.
We are based in Skokie and serve customers throughout the northern Cook County area. Regular service areas include Evanston, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Park Ridge, and Wilmette. If you are nearby and unsure whether we cover your address, call and we will let you know.
We offer same-day appointments for urgent calls, and we take after-hours calls around the clock because electrical problems do not keep business hours. When you call, we ask a few questions about what you are seeing and get a technician scheduled as fast as the job allows. Call (224) 592-9789 and we will tell you exactly what is available today.
Yes, and older homes in Skokie and the surrounding north suburbs are a significant part of what we do. We handle knob-and-tube replacement, aluminum wiring remediation, and full rewiring for homes where the original system no longer meets current safety standards. If you are not sure what type of wiring your home has, a safety inspection is the right place to start.
We take calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and holidays. If you have a sparking outlet, a burning smell near the panel, or a main breaker that will not reset, do not wait until Monday. Call (224) 592-9789 and we will get someone out to you.
Call (224) 592-9789 and describe what you are seeing. We will ask a few questions, give you a clear picture of what the visit involves, and get you on the schedule. There is no need to fill out forms or wait for a callback window.
A single visit can cover a wide range of work depending on what you need: outlet and switch repairs, breaker troubleshooting, lighting installation, ceiling fan wiring, dedicated circuit runs, or a panel assessment. We come prepared to diagnose and, in most cases, complete the work the same day. If the job requires additional materials or permits, we let you know before we start.
Clear a path to the electrical panel and to any outlets, switches, or fixtures you want us to look at. If you have pets, keeping them in a separate room makes it easier for us to move around and work safely. That is really all you need to do. We handle the rest.
Signs worth acting on include outlets that feel warm, lights that flicker without a clear reason, breakers that trip repeatedly, a panel that buzzes or smells like burning, or wiring that has never been looked at since the home was built. A safety inspection gives you a clear picture of what is there and what, if anything, needs attention.
Show us the specific outlets, switches, fixtures, or panel locations where you noticed the problem. If you heard a buzzing sound or smelled something burning, tell us where and when. The more context you can give us, the faster we can trace the fault to its source.
Howard Simons Electrical has been doing this work in Skokie since 1992. Every job comes with an honest quote up front, work performed by licensed electricians, and a finished result that meets code.
One call. One electrician. One fair price.
Call (224) 592-9789 to get a quote or schedule a visit.
From a dead outlet to a full panel upgrade, we handle the electrical work that keeps Skokie homes and businesses running safely. The table below covers everything we do, who each service is right for, and what to expect when you call. Same-day appointments are available for urgent work, and every job starts with a straight quote before any work begins.
| Type of Work | What It Covers | Best For | Things to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backup Generator Installation |
| Skokie homeowners who want to keep power during summer storms or winter ice events | A properly wired transfer switch is what makes a standby generator safe. We handle the electrical side of the installation from panel to hookup. |
| EV Charger Installation |
| electric vehicle owners who want overnight charging at home without relying on a slow standard outlet | Before we run any wire, we check your panel capacity. If an upgrade is needed, we walk you through the options before the work starts. |
| Electrical Panel & Service UpgradesMost Popular |
| homes with an undersized or aging panel that cannot support modern electrical loads | We run a load calculation before recommending a panel size. The upgrade is matched to what your home actually needs, not just what fits the opening. |
| Lighting Installation |
| homeowners updating interior lighting or adding outdoor safety and curb appeal | Exterior lighting tied to a properly wired circuit adds both security and value. We handle the fixture and the wiring in one visit when possible. |
| Electrical Safety Inspections |
| home buyers, landlords, and owners of older homes who want a clear picture of what they have | An inspection gives you a written picture of what we found and what it would take to address it. No padded scope, just straight answers. |
| Whole-Home Surge Protection |
| homeowners with smart devices, home offices, or expensive appliances they want to protect from voltage spikes | A solid ground is what makes surge protection effective. We check grounding and bonding at the same time we install the device. |
| Older-Home Rewiring |
| owners of mid-century and older Skokie homes with original wiring that has never been updated | Knob-and-tube and aluminum branch-circuit wiring show up more often than most homeowners expect in this area. We assess what is there before recommending a scope. |
| Outlet & Switch Installation |
| homeowners upgrading protection or adding convenience in kitchens, baths, garages, and outdoors | GFCI protection is required by code in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor locations. We confirm your home meets current standards. |
| Wiring & Circuit Installation |
| homeowners finishing a basement, adding a room, or adding load that the existing circuits cannot handle | A sump pump on a shared circuit is a risk. A dedicated circuit keeps it running when it matters most, especially during a Cook County storm. |
| Ceiling Fan Installation |
| homeowners adding comfort and airflow to bedrooms, living spaces, or covered patios | Installing a fan where no ceiling box exists requires a rated fan-support box and proper wiring. We handle both. |
| Electrical Repairs & Troubleshooting |
| any homeowner or business with an unexplained electrical symptom | Symptoms like warm outlets or a buzzing panel can signal a serious fault. Getting a look sooner rather than later is the safer call. |
| Dedicated Appliance Circuits |
| homeowners adding a major appliance or finding that a circuit keeps tripping under load | Most large appliances require their own breaker and wire gauge. We size the circuit to the appliance so it runs reliably and safely. |
| Breaker & Fuse Repair |
| homes where breakers trip repeatedly or a fuse keeps blowing | A breaker that trips under normal load is telling you something. We trace the cause before replacing the breaker so the fix actually holds. |
How do I know if my electrical panel needs to be upgraded?
A few signs point clearly toward a panel upgrade: breakers that trip under normal loads, a fuse box that was never replaced, lights that dim when a large appliance kicks on, or a panel that simply cannot accommodate the circuits a modern home needs. Many Skokie homes still have original 100-amp service, which was adequate decades ago but falls short when you add central air, an EV charger, a home office, or a second refrigerator. We run a load calculation before recommending anything so the upgrade matches what your home actually uses.
What causes a breaker to keep tripping?
A breaker trips because it is doing its job: protecting the circuit from more current than the wire can safely carry. Repeated tripping usually means the circuit is overloaded, there is a short somewhere in the wiring or a connected device, or the breaker itself has worn out and is tripping below its rated threshold. Resetting it repeatedly without finding the cause is not a fix. We trace the fault to its source so the problem is actually resolved.
Is older wiring in a Skokie home safe?
It depends on the type and condition. Knob-and-tube wiring from the early and mid-twentieth century was installed without a ground wire and was not designed for modern electrical loads. Aluminum branch-circuit wiring from the 1960s and 1970s can loosen at connections over time and create a fire risk. Neither is automatically unsafe the day you move in, but both deserve a professional look. A safety inspection tells you what type of wiring you have and whether it needs attention.
Work Performed by Licensed Electricians
Every job we take on is handled by licensed electricians who know the local code and what older and newer homes in this area actually need. You get competent work, not guesswork.
How do I know if my home needs to be rewired?
Signs worth acting on include outlets that feel warm to the touch, lights that flicker without a clear cause, breakers that trip repeatedly, a panel that buzzes or smells like burning, or wiring that has never been inspected since the home was built. Homes in Skokie and the surrounding north suburbs often have original wiring that was adequate for the loads of its era but was never updated. A safety inspection is the right starting point. We assess what is there and give you a clear picture of what, if anything, needs to change.
What does EV charger installation involve?
A Level 2 home charger requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit sized for the charger and the vehicle. Before we run any wire, we check your panel to confirm it has the capacity to carry the added load. If it does not, we talk through the options before the work starts. Installation typically means running a circuit from the panel to the garage or driveway location, mounting the charger, and testing the connection. Most installations are completed in a single visit.
Do I need to be home when the electrician comes?
For most jobs, yes. We need access to the panel, the areas where we are working, and any outlets or fixtures you want us to look at. If a job involves only exterior work or a specific accessible area, we can sometimes work out an arrangement, but for troubleshooting and interior work, having someone present makes the visit go more smoothly and lets us walk you through what we found.
Upfront Quotes With No Surprise Fees
We give you a clear quote before any work begins and do not start until you have approved it. What we quote is what you pay, with no add-ons discovered after the fact.
How does pricing and estimating work?
We do not quote a number before we know what we are dealing with. Electrical work varies depending on the job, the panel, the age of the wiring, and how much access is involved. When you call, we ask a few questions about what you are seeing, and we tell you what the visit looks like and what factors will affect the final price. We do not start work before you have approved the estimate, so there are no surprises after the fact.
When should I call an electrician instead of trying to fix it myself?
Swapping a light bulb or resetting a tripped breaker is reasonable to do yourself. Anything beyond that, including replacing outlets, installing fixtures, running new wire, or touching the panel, involves real risk if the circuit is not properly de-energized or the work is done incorrectly. Code-required work also needs to be done by licensed electricians and, in many cases, inspected. If you are unsure whether something is a DIY fix, a quick call to describe what you are seeing is the fastest way to find out.
Experienced With Older and Newer Homes
Skokie has a real mix of housing stock, from mid-century bungalows with original wiring to newer builds adding EV chargers and upgraded panels. We work on both and know what to look for in each.
Are same-day and emergency appointments available?
Yes. We take calls around the clock because electrical problems do not keep business hours. Same-day appointments are available for urgent work. If you have a sparking outlet, a burning smell near the panel, or a main breaker that will not reset, call us right away. We will ask a few questions and get someone scheduled as fast as the situation allows.
Why do outlets or switches stop working?
The most common reasons are a tripped GFCI outlet somewhere upstream on the same circuit, a loose wire at the outlet or in the wall, a worn or failed device, or a wiring fault in the circuit. A tripped GFCI is easy to check: look for a GFCI outlet nearby with a reset button and press it. If that does not restore power, the issue is further upstream and worth a professional look, especially if the outlet feels warm or the problem is spreading to other locations.
What is whole-home surge protection and do I need it?
A whole-home surge protector installs at the panel and catches voltage spikes before they reach your circuits. A single lightning strike or utility surge can damage every appliance, smart device, and piece of electronics in the house at the same moment. Panel-level protection is a practical layer of defense, especially in an area that sees summer thunderstorms regularly. We install surge protection devices sized for the panel and check grounding and bonding at the same time, since a solid ground is what makes the protection effective.
Every home and job is a little different. Call (224) 592-9789 and we will tell you exactly what your situation calls for and what it will take to get it handled.
(224) 592-9789