Out with the Old, In with the New: A Full Home Rewire and Service Upgrade in Garfield Ridge

The danger of decades-old wiring

A homeowner in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood recently reached out to GLP Electric Inc with a common but serious concern: her home was still running on its original cloth-covered wiring. Over time, cloth insulation becomes brittle and can pose a significant fire hazard. Between the outdated wiring and an aging electrical service, the home was struggling to keep up with modern energy demands.

The game plan: a thorough assessment

We started with a comprehensive walkthrough, accounting for every outlet, switch, and light fixture. At GLP Electric Inc, we believe in transparency. We provided the client with a detailed quote, project logistics, and a clear timeline. Once approved, our team mobilized with the right materials and a dual-crew strategy to minimize the time the home was without power.

The service upgrade: strengthening the foundation

While one crew tackled the interior, our service team focused on the exterior. We removed the old service wires, the outdated meter, and the old panel. The new “Life Line” includes:

• A new 100-amp service with high-quality #3 THHN copper service entrance wires.
• A new meter and a robust grounding system.
• A new interior 100-amp panel with new primary ground installation.
• Code-compliant bonding of hot and cold water lines.

The interior rewire: efficiency & safety

Because the home was originally built with conduit throughout—a common find in Chicago’s south side—we were able to efficiently pull out the old cloth wiring and replace it with modern THHN copper wire. We didn’t just replace; we upgraded. We identified areas where power was being stretched thin—like one circuit sharing two bedrooms and a bathroom—and separated them onto dedicated lines. We also boosted key circuits from 15 to 20 amps, ensuring the homeowner can run modern appliances without the frustration of tripped breakers.