Frequently Asked Questions

We specialize in residential electrical services including panel upgrades, outlet installation, lighting installation, electrical remodeling, repairs, and generator installation and maintenance. We also offer emergency electrical service for urgent issues. Most of our work is residential, though we take on select small commercial jobs.

Yes. BBS Electric holds a City of Quincy electrical license and is BBB Accredited. We carry liability insurance to protect you and your property on every job. You can always ask us to share documentation before we start work.

We've been serving the Quincy area for over 10 years. Owner Brad Silman built BBS Electric from years of hands-on maintenance and industrial experience, eventually turning that passion into a full residential electrical company. We're a father-and-son operation, and we take pride in every project we touch.

Our regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are closed Saturday and Sunday, though weekend jobs are available when scheduled in advance. We also provide emergency and after-hours electrical service for urgent situations. Call (217) 617-1817 any time for emergencies.

Common signs include frequently tripped breakers, flickering lights, a panel that feels warm to the touch, burning smells near the breaker box, or a panel that's 25+ years old. If your home still has a fuse box or you're adding major appliances, an upgrade is almost always the right move. We'll inspect your current setup and give you an honest assessment. Learn more about panel upgrades.

Most residential panel upgrades are completed in a single day, typically 4 to 8 hours depending on the size of the job and the condition of your current wiring. We'll confirm the timeline with you before we start so you can plan around the temporary power outage.

Yes. Electrical panel upgrades require a permit in Quincy and most surrounding municipalities. We handle the permit process for you, coordinate the required inspection, and make sure every step meets local code. You never have to navigate that paperwork on your own.

Yes, we offer free estimates on most projects. Just give us a call at (217) 617-1817 or fill out our contact form with details about your project. We'll schedule a time to assess the work and provide a clear quote with no pressure.

Pricing depends on the scope of the job, materials needed, and labor time. We provide itemized quotes before any work begins so you know exactly what you're paying for. We don't believe in surprise charges or vague estimates. What we quote is what you pay unless there's a documented change in project scope.

For standard project estimates, we typically do not charge a fee. For diagnostic or troubleshooting calls, a service fee may apply depending on the nature of the issue. We'll always be upfront with you before we show up so there are no surprises. Contact us to discuss your situation.

Some very minor tasks like replacing a light fixture or outlet cover are manageable, but anything involving wiring, breakers, or panel work should be left to a licensed electrician. Improperly done electrical work is a leading cause of house fires and can void your homeowner's insurance. If you're unsure, it's always better to call us first.

Absolutely. Every job we complete follows the NEC and applicable local codes. We also pull the required permits so your work is inspected and documented. This protects you when it's time to sell your home, file an insurance claim, or add on a future project.

Watch for flickering or dimming lights, burning smells, discolored outlets, breakers that trip repeatedly, buzzing or crackling sounds from outlets or your panel, or lights that flicker when appliances turn on. Any of these are warning signs that need a professional look. Don't wait, call us at (217) 617-1817.

Yes. We offer emergency electrical service for situations that can't wait. If you're experiencing a complete loss of power, sparking outlets, burning smells, or any condition that feels unsafe, call us at (217) 617-1817 right away. We'll do our best to get to you as quickly as possible. Learn more about our emergency service.

A true electrical emergency is anything that creates an immediate safety risk: sparks or arcing from an outlet or panel, burning smells, visible scorch marks, total power loss, or any situation where you fear a fire or electrocution risk. When in doubt, shut off your main breaker and call us. Safety first, always.

If you smell burning or see sparks, turn off the main breaker if it's safe to do so and leave the area. Do not use water on electrical fires. If there's a fire, call 911 first, then us. For less urgent issues like a partial outage or tripped breaker that won't reset, make a note of what happened and avoid overloading the circuit while you wait.

We're based in Quincy, IL and serve a wide area up to 80 to 90 miles away. This includes Quincy, IL, Camp Point, IL, Mendon, IL, Pittsfield, IL, Country Meadows, IL, Hannibal, MO, La Grange, MO, Canton, MO, and all the small towns in between. Not sure if we reach you? Just ask.

For most of our standard service area we do not charge a travel surcharge. For locations closer to the edge of our range, a small trip charge may apply. We'll always let you know upfront before scheduling so there are no surprises on your invoice. Contact us with your location for details.

Possibly, yes. Our service radius extends up to 80 to 90 miles from Quincy, and we cover many smaller communities not listed on our site. Give us a call at (217) 617-1817 or drop us a message with your location and we'll let you know right away.