For traditional plan-spec projects, an architect will hire an engineer to produce drawings for a project’s mechanical, electrical and plumbing work. Subcontractors in each of those areas will then bid the project, and those that are awarded the work will utilize those drawings.
In design/build projects, the subcontractors themselves either have in-house engineering capabilities, or they often are aligned with an outside strategic engineering partner. Collectively, they work with the architect and owner to develop the design and drawings in accordance with that owner’s vision.
We offer complete design-build capabilities with in-house engineers and project managers. The single-source capability of a design-build structure lends to reduced job costs and fast-track the development of a project.
COMPANY
Founded by Kevin O'Carroll - a master electrician with 35 years' experience - O'Carroll Electric has served the Chicago area with skilled union electrical construction since 1994. We field the industry's best-trained technicians with a team of veteran engineers, estimators, and project managers that deliver projects on time and on budget.
We are licensed, bonded, insured, and uphold industry-leading safety standards.
EXPERIENCE
We've mastered the trade of electrical construction - transformers, switchgear, panels, energy-efficient devices and fixtures - everything that keeps the world energized.
Whether a 1M sq.ft. 3PL warehouse, high-capacity service upgrade, or energy-efficient lighting install - we partner with our customers to offer long-term strategic value through communication and consistent output.
Our customers include national corporations, developers, healthcare facilities, general contractors, municipalities, and many other organizations - over 20M sq. ft. of electrified commercial space in total. Explore our portfolio to learn more about specific projects.
ELECTRICIANS
Our electricians are well-trained and professional - union journeyman who can safely and efficiently install all components of a commercial-industrial electrical system.
IBEW technicians undergo 8,000 hours of classroom and on-the-job training before obtaining journeyman status, at which point they can skillfully analyze an electrical infrastructure, determine optimal project design, and install modern equipment to keep your organization operating soundly.
Home Locals include 150 (Lake), 701 (Kane), 134 (Cook), and 117 (McHenry) - serving any location within roughly 50 miles of Elgin, IL.
SITE LIGHTING
Keep your outdoor and building exterior well-lit, safe, and aesthetically pleasing with our turnkey site lighting repairs and maintenance services.
POWER BACKUP
We've completed hundred of generator installs, from 20 kW residential units to massive 2000kW industrial backup.
NEW CONSTRUCT
We've electrified over 20M sq. ft. of new commercial real estate in the Chicagoland area. Distribution centers, retail, dealerships, manufacturers, and many others.
WHAT IS YOUR SERVICE RANGE?
We service to within ~50 miles of Chicago and up to southern Wisconsin.
What does O'Carroll do?
Commercial and industrial power. We design and install modern electrical systems to keep organizations running at full capacity positoned for future growth. Common projects include new construction of up to and over 1M sq. ft, panel and service upgrades, energy-efficient retrofits, industrial relocations, power drops, and controls.
about our electricians
Our technicians undergo 8,000 hours of coursework and on-the-job experience before achieving journeyman status to construct safe, effective, and powerful electrical systems.
DOES O'CARROLL ELECTRIC CHARGE FOR ESTIMATES?
ESTIMATES ARE PROVIDED AT NO CHARGE REGARDLESS OF PROJECT SIZE
WHAT SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE FOR A JOB?
We have partnerships with the top electrical suppliers and vendors in area, including Steiner, Amperage, Sunrise Electric, Welch Bros., Connexion, Lift Works. We also have in-house scissor lifts, backhoes, skid steers, trailers, and thousands of electrical supplies SKUs. All installed products.
ARE YOU LICENSED, BONDED, AND INSURED?
Yes! And we are glad you asked…no matter who you end up hiring, make certain the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured!
How do you differ from a residential electrician?
A residential system typically includes a 120/208 single-phase service - this includes light transformer, breakerbox, and circuits.
What can you tell me about lighting?
In a commercial environment, it's critical to have LED lighting throughout your facility. Within the past decades, it has become a no-brainer to have LEDs. Over the long run, you'll enjoy significant savings.
How long will it take for the work to be done?
Electrical contractors who are well versed with what they do will tell you the average time period it would take them to complete the task at hand.
Does O'Carroll Electric charge for estimates?
No, estimates are provided at no charge. Depending on the scope of work, a series of photos may be sufficient, but most projects require an on-site visit, as well as access to blueprints or an understanding of your facility's electrical architecture.
What are your most common services?
Our most common project is a service upgrade - often the replacement of old, potentially unsafe switchgear or perhaps.
What's the difference between a union and non-union electrician?
UNION ELECTRICIANS ARE SUBJECT TO RIGOROUS TRAINING AND A 4-YEAR APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM. THEY ARE TRAINED IN THE LATEST IN SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY, AND HAVE A LARGE SCOPE OF PROJECT WORK UNDER THEIR RESUME, INCLUDING HIGH-VOLTAGE, HIGH-CAPACITY SCENARIOS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ
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fire alarm
We manage and partner with the top fire alarm systems providers in the industry to fit buildings up to 1M sq. ft. with cutting-edge fire alarm technology.
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UVGI
Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation utilizes a unique UV wavelength to eliminate airborne germs - we can retrofit your HVAC systems or office space with this emerging technology
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THERMAL
Identify safety liabilities in electrical and mechanical equipment. We'll keep your operation running safely and up to code.
O'Carroll Electric has built a reputation as a premier provider of industrial electrical construction, maintenance, and retrofitting services. Our customers included national manufacturing brands, food processing facilities, machinery suppliers. We are experienced and efficient in delivering for our customers with urgent needs to keep their operations fully energized and running smoothly.
We've designed and installed electrical systems to support over 20M sq. ft. of premier commercial real estate. Projects include high-load service installs, state-of-the-art switchgear, and energy-efficient lighting/controls. Our highly trained team can assist you with plans and specs projects, electrical maintenance and repair, transformer and generator service and much more.
COMMERCIAL
COMMERCIAL
COMMERCIAL
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PLC SYSTEMS
PLC systems (Programmable Logic Controllers) are the brains behind some of the most powerful machinery on the market. We've installed these systems - and the machines they control - collectively thousands of times
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MAINTENANCE
Service orders can be completed in 24 hours - failed breakers, malfunctioning receptacles, safety needs - we'll get your shop running 100% quickly.
TEAMWORK
Design-build projects are ultimately the most efficient construction, offering a level of collaboration and strategic thinking that results in consistently positive outcome for owners, developers, and contractors.
CONTINUITY
The same people are involved in the project from start to finish, which adds efficiency and effectiveness to the process. The harmony between workers who already know each other also adds to productivity.
COMMUNICATION
All stakeholders - owners, developers, and contractors - are seamlessly weaved into the construction process; communication is clear to limit obstacles.
BENEFITS OF DESIGN-BUILD
EV CHARGERS
ICC-Certified EV Charging Station Installers
Experienced with Level I, II, and DC chargers for parking garages, lots, municipalities, workplace, and public roads.
LED RETROFIT
ICC-Certified Energy Efficiency Installers
By retrofitting your facility with LED lighting and controls, we can provide a rebate of up to 25% of the cost to install.
AC-SIDE SOLAR
ICC-Certified Distributed Generation Installers Inverters, trenching, piping, meters, controls, disconnects - the technology that collects, inverts, and transforms the sun's energy for the grid.
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RELOCATION
If your business has outgrown its capacity, we can help your relocation go as smoothly as possible. We'll ensure an efficient relocation process and sufficient infrastructure to support future growth.
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machinery
We've connected thousands of lasers, chillers, cutters, and various other equipment to - that means pipe runs, transformers, switchgear - all well within our realm of expertise.
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POWER DROPS
You need power in a specific area of your facility - and you need it now. We can assemble the appropriate materials, and be on location within 24-48 hours to delivery any power you need.
DESIGN - BUILD
Energy efficiency - using less energy to get the same job done - is smart business. You'll reduce your energy costs and have confidence in an electrical infrastructure that will last decades.
We are certified ComEd Energy Efficiency installers - LED lighting, occupancy controls, Energy Star equipment - we can suit up your building with the latest electrical technology and deliver a lucrative rebate check along the way (up to 25% of the cost to retrofit).