Welcome to Alternating Currents, for all your commercial and residential electrical needs. When you need an electrician, turn to us. We'll get you powered up in a cinch. From small to large jobs, we service your low-voltage to line-voltage needs. Whether it is a 3-phase installation to troubleshooting of electrical outlets, Alternating Currents provides the necessary knowledge in a timely turnaround to keep our customer's business running smoothly.Alternating Currents works with contractors and residents from small repairs to large additions/remodels/new construction to meet our customer's electrical needs.
Services
We, at Alternating Currents, strive to provide outstanding customer service and high-quality electrical installation in a safe working environment. We are at the project when scheduled - no missing subs. We only use top-quality products and materials - no skimping, no cutting corners. And our #1 priority is safety - both for our customers and ourselves.
As the owner, he started Alternating Currents as a side job from his full-time firefighter and paramedic position. It soon became a central focus, and was able to balance both jobs he loves since both help people. He has since retired from his firefighter position. He is passionate about safety, so keeping his staff and customers from harm are essential.
Safety is our #1 priority both for our customers and ourselves. Our company safety meetings instill our commitment to safety and quality installation. We work closely with other trades and contractors to maintain a safe work environment on project sites. We follow local and national electrical codes and meet all inspection requirements.
Reviews (17)
Frieda S.
Feb 23, 2022
I initially inquired about services to have our exterior electrical panel remounted to our home. Rather than an electrician coming to access the problem in person, Alternating Currents requested pictures sent via email. I sent pictures, the company provided an estimate with the intentions to repair and required a 50% payment due at the time of scheduling an electrician to complete the repair.
The 1st red flag is paying a company 50% of an estimate when the electrician NEVER came to first identify if the issue would result in a repair or replacement. The electrician arrive on the day of service to then inform me that he is unable to repair the exterior panel but rather a replacement of the entire panel is needed AND replacement of the main electrical panel (fuse box).
He advised that he would not move forward with the initial repair and would consult with his manager (Marty) later in the day to issue me a new estimate for the replacement. Now considering I've already obtained feedback from the inspector from the village I knew the Manager's new estimate was not in line with what the inspector advised which is solely a repair to the existing exterior panel.
The new estimate increased by $4200. As a result, I did not want to move forward with the services. Considering the electrician was only on sight for 1 hour and 30 minutes and I've already paid the required 50% down payment due at the time of scheduling, I was under the impression the company would only charge me for the time the electrician was on sight and refund me for the remainder.
Well I was wrong, in fact in speaking with a representative from the company she advised what the electrician submitted as onsite hours was opposite of what the final invoice stated "3 hours of labor included Note: If customer proceeds with the estimate, this amount will be credited to the work." I highly suggest avoid paying this company a 50% down payment for services if they will not come out to initially access before drafting an estimate for payment. Secondly, avoid using this company as they are a complete rip-off in attempting to propose estimates that cost a substantial amount of money for services that are NOT needed. Always obtain a second opinion from a replicable company.
The 1st red flag is paying a company 50% of an estimate when the electrician NEVER came to first identify if the issue would result in a repair or replacement. The electrician arrive on the day of service to then inform me that he is unable to repair the exterior panel but rather a replacement of the entire panel is needed AND replacement of the main electrical panel (fuse box).
He advised that he would not move forward with the initial repair and would consult with his manager (Marty) later in the day to issue me a new estimate for the replacement. Now considering I've already obtained feedback from the inspector from the village I knew the Manager's new estimate was not in line with what the inspector advised which is solely a repair to the existing exterior panel.
The new estimate increased by $4200. As a result, I did not want to move forward with the services. Considering the electrician was only on sight for 1 hour and 30 minutes and I've already paid the required 50% down payment due at the time of scheduling, I was under the impression the company would only charge me for the time the electrician was on sight and refund me for the remainder.
Well I was wrong, in fact in speaking with a representative from the company she advised what the electrician submitted as onsite hours was opposite of what the final invoice stated "3 hours of labor included Note: If customer proceeds with the estimate, this amount will be credited to the work." I highly suggest avoid paying this company a 50% down payment for services if they will not come out to initially access before drafting an estimate for payment. Secondly, avoid using this company as they are a complete rip-off in attempting to propose estimates that cost a substantial amount of money for services that are NOT needed. Always obtain a second opinion from a replicable company.
Sky Opila
Dec 18, 2021
Alternating Currents was recommended by a neighbor and I'm happy to pass that recommendation on to anyone reading this post. I called Alternating Currents to install 7 recessed lights in an already finished family room and attach them to two separate existing switches. My positive experience started with the first phone call. The office staff was super nice and easy to work with.
I was able to get someone out for an estimate quickly and he was very knowledgeable. He saw what I wanted to do and immediately had great recommendations on how to do the project. He was also super transparent about how the project would go, including some of the inevitable drywall damage that's necessary for a project like this. It really helped me understand what I was getting into.
I also asked about a second project that I thought was small, but he knowledgeably helped me understand it was a bit more challenging. It never felt like an upsell and always felt like he had my interests in my mind. And ultimately, the cost for the projects was right on and well priced. When it came time to do my work a few weeks later, the crew that showed up was easily one of the best teams I've ever had do work on my home.
They were courteous, extremely knowledgeable, super communicative throughout the work to ensure I knew everything they were doing, and very respectful of my home and ensuring a clean environment. The work Alternating Currents did has completely transformed my family room. We love it and can't say enough good things about our experience from start to finish.
I was able to get someone out for an estimate quickly and he was very knowledgeable. He saw what I wanted to do and immediately had great recommendations on how to do the project. He was also super transparent about how the project would go, including some of the inevitable drywall damage that's necessary for a project like this. It really helped me understand what I was getting into.
I also asked about a second project that I thought was small, but he knowledgeably helped me understand it was a bit more challenging. It never felt like an upsell and always felt like he had my interests in my mind. And ultimately, the cost for the projects was right on and well priced. When it came time to do my work a few weeks later, the crew that showed up was easily one of the best teams I've ever had do work on my home.
They were courteous, extremely knowledgeable, super communicative throughout the work to ensure I knew everything they were doing, and very respectful of my home and ensuring a clean environment. The work Alternating Currents did has completely transformed my family room. We love it and can't say enough good things about our experience from start to finish.
Dae Markus
Dec 04, 2021
I'm writing this review not only to share my 100% positive experience today -- with a fairly simple job of replacing a fixture -- but also to say that it is worth waiting for the job and customer service that Alternating Currents puts forth. My job was small, but they worked with me to get on the schedule amidst larger jobs going on. Such a pleasure to keep doing business with them! A beyond satisfied customer of 5+ years now and I wouldn't go elsewhere.
Thomas Lee
Nov 28, 2021
Theresa Jaquinde
Oct 25, 2021
Victor Bernardi
Oct 24, 2021
We used alternating currents to install 2 ceiling fans in rooms with no current overhead lights or power. Jim and Dave S. were able to do the work perfectly with no drywall damage. In addition, they noticed one of the fans I bought was repacked incorrectly and missing some parts so I was able to return it to the store while they waited to install the new fan. Overall very happy with the work.
Thomas M.
Sep 16, 2021
As I type this review, a crew from Alternating Currents is in the middle of a big job on my 1947-built brick ranch with plaster walls. They're updating our panel from 100 amp service to 200 (w/power surge protection), adding a dozen or so much-needed outlets throughout the house, putting ceiling lights in our living room, installing a new fancy exhaust fan with heater in a chilly basement bathroom, and creating the necessary additional circuits to distribute the power accordingly.
Today is Day Three of this endeavor. The crew is taking great care to keep the cuts and dust to a minimum, but it's a messy project. The crew leaders have been listening and responding to our needs, advising us every step of the way. They're notifying us and getting approval before making any cuts into the walls and ceilings. While we've taken steps to move many belongings out to the garage, they are deftly working around our stuff.
And they've been very patient with our overly-curious and somewhat protective mutt. Since the job is still in progress, I'll follow up with additional info. at later date.
Today is Day Three of this endeavor. The crew is taking great care to keep the cuts and dust to a minimum, but it's a messy project. The crew leaders have been listening and responding to our needs, advising us every step of the way. They're notifying us and getting approval before making any cuts into the walls and ceilings. While we've taken steps to move many belongings out to the garage, they are deftly working around our stuff.
And they've been very patient with our overly-curious and somewhat protective mutt. Since the job is still in progress, I'll follow up with additional info. at later date.
Thomas O.
Dec 03, 2020
We have used Alternating Currents since we moved to Glen Ellyn 35 years ago. Every project from replacing a breaker box to correcting remodelers mistakes has been done well. The employees arrive on time and easy to talk to, answering all questions. The estimate is what I have ended up paying, no surprises.
Michael B.
Oct 29, 2020
Professional. Courteous. Prompt. Clean. Safe. The two man crew arrived on time and were ready to get to work. The job entailed adding a breaker box in the garage with two 220 outlets and six, 20A outlets for a workshop. They extending power from the basement panel, through several rooms behind drywall, through the concrete foundation to the side of the house and to the garage.
They wore masks while inside, laid drop clothes on the floors and cleaned up after themselves. Wouldn't know they were here, but for the crazy-good electrical hardware in the garage. I plan on using their services again.
They wore masks while inside, laid drop clothes on the floors and cleaned up after themselves. Wouldn't know they were here, but for the crazy-good electrical hardware in the garage. I plan on using their services again.
Tony Nelson
Jun 24, 2020
I called 4 Electricians, and of the 4, Alternating Currents came thru. The Owner Marty, a great guy, very knowledgeable, very professional, and his grew, they are Awesome! He gave me tips to make the job easier for myself, as I was moving my electric service from overhead, to underground. The Bottom Line is, They were Neat, Clean, Friendly, and I'm happy with the finished product. I would recommend them, and I will be calling them again.
Pierre D.
Jun 08, 2019
Dave S.
Sep 26, 2018
Fantastic company. Marty came out to my house to go over some options and give us a quote. Once we paid our deposit we were put on the calendar, they showed up on time, did the work in the contract and cleaned up. His employees are all very nice and do nice work. I would definitely use Alternating Current again and I highly recommend them to anyone in need of electrical work.
David M.
Jul 07, 2018
They installed a ceiling fan in one of our rooms. Our kids room which is also the hottest room in the house. The job ended up being much more difficult than anticipated because of some poorly done existing wiring. Jeff was awesome with us though. So professional. So kind. He did a tremendous job. Would use him anytime. Highly recommended.
Matthew K.
Sep 26, 2017
I chose Alternating Currents Corporation based on a referral from my neighbor. I used Alternating Currents Corp to update my electrical service to 200 Amps and to hang and wire a fan box. Marty came to quote the job in person. The process was quick, thorough and accurate. They were very good about not damaging any drywall when hanging the fan. Any damage when the service panned was installed was minimal and it only took 2 days total to complete the process.
All of the invoices were emailed and the office staff was available and replied to questions very quickly. I will recommend being home before the project is finished to make sure you get the signed off inspections and a rundown how everything works. I also had the option of getting my own permits from the city and would think about letting them take care of the permitting so you don't have to be the go-between with them and the city, but if you're up for doing the pickup and scheduling it's an easy way to save a few bucks.
I requested some outlets be reused and the old panels be left and they were. They also had to return some of my original GFCI breakers, so I would also recommend going over what is left and what is tossed before hand. I would use Alternating Currents Corporation again if I need future electrical work.
All of the invoices were emailed and the office staff was available and replied to questions very quickly. I will recommend being home before the project is finished to make sure you get the signed off inspections and a rundown how everything works. I also had the option of getting my own permits from the city and would think about letting them take care of the permitting so you don't have to be the go-between with them and the city, but if you're up for doing the pickup and scheduling it's an easy way to save a few bucks.
I requested some outlets be reused and the old panels be left and they were. They also had to return some of my original GFCI breakers, so I would also recommend going over what is left and what is tossed before hand. I would use Alternating Currents Corporation again if I need future electrical work.
Al W.
Apr 17, 2016
I used them to install some can lights and run a new line to my pump room in my basement. I quoted out a few other places and AC was the lowest by $100, I believe. Office staff and electricians were extremely professional all around. They were honest too. Told me I didn't need a new receptacle in my basement (but I did it anyway for my own reasons). Would recommend them to anyone.
Mark Walther
Apr 06, 2015
I have been using Alternating Currents as our electrician for years. Our family and friends have always been pleased with their work, support, and reasonable prices. I'm sorry the other reviewer had an issue with his generator order. The way he was treated does not sound like Alternating Currents at all! There are two sides to every story.
Dennis DWiz
Sep 15, 2014
We had Alternating Currents do an estimate on a generator installation. There price was 10% higher than the other estimate. But, because we were charmed by the owner, we went with them. We paid them their requested 50%. Then our troubles began. After literally months of no progress and misinformation, we canceled the order. We were then charged a 10% "administration fee".
