Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It distributes power safely to every outlet, appliance, and light. But as homes age and electrical demands increase, many panels struggle to keep up—often without obvious warning signs.

Here’s how to tell if your electrical panel may need an upgrade.

1. Your Breakers Trip Frequently

Occasional tripping happens, but frequent breaker trips are a sign your panel is overloaded or failing to distribute power properly.

2. You Still Have a Fuse Box

Fuse boxes are outdated and not designed for modern electrical use. If your home still relies on fuses instead of circuit breakers, it’s time to consider an upgrade.

3. You Notice Flickering or Dimming Lights

Lights that dim when appliances turn on indicate your panel may not be able to handle current electrical loads.

4. Your Panel Feels Warm or Smells

Electrical panels should never feel warm or emit burning odors. Heat and smell are signs of loose connections or overloaded circuits.

5. You’re Adding New Appliances or Renovating

Home upgrades like HVAC systems, electric vehicle chargers, hot tubs, or kitchen renovations often require additional electrical capacity.

6. Your Home Is Over 30 Years Old

Older homes were not built to handle today’s power demands. Even if everything seems to work fine, the panel may not meet current safety standards.

7. You Rely Heavily on Extension Cords

If you constantly need power strips and extension cords, your panel and circuits may not be providing enough outlets or capacity.

8. Rust, Corrosion, or Visible Damage

Moisture exposure can cause corrosion inside the panel, increasing the risk of failure and fire hazards.

9. Your Panel Is Undersized

Many older homes have 60-amp or 100-amp service. Modern homes typically require 200-amp service to safely handle electrical loads.

10. Your Panel Fails Electrical Inspection

If your panel does not meet current code requirements, upgrading may be necessary to pass inspections or obtain permits.

Why Panel Upgrades Matter

Upgrading your electrical panel improves:

• Home safety
• Power reliability
• Energy efficiency
• Property value

It also ensures your electrical system can safely support future upgrades.

Schedule a Panel Inspection

At E&A ELECTRIC LLC, we evaluate electrical panels, recommend safe solutions, and complete upgrades to meet current codes and your home’s needs.

If you’re unsure about your panel’s condition, a professional inspection can provide peace of mind.