How to Keep Your Electrical Panel Cool During a Heat Wave

When summer temperatures soar, most people focus on staying cool inside — but did you know your electrical panel needs protection from the heat too?

That grey box in your basement, garage, or utility room is the heart of your home's electrical system. If it gets too hot or overworked, it can lead to power loss, fire hazards, or permanent damage.

Here’s why heat affects your panel, what signs to watch for, and how to keep it running safely during heat waves.

⚡ Why Does Heat Affect the Electrical Panel?

Electrical panels are built to handle power — not extreme temperatures. When temperatures rise above 90°F–100°F (especially in unventilated areas), here’s what can happen:

• Breakers trip more easily due to heat sensitivity
• Wiring insulation weakens or becomes brittle
• Overloaded circuits run even hotter, increasing fire risk
• Metal connections expand, possibly loosening terminals

If your panel is located in a hot garage, attic, or sun-exposed shed — the risk is even higher.

🚨 Signs Your Panel Is Struggling in the Heat

Watch for these warning signs:

• Breakers tripping more frequently in summer
• Warm or hot-to-the-touch panel cover
• Buzzing sounds or a faint burning smell
• Lights dimming or flickering when appliances kick on
• A/C unit causing frequent breaker issues

If you’re seeing these signs, it’s time to take action.

✅ How to Keep Your Panel Cool and Safe

1. Improve Ventilation
If your panel is in a garage, shed, or basement with poor airflow, consider adding a vent fan or passive airflow system. Even simple steps like keeping the area clear of clutter can help heat dissipate.

2. Shade Outdoor Panels
Have an exterior subpanel? Add a sun shade, awning, or weatherproof covering to keep it out of direct sunlight. Always use non-flammable, electrical-safe materials.

3. Upgrade the Panel (If Needed)
Older panels (especially ones over 25 years old) may not be rated for today’s energy demand — especially in the summer when everything’s running at once. A panel upgrade ensures better efficiency, safety, and capacity.

4. Tighten Loose Connections
Heat causes metal to expand and contract. This can loosen screws and terminals. A licensed electrician should regularly inspect and tighten connections to prevent arcing and fire.

5. Distribute Power Load Evenly
Avoid running your oven, washer, dryer, and A/C all at once during peak hours. A licensed electrician can redistribute loads across multiple circuits to reduce stress on your panel.

6. Add a Subpanel
If your main panel is always maxed out during the summer, adding a subpanel for heavy loads (like pool equipment or a hot tub) can balance the system and improve safety.

💡 Bonus Tip: Schedule a Summer Electrical Inspection

Prevent surprises before a breaker melts or a power outage leaves you sweating. A mid-summer electrical inspection can catch overheating panels, worn breakers, or unsafe outdoor wiring before they cause damage.

At E&A Electric LLC, we offer fast, thorough inspections — and we can help with everything from panel upgrades to heat-resistant installs.

🧯 Don’t Let Heat Take Down Your Power

Summer isn’t just hard on people — it’s hard on your electrical system too. With a little planning and the right upgrades, you can stay cool, safe, and powered up all season long.

📞 Need help? Call E&A Electric LLC today for a panel inspection or quote.