9 Clear Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel for Safety and Efficiency

Your home’s electrical panel, also known as a breaker box or fuse box, is the heart of your electrical system. Growing families, home remodels, and upgraded appliances can stress your electrical panel. Two once popular panels, Federal Pacific Electric and Zinsco, are now considered dangerous. Your electrical panel may be insufficient for the load placed on it or outdated and hazardous.

Here’s when it is time to consider upgrading your panel:

 

1. Your Panel is Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) or Zinsco

Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels were once popular and affordable. These panels were frequently installed in homes from the 1950s to the 1980s. Today, both panels are deemed unsafe. Mortgage companies and insurance companies require these panels to be replaced. If your panel is either of these brands, an upgrade is essential.

2. Frequently Tripping Breakers

If your circuit breakers trip regularly, it may mean your electrical system is overloaded. Frequently tripping breakers can be a strong indicator that your electrical panel is struggling to manage your home’s power demands. If the breakers continue to trip despite reducing appliance use, it’s time for an electrical panel upgrade.

Money Saving Tip – Try using appliances one at a time or moving appliances or electrical devices to a different circuit in your home before calling an electrician.

3. Flickering or Frequently Dimming Lights

Flickering lights or dimming lights can indicate that your electrical panel struggles to distribute power evenly across the circuits, possibly due to an inadequate panel size. A panel that can’t manage the load properly may need to be replaced with one that better suits your home’s electrical needs.

4. Home Renovations

If you renovate your home, add a new addition, finish a basement, or install high-power appliances, like an air conditioner or a home theater system, your electrical panel may be unable to handle the additional load. Upgrading your panel ensures it can support the additional demands.

5. Outdated Panel (Older Than 25 Years)

If your panel is over 25 years old, it’s likely outdated. Older electrical panels may not meet current electrical codes or safety standards. An old electric panel has obsolete components. Plus, like anything else, it will have signs of aging that can pose a fire hazard.

 6. Your Panel has Fuses Instead of Breakers

Fuse-based panels are outdated and deemed unsafe. If your home still uses this older technology, it’s time to upgrade to a more reliable and modern circuit breaker panel. Fuses can be hazardous. Replacing them with a circuit breaker panel is crucial.

7. Overloaded Circuits

If your home has too many devices plugged into a circuit, causing your breakers to trip frequently, try running devices one at a time or relocating some devices within your home. If these suggestions are not possible or your breakers continue to trip despite making these changes, you may need a higher-capacity electrical panel.

8. Plans to Sell Your Home

Are you planning to sell your home? An outdated or insufficient electrical panel can raise red flags for potential buyers, indicating a lack of modern upgrades or potential safety issues. Upgrading your panel before listing your house can increase its appeal and value.

9. Signs of Wear and Tear or Burning Around the Panel

Signs of damage, including scorch marks, rust, melted breakers, or burnt smells around the electrical panel, indicate that your system is severely under stress and poses a safety risk. Any of these signs indicate that your electrical panel should be upgraded or replaced.

 

Benefits of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel:

 

• Increased Safety: Reduce the risk of electrical fires and ensure your home meets electrical code and modern safety standards.

 

• Greater Capacity: Support new appliances and power-heavy devices without overloading your system.

 

• Energy Efficiency: An upgraded panel can help optimize energy use, saving you money on your electric bill.

 

• Compliance with Electrical Codes: Stay up-to-date with local electrical codes to avoid potential legal issues or issues when selling your home.

 

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it is time to consult a licensed electrician. Only a licensed electrician should evaluate your panel and current electrical system to determine its safety and recommend the appropriate solution. Contact us today!

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