Knowing the signs of a failing electrical panel can help you avoid serious electrical issues, including fire hazards
Signs of needing an electrical panel upgrade include not having enough outlets, needing to flip breakers frequently, or the panel is rusting.
An electrical panel has a lifespan of up to 40 years.
Modern homes typically require a 200-amp panel to run efficiently.
The average cost of a new electric panel is about $1,600.
Electrical panel installation should be done by a professional electrician.
Wondering whether you should upgrade your electrical panel? Your home’s electrical panel connects to the main power line and distributes electricity accordingly. Like any home system, electrical panels begin to show signs of wear and tear over time. If your home has experienced flickering lights or strange smells, you’ll want to browse through our list of warning signs that warrant hiring a local electrician to upgrade your electrical panel.
Upgrading an electrical panel is a challenging job. There are advantages to installing a new electrical panel in your home, as well as disadvantages.
The largest advantage to changing out an older electrical panel, particularly if you’ve experienced some warning signs, is safety. Installing a new electrical panel will reduce the risk of electrical fire or other safety hazards in your home.
An upgrade will make it easier for power-hungry appliances to work simultaneously without tripping a breaker. In addition, some insurance companies give homeowners with a new electrical panel lower premiums, as it makes the home less of a risk.
A new electrical panel is an investment; however, depending on the stage and age of your current panel, it will more than pay for itself over the years. When you upgrade your panel, the power will be turned off which can be inconvenient during those hours or days, especially if you or anyone in your family works at home. A new panel typically requires permits and inspections, which should be completed by a local electrician.
The average lifespan of an electrical panel is 25 to 40 years. Does yours fit into this age range?
Even if you don’t notice any obvious signs that your circuit breaker is struggling to power your home, it may be worth having a professional electrician perform an inspection. They can quickly evaluate your home’s electrical system for signs of damage or wear and tear.
It’s normal for your electrical panel to trip when an area of your home tries to draw too much power. When this happens, you must flip the affected breaker to allow power to flow again.
This action doesn’t automatically signal a problem. But if it seems like you constantly flip breakers, it’s likely time to have an electrician inspect your breaker for issues.
While flipping breakers can be a sign that it’s time to upgrade your electrical panel, yours may not use breakers at all. In homes built before 1960, fuse panels directed electricity.
Though revolutionary, fuse panels are now a fire hazard, and you should replace them with an electrical panel. If you have to switch out a fuse instead of flipping a breaker, it’s time to upgrade.
If you open your electrical panel and spot rust or water, avoid touching it and call an electrician immediately. A rusted, broken, or corroded panel indicates that you’ll need to repair or replace the system, as it’s a potential fire hazard.
Do you often reach for a power strip to compensate for the lack of electrical outlets throughout your home? That’s a sign that your electrical panel may not be able to handle an increase in electrical flow.
An electrician can install additional outlets if your panel can accommodate additional circuits. But if it can’t, replacing the electrical panel is your best option.
Smelling something burning in your home is always concerning. Act quickly if the smell seems to be coming from your electrical panel. A failing circuit breaker can soon cause a severe house fire.
If you smell burning plastic or wood, it’s likely the plastic jacket of an electrical wire melting. If you smell wood, the damage could be within your home’s walls. If the smell is subtle and then disappears, an electrician may be able to fix the problem. But if the smell is overpowering and you’re worried a fire has already broken out, evacuate your home and call 911.
Your circuit breaker trips if it begins to overheat. But, if you notice that your circuit breaker is warm or hot to the touch, this is a potential sign of a severe malfunction. Have an electrician out immediately to see if your panel needs an upgrade.
While it’s not unusual to occasionally see tiny sparks when plugging something into an outlet, you should stay vigilant about the size and frequency of the sparks. If you notice repeated or large sparks from your outlet, that’s a clear sign that something is off with your electrical system.
While the cause could be a wiring or outlet problem, it’s best to heed this warning sign and hire an electrician to look.
Do your overhead kitchen lights dim when you use the microwave or start the dishwasher? If so, this is a sign there’s too much power drawn from a single circuit.
You may be able to add extra circuits, but a total replacement may be the best option. A professional electrician can let you know which route is best.
We’ve already talked about replacing your electrical panel if it’s outdated. But, when remodeling your home, it’s almost a given that you’ll have to replace your breaker as you update different parts of your home’s electrical system.
Replacing old wiring and junction boxes can be a blessing in disguise. You’ll have a safer, more efficient electrical system, and it boosts your resale value.
If you have an older home, or its previous owners had a modest appliance list, you may need to update your breaker as you update certain areas.
For example, if you add a dishwasher to your kitchen or a large freezer in the basement, your current panel may need more juice to keep everything running. An electrician can come out and see if your panel’s amps match your home’s demand.
One of the best times to upgrade your electrical panel is when you are doing any home renovations. This is because the demand for power increases, and the old panel may be unable to keep up with the increased electrical load.
However, if you have any warning signs, such as burning smells, the electrical panel is hot, or you see sparks when plugging things in, you should contact an electrician as soon as possible to upgrade your electrical panel. These are dangerous signs, and you don’t want to risk the chance of a house fire.
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation, an estimated 51,000 fires each year are caused by home electrical fires. So, upgrading your electrical panel can save your home and your life.
How much it will cost to upgrade your electrical panel depends on the amperage your home needs. Most modern homes require a 200-amp service to run efficiently. The average cost is about $1,600, but it can range between $800 and $4,000.
But don’t let the cost deter you: Protecting your home from serious electrical hazards is worth the price. You can always get multiple quotes from experienced electricians near you to find the best price for your budget.
The most important thing to know about upgrading your electrical panel is that you should hire an electrician to complete this delicate and potentially hazardous task.
The electrician pro will disconnect the current panel from the power source and replace it with a new 200-amp circuit breaker. The process also involves installing a GFCI hookup to manage the upgraded power.
An experienced electrician should always do any electrical work. It is extremely dangerous working with electricity and can cause severe injuries and even be fatal. Also, faulty wiring and improper installation can damage the system and cause fire.
If those weren't enough reasons to hire a pro, your homeowner's insurance policy will not cover any issues if you do the work yourself. Keep your home and family safe, and hire a professional electrician to do this task so it's done right.
The size of your home will help determine the size of your electrical panel. Usually, the decision comes down to a 100-amp electrical panel versus a 200-amp panel. Smaller homes, especially those without an HVAC system, may be able to get by with a 100-amp panel.
If you have a larger home or need to power AC, a 200-amp panel should be the best fit. It’s unlikely that you’ll need a larger panel than that unless you have a larger home or unique electrical needs, but an electrician can help you make the final call.
A safe home is priceless, so upgrading your electrical panel, if you need to, is always worth the cost. The primary benefit of upgrading your electrical panel is preventing fire and other electrical hazards. A malfunctioning panel can cause electrical fires and other issues if not resolved quickly, so upgrading your panel is essential to keep household members safe.
Aside from safety and increased peace of mind, this upgrade guarantees a steady flow of electricity to all corners of your home. That way, you can say goodbye to flickering lights and flipping breakers constantly. An upgraded electrical panel lets you connect additional appliances without worrying about tripping your breaker or blowing fuses.
