12 Signs You Need a New Electrical Panel

Micaela Stevens
Sep 23, 2025
5 min read

Updated: Oct 2, 2025

Picture this: you’re running the dishwasher, someone flips on the microwave, and suddenly the lights flicker or the breaker trips again. Many homeowners assume situations like this mean a full house rewiring is in order. The truth? In many cases, all you really need is a new electrical panel installation. But how do you know for sure? Here are 12 signs that indicate your panel, rather than your entire wiring, is the real issue.

1. Breakers trip frequently

Breakers are designed to trip occasionally, but if they keep shutting off every time you use multiple appliances, your panel may be overloaded. Frequent trips can signal aging components, worn connections, or insufficient capacity for today’s electrical demands.

Circuit breaker panel with multiple switches turned off, showing frequent tripping from overloaded circuits — Frequent breaker trips may point to an overloaded electrical panel or worn components that need attention.

2. Lights flicker or dim unexpectedly

Lights that dim when you run appliances like microwaves, vacuum cleaners, or heaters suggest your panel may be struggling to distribute power. Flickering lights aren’t just annoying—they indicate your system may not safely handle the current electrical load.

Ceiling light fixture with a frosted dome casts a soft glow in a room corner. Textured white ceiling and dark fixture border visible. — Flickering or dimming lights can signal an electrical panel that’s struggling to handle household power demands.

3. Appliances don’t perform properly

If washers, refrigerators, or other devices seem sluggish or fail to operate at full power, your panel might not be supplying enough electricity. This can cause stress on wiring and reduce the lifespan of appliances. A new panel can restore reliable performance for everything in your home.

Coffee setup on a kitchen countertop with a grinder, scale, coffee bags, and a Moccamaster machine. Bright kitchen with a plant nearby. — Underperforming appliances may point to an electrical panel that isn’t delivering sufficient power.

4. Rising electricity bills without increased usage

When your energy bills climb but your habits haven’t changed, it could be an inefficient or failing panel. Older panels may waste electricity by unevenly distributing power, causing appliances to work harder than necessary and increasing monthly costs.

Close-up of an electric watt-hour meter displaying 83114 kWh. The meter is encased in a clear box. Bright sunlight filters in the background. — Higher electricity bills without extra usage can be a sign of an inefficient or outdated electrical panel.

5. Excessive use of extension cords or power strips

Needing multiple extension cords or power strips to reach outlets is a red flag. Your home may not have enough circuits for daily use. Installing a new electrical panel adds capacity and enables you to use devices safely without relying on temporary fixes.

Multiple power strips with tangled cords and plugs on a wooden floor against a light gray wall; a mix of white and black plugs. — Relying on extension cords or power strips often means your home needs more circuits and a panel upgrade.

6. The panel is over 25 years old

Electrical panels don’t last forever. If your panel is older than 25 years, even if it hasn’t failed yet, it may not handle modern energy needs safely. Upgrading can prevent unexpected failures and make your system ready for today’s appliances.

An electrical panel with numerous wires and colorful fuses is mounted on a wooden wall. The setting appears cluttered and complex. — An electrical panel over 25 years old may no longer meet today’s safety and power needs.

7. You still have a fuse box

Homes with old fuse boxes can lack the protective measures of modern breaker panels. Fuses blow easily and require frequent replacement, which can create frustration and pose potential safety issues. A new electrical panel installation brings improved safety and convenience with minimal ongoing maintenance.

Man wearing a black shirt adjusts a breaker panel in a utility room. Beige cabinets with open doors and wiring visible. Electric boxes mounted nearby. — An electrical panel over 25 years old may no longer meet today’s safety and power needs.

8. Known risky brands

Some older panels, especially some specific brands, are notorious for their high failure risks. Even if your system appears to be fine, these brands can pose a fire hazard. A licensed electrician can confirm if a replacement panel is necessary to keep your home safe.

A man in a white shirt adjusts his tie while talking on a cellphone, appearing focused. Plain white background. — Known risky brands

9. Burning smells or scorch marks near the panel

The smell of hot plastic or visible scorch marks on or around your panel signals overheating. Don’t ignore it. These signs indicate loose connections, failing components, or overloaded circuits, and a new electrical panel installation can help prevent serious hazards.

A wall outlet with a blackened socket and a plugged-in cord. The white wall shows smoke damage, suggesting overheating or a short circuit. — An electrical panel over 25 years old may no longer meet today’s safety and power needs.

10. Buzzing, humming, or crackling sounds

Electrical panels should be silent. Any buzzing, humming, or crackling noise is a warning sign. Loose wiring, failing breakers, or internal shorts can be dangerous. A licensed electrician can evaluate your system and replace the panel if necessary to restore safe operation.

Black plug partially inserted into damaged electrical outlet on a stained wall. The frayed area suggests potential safety hazards. — Buzzing, humming, or crackling from an electrical panel signals wiring or breaker issues that require immediate attention.

11. The panel feels warm or hot to the touch

A warm or hot panel isn’t normal. Overloaded circuits or internal faults can cause heat, increasing fire risk. Even if it seems minor, a professional inspection is essential. Upgrading to a new panel ensures your home is protected and circuits remain reliable.

Hand holding a red "Prevent Overheating" sign over circuit breakers. Background shows numbers and a glowing light, suggesting alertness. — A panel that feels warm or hot may indicate overloaded circuits or internal faults and should be checked immediately.

12. Signs of rust or corrosion

Rust or corrosion on the panel or nearby areas indicates that moisture is entering, which is particularly hazardous in the presence of electricity. Corroded panels can lead to short circuits, arcing, or fires. Replacing the panel keeps your electrical system safe and reduces long-term maintenance headaches.

Rusty electrical panel with tangled wires, showing severe corrosion. The background is a wooden wall. Mood is neglected or hazardous. — Rust or corrosion on an electrical panel is a serious safety hazard and a clear sign it needs replacement.

What are the requirements for electrical panel installation?

To install a new electrical panel safely, you really need a licensed electrician. You’ll need the proper permits, a panel rated for your home’s electrical load, and all wiring done to local code. It also helps to have clear access to the panel—crowded or cramped spaces make work tricky.

How much does it cost to install an electric panel?

The price depends largely on the size of the panel and your home's setup and amp-swap. Labor, materials, and any necessary circuit adjustments all contribute to the final cost. Getting a couple of estimates always helps.

How to install the panel board?

Installing a panel board is not really a DIY job. A pro mounts the panel, connects circuits carefully, checks breaker placement, and ensures grounding is correct. Each wire must be labeled and secured. Even small mistakes can cause sparks, overheating, or worse, so expertise and experience really matters.

How many outlets are on a 20-amp circuit?

Typically, you can run 10 to 12 outlets on a 20-amp circuit, but it depends on what’s plugged in. Big appliances or heaters take more load, so fewer outlets are safer. A licensed electrician will calculate the load and balance circuits to prevent trips and overheating.

What size wire for a 20-amp circuit?

For a 20-amp circuit, the standard is 12-gauge copper wire. Anything smaller could overheat and cause hazards. Some older homes have unusual wiring setups, so it's essential to check before starting. A licensed electrician can confirm the correct gauge and ensure the connections are safe.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading or replacing your electrical panel is not something to guess at. Only a licensed electrician can safely assess your home, determine the right panel size, and handle installation according to code. Attempting it yourself or hiring someone unqualified can create serious safety hazards.

Our team of licensed electricians is ready to help. From professional inspections to full electrical panel installation, we ensure your system is safe, efficient, and ready for modern demands. Don’t wait until warning signs (or worse...) appear! Request your free quote today at https://www.jpselectricinc.com/get-a-quote to schedule your assessment and upgrade.