5 Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade

Is Your Electrical Panel Keeping Up?

Your home's electrical panel is responsible for safely distributing electricity throughout your home. As energy demands increase with new appliances, smart home devices, and electric vehicles, an outdated panel may no longer be sufficient. Ignoring the warning signs can lead to electrical hazards, reduced efficiency, and even power failures.

In this blog, you’ll learn the five key indicators that signal it’s time for an upgrade and what the upgrade process involves.

1. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips

Why Do Breakers Trip?

If your breakers trip often, it could indicate your panel is struggling to handle modern power demands. Overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or an outdated system can lead to frequent disruptions.

When to Consider an Upgrade

If your breakers trip multiple times a week
If resetting the breaker doesn’t fix the issue
If you’re frequently unplugging appliances to prevent trips

A 200-amp panel upgrade ensures reliable power distribution and prevents electrical overloads.

2. Your Home Still Has a Fuse Box

What’s the Difference Between a Fuse Box and a Breaker Panel?

Homes built before the 1960s may still have fuse boxes instead of circuit breakers. While functional, fuse boxes lack modern safety features and can pose a fire risk. Unlike breaker panels, fuses must be replaced every time they blow, leading to inconvenience and potential hazards.

Signs You Need to Upgrade

Your home has an old fuse box instead of a breaker panel
It’s difficult to find replacement fuses
You frequently deal with blown fuses

Upgrading to a breaker panel improves both safety and convenience.

3. You’re Adding High-Powered Appliances or an EV Charger

Why Do New Appliances Require More Power?

New appliances such as electric stoves, HVAC systems, and EV chargers require substantial electrical capacity. If your panel is already at full capacity, adding these appliances can cause overloading.

Signs Your Panel Can’t Handle Additional Load

Lights dim when appliances turn on
No available slots in your breaker panel
Breakers trip when using multiple appliances at once

An electrical panel upgrade ensures safe operation and accommodates increased power demands.

4. Your Lights Frequently Flicker or Dim

What Causes Flickering or Dimming Lights?

Voltage fluctuations can result in flickering or dimming lights, particularly when high-energy devices turn on. This issue often happens in older homes with outdated wiring and electrical panels.

When to Be Concerned

Lights flicker when using a microwave, AC, or vacuum
Bulbs dim unexpectedly, even when appliances are off
Some rooms receive less power than others

These issues could indicate a failing panel that needs upgrading to distribute power more effectively.

5. Your Electrical Panel is Over 25 Years Old

How Long Do Electrical Panels Last?

Most electrical panels have a lifespan of 25-40 years. While they may function beyond that, aging panels can develop loose connections, wear and tear, and outdated safety features.

Signs an Older Panel May Need Replacement

Your home was built before 1995 and still has its original panel
You experience unexplained power surges
Your panel smells like burning plastic or has scorch marks

What to Expect from an Electrical Panel Upgrade

The Upgrade Process

Assessing Power Needs: A licensed electrician evaluates your home’s energy usage.
Permit Approvals: Electrical panel upgrades often require permits to comply with local electrical codes.
Installation & Wiring Updates: The outdated panel is replaced, and the wiring is inspected.
Final Inspection: A final assessment ensures the panel meets modern safety and efficiency standards.

Schedule Your Electrical Panel Assessment Today

An upgraded electrical panel improves safety, efficiency, and supports the growing energy needs of modern homes. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, it may be time to consult a licensed electrician. At JPS Electric, we've helped countless homeowners upgrade their electrical panels for better safety and efficiency. Contact us or give us a call at (516) 546-3226 to schedule your electrical panel assessment today.