Signs Your Electrical Panel Needs an Upgrade

Your electrical panel is the foundation of your home. Also called the breaker box, junction box or circuit panel, it supplies electricity to your home from the outside grid. It serves as the central hub where electricity powers your lights, fridge, TV and other appliances. As such, with a faulty electrical panel, you may experience issues such as fluctuating lights and higher electricity bills. 

The good news is that these signs are usually easy to spot, as long as you know what to look for. Explore seven signs that it may be time to have your electrical panel inspected by an expert, so you can take a proactive approach to preventing costly emergencies.

How Often Should I Have My Electrical Panel Inspected?

To ensure your electrical panel is in reliable condition, it’s good practice to have it inspected by a professional every three to five years. For older homes around 15-20 years old, frequent inspections — every one to two years — is a good rule of thumb. However, if you’re already experiencing flickering lights, burning smells or power surges, we recommend having your electrical panel inspected immediately to avoid future hazards.

How Long Do Electrical Panels Last?

Modern electrical panels are mandated by the National Electrical Code (NEC) to be equipped with whole-home surge protection and arc-fault circuit interrupters. So, they’re designed for longevity and should typically last 25-40 years with proper maintenance. As long as you have yours consistently inspected by professionals and understand the signs of a faulty electrical panel, you should have a stable experience with your electricity.

Why Do Electrical Panels Start to Fail?

Electrical panels can start to break down for a variety of reasons, from internal issues to external ones, such as:

• Normal wear and tear: This is natural over time and with typical use. Over the years, you may start noticing electrical issues at home, such as dim lights and tripping circuit breakers. As such, it’s important to have a professional check your electrical panel at least every three to five years.
• Dust and dirt: Heavy accumulation of dust and dirt requires a safe, thorough cleaning using a vacuum or a soft brush. Without maintenance, this buildup can greatly affect the performance and safety of your electrical panel. To avoid this issue, clean your electrical panel regularly and keep its doors closed.
• Natural causes: These include hurricanes, lightning strikes, trees falling onto power lines and pests that can chew through wire insulation. If any of these events causes your electrical panel to fail, it’s crucial to have an expert check it right away. This way, you’re getting ahead of any future risk that a failing electrical panel may cause.

7 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

With the above tips in mind, you can take better care of your electrical panel to ensure its safety. However, understanding why components fail is only half the battle. To fully recognize the specific red flags of an aging unit that needs an upgrade, let’s discuss seven signs of an old electrical panel to look out for.

1. Your Circuit Breakers Constantly Trip

A circuit breaker usually trips when too many appliances are powered on a single circuit. If you’re frequently experiencing power fluctuations, it may be a sign that your circuit breakers are overloaded or that there’s a short circuit. This can be a minor annoyance the first time, but if it keeps happening, it’s critical to have your electrical panel upgraded to better support your power needs.

2. Your Panel Is Outdated

If your home is around 30-50 years old, chances are that your electrical panel is the same age or even older. Although most panels from that time were designed for longevity, they typically lack the robust features of modern panels, such as a surge protective device (SPD). Therefore, replacing your old panel with a modern, feature-packed panel is one way to ensure your home’s electrical safety.

3. Your Lights Flicker or Dim

Flickering lights when you turn on your TV or use the microwave are a sign that too much power is flowing through one circuit. While adding extra circuits will mitigate the problem, it may not address the underlying issues of your panel, such as a failing breaker. This is where we advise replacing your electrical panel to resolve any issues, including flickering lights.

4. Your Panel Produces Odd Sounds

A buzzing or humming sound from your panel isn’t normal and may indicate a failing component. This may be due to overloaded circuits, loose connections or an old panel. To avoid complete panel failure, we recommend calling a professional right away to have your electrical panel upgraded.

5. You Have a Rusted or Damaged Panel

If your electrical panel is in an area where moisture can easily accumulate, it’s advisable to check for signs of rust, corrosion or other problems. If you see rust or corrosion, have a licensed electrician near you check your panel and replace any damaged parts to ensure its functional safety. After the replacement, you can prevent moisture buildup in the area by installing moisture-control devices, such as dehumidifiers, or by ensuring adequate ventilation.

6. You Smell Melting or Burnt Wires

If you smell a burning odor coming from your electrical panel, shut off the breaker immediately. If you’re unsure whether it’s safe to shut it off yourself, consider calling 911 for assistance, as burning odors can signal overheating or failing components that could lead to a fire if not addressed right away. Once it’s off, call a licensed electrician to get a breaker panel replacement.

7. Your Electricity Bills Are Higher Than Usual

Have your electricity bills been rising even though your usage hasn’t changed significantly? If so, your panel may be experiencing high resistance or operating inefficiently due to outdated components or faulty wiring. Addressing this problem with a panel inspection or upgrade can stop the financial hit while also ensuring your home’s electrical safety.

Get Electrical Panel Services From Lippolis Electric

Are you looking for electrical contractors and experts to upgrade your electrical panel? At Lippolis Electric, we have over 40 years of experience and prioritize quality and integrity in our services. Our highly trained electricians are here to consistently deliver cost-effective solutions for your electrical needs. We take pride in staying up to date with the latest technologies and NEC codes to ensure every job meets the highest standards for safety and quality. 

If you’re in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area, call us at 914-738-3550 or request an appointment to learn more about our services.