Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. Also known as a breaker box or fuse box, it distributes electricity throughout your home and protects against electrical overloads. But if your home is more than 25 years old, there’s a good chance your electrical panel isn’t keeping up with modern demands, as any good licensed electrician will tell you.
At Credible Electric, we help homeowners throughout Charlotte determine when it’s time for an electrical panel upgrade. Here are five clear signs your home might need one.
1. Your Circuit Breakers Trip Frequently
Do you find yourself constantly resetting tripped breakers? This is one of the most common signs your electrical panel is overloaded.
Modern homes use significantly more electricity than homes built just 20-30 years ago. Between computers, large TVs, gaming systems, multiple phone chargers, kitchen appliances, and HVAC systems, your old panel wasn’t designed to handle the load.
What’s happening: When a circuit breaker trips, it’s doing its job, which is preventing an overload that could cause a fire. But if it’s happening regularly, your panel is telling you it can’t safely distribute the power your home needs.
The solution: Upgrading to a 200-amp panel (the modern standard) provides the capacity your home needs and reduces the risk of electrical fires.
2. You’re Still Using a Fuse Box
If your home has a fuse box instead of circuit breakers, it’s definitely time for an upgrade. Fuse boxes were common in homes built before the 1960s and are simply inadequate for modern electrical needs.
Signs you have a fuse box:
- Round screw-in fuses instead of flip switches
- You have to replace fuses when they blow
- The panel has ceramic or glass components
- Your insurance company has mentioned it
Many insurance companies either won’t insure homes with fuse boxes or charge significantly higher premiums because of the increased fire risk.
Important note: Some older fuse boxes contain Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels, which have known safety issues and should be replaced immediately.
3. Your Lights Flicker or Dim
Do your lights flicker when you turn on the microwave or vacuum cleaner? Does the TV dim when the air conditioner kicks on? These are signs that your electrical system is struggling to distribute power properly.
Why this happens:
- Insufficient amperage in your panel
- Overloaded circuits
- Loose connections (which can be dangerous)
- Inadequate wiring for modern appliances
While occasional flickering during storms is normal, consistent dimming or flickering when appliances turn on indicates your electrical system needs attention.
4. You Smell Burning or See Scorch Marks
This is a serious warning sign that should never be ignored. If you smell burning plastic near your electrical panel, see scorch marks around outlets or switches, or notice discoloration on your panel, you need immediate professional help.
These symptoms indicate:
- Overheating wires
- Loose connections creating arcing
- Failing breakers
- Potential fire hazard
What to do: If you notice any burning smells or visible damage, call a licensed electrician immediately. In the meantime, avoid using high-draw appliances and know where your main breaker is located in case you need to shut off power.
At Credible Electric, we offer emergency electrical services because we understand these situations can’t wait.
5. You’re Planning Major Renovations or Additions
Are you planning to:
- Add a home office with multiple computers and equipment?
- Remodel your kitchen with modern appliances?
- Install central air conditioning?
- Add an electric vehicle (EV) charger?
- Build a home addition?
- Install a hot tub or pool?
Any of these projects will increase your electrical demand significantly. Before starting renovations, have your electrical panel assessed to ensure it can handle the additional load.
Planning ahead saves money: It’s much easier and more cost-effective to upgrade your panel before a renovation than to discover mid-project that your electrical system can’t support your plans.
How Much Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost?
The cost of an electrical panel upgrade typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on several factors:
- Panel size: Upgrading from 100-amp to 200-amp service
- Location: Accessibility of your current panel
- Permits: Required permits and inspections
- Additional work: Any necessary wiring upgrades or repairs
- Code compliance: Bringing the installation up to current electrical codes
While this might seem like a significant investment, consider that:
- You’ll improve home safety dramatically
- Your insurance premiums may decrease
- You’ll add value to your home
- You’ll be able to use modern appliances and technology without worry
- You’re preventing potential electrical fires
What Does a Licensed Electrician Do During a Panel Upgrade?
When you work with Credible Electric for a panel upgrade, here’s what to expect:
1. Initial Assessment We’ll inspect your current panel, evaluate your home’s electrical needs, and discuss your future plans (renovations, EV charger, etc.).
2. Design and Permitting We’ll design the new system, pull necessary permits, and schedule the work at your convenience.
3. Installation Day
- Your power will be off for 4-8 hours typically
- We’ll install the new panel and breakers
- Update any outdated wiring as needed
- Label all circuits clearly
- Clean up completely
4. Inspection A city inspector will verify the work meets all codes and safety standards.
5. Final Walkthrough We’ll show you your new system and explain how everything works.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Electrical panel issues don’t improve with time; they only get worse and more dangerous. If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, it’s time to have your panel evaluated by a licensed electrician.
At Credible Electric, we provide honest assessments and upfront pricing. We’ll never recommend work you don’t need, but we’ll always tell you when your home’s electrical system poses a safety risk.
Serving Charlotte with reliable, professional electrical services. We’re licensed, insured, and committed to keeping your home safe.
Ready to schedule an assessment? Call Oscar at (980) 428-2381 or request a free quote online.
About Credible Electric: Credible Electric provides professional electrical services to homeowners and businesses throughout North Carolina. From panel upgrades to emergency repairs, we deliver quality work at fair prices. Licensed, insured, and locally owned.
Schedule A Service Today.