You should never take issues with your electrical panel lightly. Your electrical panel, also known as the breaker box, receives and distributes electricity throughout your home. Ignoring early warning signs can result in power outages, damaged appliances, or even electrical fires. Fortunately, an electrician from Mister Sparky® in Evansville has the skills needed to identify hazards, recommend updates, and safely install a new panel that meets modern demands.
How Often Should I Have My Electrical Panel Inspected?
Most standard homes should have their electrical panel professionally inspected every 3 to 5 years. You may need an inspection sooner if you're experiencing:
- Ongoing electrical issues
- Major home renovations or additions
- Code compliance updates
- A home built before the 1990s
Staying proactive with inspections can prevent future hazards. If you notice any of the signs below, don’t wait; call a licensed electrician in Evansville to evaluate your system.
Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade
Here are 11 signs your home’s electrical panel may need to be replaced or upgraded:
1. Frequently Tripping Circuit Breakers
Occasional breaker trips happen when a circuit becomes overloaded. But if you’re resetting breakers regularly, it’s a strong indicator that your panel is either undersized or overworked. You might also have arc faults or other wiring issues that modern panels with AFCI protection are designed to handle. An upgrade can prevent wear on your breakers and protect your circuits more effectively.
2. Dimming or Flickering Lights
Flickering or dimming lights, especially when large appliances turn on, may point to voltage drops or poor power distribution. If it’s happening in multiple areas of the home, it may be a panel issue, not just an isolated wiring problem. An electrician can help determine if your home needs more circuits or a higher-capacity panel.
3. Relying on Extension Cords and Power Strips
Frequent use of extension cords or power strips is often a sign that your home doesn’t have enough outlets or that your panel can’t support additional ones. Overuse of temporary wiring can cause overheating and even fires. Upgrading your panel creates space for additional circuits and safer, more permanent outlet installations.
4. Electrical Panel Makes Strange Sounds
Buzzing or humming sounds coming from your breaker box are not normal. This could indicate a loose connection, failing breaker, or internal short, all of which need immediate attention. A quiet panel is a healthy panel. If yours is making noise, schedule an inspection.
5. Melting or Burning Components
A burning smell or melted wiring inside your panel is a major safety hazard. Loose terminals, corrosion, or overheated breakers may cause this. If you see or smell signs of burning plastic or scorched components, shut off your main power immediately and call Mister Sparky® for emergency assistance. Don’t attempt to inspect or fix the panel yourself.
6. Rusted or Damaged Electrical Panel
Water intrusion or high indoor humidity can corrode components inside your electrical panel. Rust weakens metal parts, increases resistance, and elevates fire risk. Common causes include improper panel placement (such as near laundry units) or roof leaks. If you notice rust, water stains, or signs of moisture, don’t touch anything — call a professional.
7. No Room for Additional Breakers
If your current panel doesn’t have space for additional breakers, you may need an upgrade. Many older homes still operate on 60-amp or 100-amp panels, which are no longer sufficient for today’s electrical demands. Upgrading to a 200-amp panel gives you room to safely power new appliances, EV chargers, or HVAC systems.
8. Old or Outdated Electrical Panel
Electrical panels typically last 25 to 40 years. But as they age, they often fall short of modern safety codes. Some older panels also create challenges with insurance coverage, many companies won’t insure homes with outdated electrical systems.
Important Note:
If your home still has a panel made by Federal Pacific (FPE), Zinsco, or Challenger, you should schedule a replacement as soon as possible. These panels have been linked to serious safety risks, including breakers that fail to trip during overloads, dramatically increasing fire risk.
9. Voltage Problems and Power Surges
If you’re experiencing random power surges or uneven power throughout your home, your electrical system may be overloaded or unstable. A modern panel helps ensure consistent voltage across all circuits. For added protection, consider installing whole-home surge protection, a great addition to a panel upgrade that protects your appliances and sensitive electronics.
10. Your Junction Box Contains Fuses
Homes built before 1960 often have fuse boxes instead of modern circuit breakers. While fuses technically still work, they are outdated, difficult to replace, and don’t offer advanced protections like AFCI (arc fault) or GFCI (ground fault) breakers. Upgrading to a breaker panel improves safety, convenience, and insurance eligibility.
11. Your Electricity Bills Are Increasing
If your power bills are climbing and you haven’t changed your usage habits, there could be an issue within your electrical system. While an old panel doesn’t directly “use” more energy, degraded components, loose connections, and inefficient power delivery can increase resistance, and therefore, energy waste. An inspection can help determine whether your panel, wiring, or specific appliances are to blame.
Schedule an Electrical Panel Upgrade With Mister Sparky® Today
Electrical panels are the heart of your home’s power system. At Mister Sparky® in Evansville, our licensed electricians specialize in panel upgrades, repairs, and whole-home protection. We’ve provided dependable electrical services since 1920, and we back every job with our satisfaction guarantee. Whether you need a new breaker box, surge protection, or upgraded wiring for a renovation or smart home system, we’ve got you covered. Our A+ BBB rating and high customer reviews on Angi and HomeAdvisor speak to our commitment to safety and service. If you’re noticing any of the warning signs listed above, don’t wait; contact Mister Sparky® in Evansville today to schedule your electrical panel evaluation.
