⚡ Do I Need to Upgrade My Electrical Panel? 6 Warning Signs to Watch For
By Zachary Morgan
Your home’s electrical panel is the heart of your electrical system—it controls the power supply to every outlet, light, and appliance in your house. But like anything else, it doesn’t last forever. An outdated or overloaded panel can pose serious safety risks and limit your ability to modernize your home.
At Alltec, we specialize in safe, code-compliant panel upgrades. If you’re unsure whether your panel is up to the task, here are six warning signs that it might be time for an upgrade.
⚠️ 1. Frequent Tripped Breakers
If your breakers are constantly tripping when you use basic appliances—or when you plug in more than one item—you’re likely dealing with an overloaded panel.
Why it matters:
Your system is telling you it can’t handle the demand. This not only causes inconvenience but can also lead to overheating and potential fire hazards.
🔥 2. Burning Smell or Warm Panel
Smell something electrical? Feel heat coming from your panel? That’s not normal. A burning odor, warmth around the breaker box, or visible discoloration are red flags that something is overheating behind the scenes.
Don’t wait. This could indicate melted wires, arcing, or failing breakers—all of which are serious fire hazards.
🕳️ 3. Your Panel Still Uses Fuses
Still using screw-in fuses instead of circuit breakers? That’s a clear sign you’re due for an upgrade. Fuse boxes were common before the 1960s, but they aren’t built to handle modern electrical loads and offer no circuit protection beyond basic overcurrent.
Some insurance companies won’t even cover homes with fuse boxes. Upgrading is safer and adds to your home’s value.
🔌 4. Not Enough Outlets or Constant Use of Extension Cords
If your home doesn’t have enough outlets for your needs—or you rely heavily on power strips and extension cords—it’s likely your electrical system is underpowered.
Upgrading your panel allows you to add circuits, install more outlets, and run everything from smart home systems to EV chargers without risk.
🚫 5. You’re Planning a Renovation or Adding Appliances
Thinking about remodeling your kitchen, adding a home office, or installing a hot tub or EV charger? These upgrades require more power than your existing panel may be able to deliver.
Modern homes typically need 200 amps of service, while many older homes still run on 100 amps or less.
A panel upgrade ensures your system is ready for future growth and meets today’s electrical code requirements.
🏚️ 6. Your Home Is Over 30 Years Old
If your home is more than three decades old and has never had an electrical upgrade, chances are your panel is undersized, outdated, or even unsafe.
Common outdated panels to look out for:
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE): Known for faulty breakers that fail to trip during overloads.
Zinsco: Known for melting or failing to disconnect power.
Pushmatic: Obsolete and hard to find replacement parts.
If you have any of these brands, call us immediately for an inspection.
🧰 What Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Involve?
At Alltec, we make the upgrade process simple and safe:
Home power usage assessment
New panel and circuit design
Permits and code compliance
Installation and testing
Final inspection by your local building authority
We’ll also coordinate with your utility provider if a service upgrade is needed.
💡 Benefits of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel
✅ Greater safety for your home and family
✅ Support for new appliances and technology
✅ Fewer tripped breakers
✅ Improved energy efficiency
✅ Increased home value and insurability
✅ Peace of mind
📞 Is It Time to Upgrade Your Panel? Let’s Find Out.
An electrical panel upgrade isn’t just a repair—it’s an investment in your home’s safety and future. At Alltec, our licensed electricians provide fast, code-compliant upgrades with honest recommendations and no high-pressure sales.
📱 Call Alltec today at (318) 255-9020