Most homeowners don’t think about their electrical panel until something goes wrong. The good news is that a panel rarely fails without warning first. Here are five signs worth paying attention to.
1. Breakers trip frequently or won’t reset
An occasional tripped breaker after running the microwave and the toaster at once is normal. But if breakers are tripping regularly, or one won’t reset at all, that’s your panel telling you it’s struggling to keep up with the demand you’re putting on it.
2. Lights flicker or dim when appliances kick on
If your lights dim every time the AC compressor or the washing machine starts up, that’s a sign your panel or circuits may be undersized for your home’s actual power draw.
3. Your panel is a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok or Zinsco panel
These two panel brands are known for higher failure rates than typical panels of their era. If you’re not sure what brand your panel is, a licensed electrician can identify it in a few minutes during an inspection. It is important to note, some insurance companies/policies will not cover a fire related to these discontinued panels. If you are not sure, reach out to your insurance company or broker.
4. Your panel is 25 or more years old
Electrical demand in the average home has grown significantly over the past couple of decades. A panel that was perfectly adequate 25 years ago may not have the capacity for how you actually use electricity today, especially if an EV charger, heat pump, or solar system is anywhere in your plans.
5. You’re adding a major appliance and your panel is rated 100 amps or less
If you’re adding an EV charger, solar, a heat pump, or another major appliance, and your panel is at or below 100 amps, it’s worth having a load calculation done before you commit to the new appliance. It’s much easier to plan for a panel upgrade upfront than to discover mid-installation that your panel can’t handle it.
One sign that’s not a warning, it’s an emergency
If you ever smell burning or see scorch marks near your panel, stop reading and act. Shut off the main breaker and call a licensed electrician immediately. That’s not a maintenance item, it’s a safety issue.
When in doubt, get it checked
None of these signs mean your panel will fail tomorrow, but they’re worth taking seriously. A quick inspection and load calculation from a licensed electrician will tell you exactly where you stand, and give you time to plan an upgrade on your terms rather than in a rush.
Most people do not realize the amount of time it takes to get a panel upgrade. The installation for a single family home should take 1-2 days to complete. But the coordination with the city and utility companies can take weeks to months. If someone tells you they can upgrade your panel right away, they are skipping a step somewhere and you will likely have an unpermitted, unapproved panel installation which could cause issues for you later.
