7 Signs Your Electrical Panel Needs an Upgrade

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's electrical system. If your home was built before 2000 and still has the original panel, it may not be equipped to handle modern electrical demands — especially if you've added an EV charger, home office, or pool equipment.

The 7 Warning Signs

1. Breakers trip frequently. If you're resetting the same breaker every week, the circuit is overloaded or the breaker is failing.
2. Lights flicker when appliances turn on. This indicates insufficient capacity to handle the load.
3. You're using power strips everywhere. If every outlet has a strip plugged in, your home needs more circuits.
4. The panel is warm to the touch. This is a fire hazard. Call an electrician immediately.
5. You smell burning near the panel. Turn off the main breaker and call for emergency service.
6. Your panel uses fuses instead of breakers. Fuse panels are outdated and may not meet insurance requirements.
7. You want to add an EV charger or ADU. Most Level 2 EV chargers require a 50-amp dedicated circuit. ADUs need a sub-panel or upgraded main service.

What an Upgrade Involves

A standard panel upgrade from 100A to 200A costs $2,500–$4,500 and takes one day. We handle the permit, SCE coordination, installation, and final inspection.

Learn more about our electrical services or schedule a free assessment.