How to Know When It’s Time to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
Your electrical panel controls how power flows throughout your home or business. As modern devices and appliances place increasing demands on your electrical system, an outdated panel may struggle to keep up. You might notice flickering lights, tripped breakers, or limited capacity for upgrades like EV chargers or HVAC systems. Continuing to rely on an underperforming or obsolete panel isn’t just inconvenient, it can be dangerous. That’s why routine evaluation is essential, especially in older properties. Knowing the signs of panel failure can help you prevent hazards and stay ahead of problems. So, how do you know when it’s time to upgrade?
1. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
If your breakers trip often, it’s a strong indicator that your panel is overworked or faulty. Breakers are designed to shut off power to prevent overheating and fires, so constant tripping is more than a nuisance; it’s a safety concern. This is especially common in older homes with panels that weren’t designed for today’s high power usage.
2. Use of Multiple Power Strips or Extension Cords
Relying heavily on power strips or extension cords suggests your current panel doesn’t have enough circuits to support your needs. Rather than risking overloads or unsafe wiring setups, it’s better to upgrade your panel to accommodate more outlets and appliances.
3. Flickering or Dimming Lights
If lights dim when you turn on appliances like microwaves or AC units, your panel may be struggling to distribute power evenly. This can point to a capacity issue or failing connections, both of which require prompt attention from a licensed electrician.
4. Old or Outdated Panel Type
Panels that are 25+ years old may not meet modern safety standards. Brands like Federal Pacific or Zinsco, commonly installed in the past, have been linked to electrical fires and should be replaced immediately. An upgrade ensures your system is safe, code-compliant, and capable of supporting your lifestyle or business.
5. Planning a Remodel or Adding Major Appliances
Installing central air, hot tubs, electric vehicle chargers, or commercial machinery significantly increases the electrical load. If your panel can’t handle the upgrade, you risk poor performance or dangerous system failure. Upgrading in advance helps avoid costly surprises during renovation or expansion.
6. Burning Smell or Heat from the Panel
If your electrical panel emits a burning odor or feels hot to the touch, turn off the power and call a professional immediately. These are signs of dangerous overheating, likely caused by faulty breakers, loose connections, or overloaded circuits. A panel upgrade is not just advisable, it’s urgent.
Protect Your Property with a Panel You Can Trust
With over 20 years of experience, CTS Electric is the trusted choice for electrical panel upgrades in Madison and Lacey Springs, Alabama. Our licensed electricians are trained to identify outdated or overloaded panels and replace them with safe, modern systems built for long-term performance. We stay up to date with Alabama’s electrical codes to ensure every upgrade is compliant, efficient, and tailored to your specific residential or commercial needs. Whether you're renovating an older property or expanding your operations, we provide dependable service you can count on. Choose CTS Electric to keep your property powered safely and prepared for the future.
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