Do You Need a Bigger Electrical Panel? How to Know If Your Home’s Power Can Keep Up

Signs Your Panel Is Too Small for Your Home

A breaker that trips again and again is a sign something is wrong. Breakers protect wiring by cutting power when the load is too heavy, so repeated trips mean the panel is overworked. Flickering or dimming lights are another clue. If the air conditioner turns on and the lights dip, the system is straining. The same goes for small appliances. When running a microwave or vacuum makes the lights change, the panel may be undersized. Outlets that buzz, spark, or feel warm are also red flags. These signs show circuits are near or past their safe capacity, creating both inconvenience and fire risk. Unusual sounds near the panel are worth taking seriously. Breakers and wires under too much load sometimes give off a faint buzzing or humming noise. In advanced cases, you might notice a burning smell near the panel or an outlet. That is an emergency situation that calls for immediate help from electricians.

Why Modern Homes Demand More Power

Decades ago, most homes had a single television, one refrigerator, and a few lamps. Panels rated for 60 or 100 amps were enough. That world is long gone. Today, it’s common for households to have:

• Central heating and cooling systems
• Electric dryers and double ovens
• Home theaters and surround sound systems
• Computers, tablets, and phone chargers are in nearly every room
• Garage tools and power-hungry workshop equipment

Understanding Amp Ratings and Capacity

Knowing your panel’s rating helps you understand its limits.

• 60-amp panels: Common in homes built before the 1960s. Far below current safety expectations. These should be upgraded immediately.
• 100-amp panels: Once standard through the 1980s. Still too small for many modern homes, especially those with electric dryers or central air.
• 150-amp panels: A middle ground that can work for smaller homes, though not ideal for properties with multiple large appliances or EV charging stations.
• 200-amp panels: The standard for most new construction today. Offers enough room for most households while leaving space for additions.
• 400-amp panels: Installed in large homes with multiple HVAC units, guest suites, or extensive workshops.

When you aren’t sure what your panel is rated for, look for the label inside the door of the breaker box. If you can’t find it, a professional can tell you at a glance. Matching the rating to your household’s demand is needed to prevent overloaded circuits.

Risks of Delaying an Upgrade

Some homeowners delay upgrades because the system still “works.” That can be an expensive mistake. Overloaded panels put strain on wiring, which creates excess heat. This can damage insulation and increase the risk of electrical fires. Insurance companies can deny claims when they find out that outdated or recalled panels were involved in an incident. A panel that’s too small also drags down efficiency. Appliances may wear out sooner if they aren’t getting consistent voltage. Electronics are vulnerable to surges and voltage drops that can cause sudden failures. In most cases, the hidden costs of keeping an outdated system end up higher than the price of an upgrade. Resale value is another factor, since buyers quickly notice when a home has an undersized panel. A property owner who has neglected to schedule an electrical service can struggle with the market or invite demands for credits during inspection.

How to Decide If It’s Time for an Upgrade

An inspection is the most reliable way to know. Electricians measure the load on your home, check the rating of your current panel, and evaluate the condition of the breakers and wiring. You’ll likely need electrical panel replacement if:

• The breakers trip regularly.
• There is no space left for new circuits.
• The panel is older than 25 years.
• The home has added major new appliances.
• You plan to install an EV charger, hot tub, or solar system.

Some panels from the 1960s through 1980s, like certain Federal Pacific and Zinsco models, are now considered fire hazards. If you own one of these, replacement is urgent.

What to Expect During an Upgrade

Replacing a panel involves a full electrical service upgrade, which may include:

• Installing a larger panel with additional breaker slots.
• Upgrading the main service wire that connects to the utility.
• Replacing or relocating the meter connection.
• Coordinating with the utility company to increase supply from the street if needed.

The process usually takes one to two days, depending on the complexity of the home’s wiring. Power will be off for several hours while the work is completed. Costs vary, but a professional will give you a detailed estimate. Factors include the size of the upgrade, the condition of your wiring, and whether other updates are needed. It’s worth investing in, since a safe and reliable system can serve the home for decades.

Do You Need to Update Your Electrical Panel?

A home that depends on an undersized panel is unsafe. Breaker trips, flickering lights, and buzzing outlets are all signals that the system is struggling. The best step is to call local electricians who can review your system and guide you toward the right solution. Mr. Electric provides dependable inspections and professional electrical panel replacement. Our team makes sure your home is safe, efficient, and prepared for the future. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.