How Do I Know If My Electrical Panel Needs to Be Upgraded? Here’s How You Can Tell…
cdhx6w6bos16pgge • 3 September 2025
Keep your home safe and efficient by recognizing when it’s time for a panel upgrade.
Your home’s electrical panel is the heart of your electrical system. It directs electricity where it needs to go and keeps your appliances, lights, and outlets running smoothly. But just like anything else in your home, panels don’t last forever. Outdated or overloaded panels can put your safety at risk and limit your home’s efficiency.
So, how do you know when it’s time to upgrade? Here are the signs you should never ignore:
1. Your Panel is Over 25 Years Old
If your electrical panel is decades old, chances are it wasn’t designed to handle today’s modern energy demands. Homes built in the 70s, 80s, or earlier often need upgraded panels to keep up with today’s appliances, electronics, and home additions.
2. You Still Have a Fuse Box
Fuse boxes may have worked fine decades ago, but they’re outdated and can’t offer the protection that modern breaker panels provide. If your home still uses fuses, it’s time to talk about an upgrade.
3. Frequent Breaker Trips
If your breakers trip often, that’s your panel telling you it’s struggling to handle the load. This is especially true if you’ve recently added new appliances like air conditioners, EV chargers, or hot tubs.
4. Flickering Lights or Power Fluctuations
If your lights dim when you plug in appliances, it may mean your panel is overloaded or can’t deliver steady power throughout your home.
5. Burning Smells, Buzzing Sounds, or Scorch Marks
These are serious red flags. Any burning odor, discolored outlets, or strange sounds from your panel should be addressed immediately.
6. You’re Planning Renovations or Adding High-Powered Devices
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, adding an EV charger, or installing a hot tub, your current panel may not be enough to handle the increased demand. An upgrade ensures your electrical system is ready for the future.
✅ At Western Sierra Electric Inc., your family’s safety and comfort come first. If you think your panel may need an upgrade, don’t wait—call us today at 530-644-5938. We’ll inspect your system, answer your questions, and provide honest recommendations to keep your home running safely and efficiently.
FAQs About Electrical Panel Upgrades
Q: How long does an electrical panel upgrade take?
A: Most panel upgrades can be completed in one day, though larger homes or complex systems may take a little longer.
Q: Will upgrading my panel increase my home’s value?
A: Yes! A modern, safe electrical system not only protects your home but can also make it more attractive to buyers, especially if they’re looking for homes ready for high-powered devices and EV charging.
Q: Can I add more circuits instead of upgrading the entire panel?
A: Sometimes, yes—but if your panel is outdated or already at capacity, adding circuits may not be safe or possible. A licensed electrician can determine whether a full upgrade is the better option.
Owning a home means staying on top of regular maintenance, and your electrical system should be at the top of that list. Electrical inspections not only keep your home safe but also ensure your system is running efficiently. The National Fire Protection Association reports that faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires in the United States. That is why experts strongly recommend scheduling routine inspections to catch problems before they become hazards. So, how often should you have your home electrical system inspected? Here is what professional electricians say. Recommended Frequency of Electrical Inspections Industry experts generally recommend that homeowners schedule a professional electrical inspection every 3 to 5 years. However, this timeline can change depending on several factors such as: Age of the home – If your home is more than 40 years old, inspections should be more frequent due to outdated wiring or panels. Major renovations or additions – Any time you remodel, add square footage, or install large appliances, you should have your electrical system checked. Before buying or selling a home – A pre-purchase or pre-sale inspection protects both buyers and sellers. Visible warning signs – Flickering lights, burning odors, tripped breakers, or warm outlets should prompt an immediate inspection. What Electricians Look for During an Inspection A licensed electrician will carefully evaluate your electrical system to ensure it is safe, code-compliant, and capable of meeting your household needs. The inspection typically includes: Checking the electrical panel for wear, damage, or outdated components Inspecting wiring and connections for safety and efficiency Testing outlets, switches, and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) Ensuring surge protection is in place Verifying proper grounding and bonding Evaluating lighting systems and load capacity This comprehensive checkup helps prevent fire hazards, electrical shocks, and costly repairs. Why Regular Electrical Inspections Matter Electrical inspections are not just about compliance. They protect your family and your investment in your home. Here are the top benefits: Safety – Detect potential fire hazards before they cause damage. Efficiency – Ensure your system is running optimally, saving you money on energy costs. Peace of mind – Know that your home meets safety codes and can handle your electrical demands. Property value – A well-maintained electrical system increases buyer confidence if you decide to sell. Call the Experts You Can Trust For reliable and professional electrical inspections, turn to the experts at Western Sierra Electric Inc. Our licensed electricians proudly serve El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, Placerville, and surrounding communities . Call us today at 530-644-5938 to schedule your inspection and protect your home. Here are some frequently asked questions that we often get related to electrical inspections: Q: How long does a home electrical inspection take? A: Most inspections take between one to two hours depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the electrical system. Larger or older homes may require additional time. Q: What are the signs I need an electrical inspection right away? A: Call an electrician immediately if you notice flickering lights, burning smells, frequent breaker trips, sparking outlets, or discolored outlet covers. These are warning signs of serious electrical issues. Q: Is an electrical inspection required when selling a home? A: While not always legally required, most real estate agents recommend an electrical inspection before selling. It provides transparency for buyers and helps avoid delays during the closing process.
Stay safe by learning how to spot—and fix—potential electrical hazards before they become dangerous.
Have you ever flipped on the microwave or turned on your vacuum cleaner, only to notice your lights flicker for a second or two? It might seem harmless — just a quirky little glitch — but in some cases, flickering lights can point to bigger electrical issues that need attention. At Western Sierra Electric Inc , we get this question a lot, so let’s break it down together. ⚡ What Causes Lights to Flicker When Appliances Are Turned On? 1. Temporary Voltage Drop Some appliances, especially ones with motors (like refrigerators, AC units, or vacuums), pull a lot of power when they start up. That surge can cause a brief voltage dip — which makes your lights flicker. If it's only happening occasionally and briefly, this may be normal. 2. Overloaded Circuits If your lights dim or flicker often when certain appliances turn on, it could be a sign that the circuit is overloaded. That means too many devices are drawing power from the same circuit, which can cause instability in your electrical system. 3. Loose or Faulty Wiring This one’s more serious. Loose connections behind outlets, inside your panel, or along the circuit can cause inconsistent power flow — and yes, flickering lights. This is a fire hazard and should be checked by a licensed electrician ASAP. 4. An Outdated Electrical Panel If your panel is older or isn’t rated to handle the current electrical demands of your home, you may notice flickering or dimming lights more frequently. Modern homes use far more electricity than they did even 20 years ago. 5. Voltage Fluctuations from the Utility Sometimes, the issue isn’t in your home at all — it could be fluctuations in your local power supply. However, an electrician can install a whole-home surge protector or voltage monitor to help with this. 💡 Is It Dangerous? Flickering lights aren’t always an emergency — but they’re never something to ignore. If it’s frequent, affects multiple rooms, or is accompanied by burning smells, warm outlets, or buzzing sounds, it’s time to call a pro. 🛠️ What Should You Do? You don’t have to play guessing games. A licensed electrician can test your circuits, inspect your panel, and track down the cause of the flickering. The fix could be as simple as moving a few appliances or as important as updating an old panel or repairing faulty wiring. 📞 Need Help? If your lights are flickering and you're not sure why, give us a call. At Western Sierra Electric Inc , we provide free estimates and honest answers — no pressure, just professional service you can trust. 📍 Serving Placerville, CA and surrounding communities 📞 Call 530-644-5938 today to schedule your free estimate!
