How to Tell If You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s power system. When it’s outdated or under strain, your safety, appliances, and daily life are at risk. Here’s how to recognise the signs before the lights go out or something worse happens.

1. Frequent Tripping or Blown Fuses

If your circuit breakers trip regularly or your fuses blow often, your panel might be overloaded. It’s one of the most obvious signs that the electrical load has outgrown the breaker box capacity.

• Appliances shutting off suddenly
• Lights flicker when devices are plugged in
• Frequent power cuts in one area

These symptoms mean your electrical system needs more capacity than your current service panel can provide.

2. Burning Smell or Discoloured Outlets

A burning smell, scorch marks, or discoloured outlets can indicate overheating. This could lead to electrical fires if not resolved quickly.

• Unusual odours near your panel
• Melted plastic or warm breakers
• Buzzing or crackling sounds

These are red flags for short circuits or faulty breaker connections.

3. You Still Use a Fuse Box

If your home still has a fuse box instead of a modern breaker panel, you’re due for an upgrade. Fuse systems are outdated and often can’t meet today’s power demand or modern electrical code.

• Fuses need replacement often
• Limited capacity for high-use appliances

Switching to a breaker panel is safer and allows more flexibility for future electrical needs.

4. Your Panel Is Over 20 Years Old

Panel age matters. An older main switchboard wasn’t designed for today’s smart devices, HVAC systems, or high wattage appliances.

• Check your panel for a manufacturing date
• Ask a licensed electrician for an inspection

Upgrading ensures you meet code compliance and avoid issues with home insurance.

5. You Notice Flickering or Dimming Lights

Flickering lights aren’t just annoying. They often signal an overloaded circuit, poor grounding, or loose wire connections inside the panel.

• Lights dim when large appliances start
• Lights flicker across rooms simultaneously

This can point to imbalance in your breaker panel or a faulty neutral wire.

6. You’re Renovating or Expanding Your Home

If you’re adding a home extension, kitchen upgrade, or converting your garage, your power needs increase. More outlets, appliances, and lighting add strain to your load centre.

• Multiple extension cords around the home
• Running out of room on the panel
• Appliances not running efficiently

A panel replacement or breaker box upgrade gives you the extra capacity required.

7. You’re Installing High-Energy Appliances

New electric ovens, EV chargers, or tankless water heaters demand more amperage than older systems provide.

• Appliance trips the breaker when switched on
• Need to unplug one item to use another

An electrical panel upgrade ensures safe and efficient power distribution.

8. Your Home Has Aluminium Wiring or Knob-and-Tube

Old wiring types like aluminium or knob and tube aren’t just outdated—they’re also a fire risk.

• Signs of overheating or wire damage
• Wires feel hot or have deteriorated insulation

Your panel may not be rated for these systems, and modernisation becomes a safety priority.

9. Lack of Space in the Breaker Panel

Modern lifestyles demand more power. If there’s no more room for new breakers, it’s time to consider a subpanel or full upgrade.

• No slots left in the panel
• Breakers are doubled up (double tapping)
• Wires look cluttered and unorganised

An overloaded electrical box can overheat and fail.

10. You’re Experiencing Higher Energy Bills

An outdated or inefficient panel may cause power surges, breaker failure, or load imbalance — all of which waste energy.

• Energy use is the same, but bills are increasing
• Home doesn’t feel energy-efficient

Newer panels support smart meters, better load calculation, and energy efficiency.

Final Thoughts

If you’re noticing one or more of these signs, it’s time to act. Don’t wait for a breakdown or hazard.

Contact Panel Upgrade Experts now and book your free panel inspection.

Our experts assess your system, recommend upgrades, and handle everything safely and efficiently.

Your safety starts with a switch. Make it the right one today.