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Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It distributes power from your utility provider to every appliance, light, and outlet. But like any part of your home, electrical panels can become outdated or overloaded, which puts your safety and comfort at risk.
We know the signs of electrical panels in Panama City, FL that are due for an upgrade—and we want to help you spot them before problems arise.
1. Your Home Still Uses Fuses Instead of Circuit Breakers
If your panel has fuses instead of circuit breakers, it’s likely time for an upgrade. Fuses can’t handle the electrical demands of modern homes, making them prone to blowing out when you plug in multiple devices. While they were common decades ago, today’s circuit breaker panels are much safer and more efficient at preventing overloads.
2. You Notice Frequent Breaker Trips
It’s normal for a circuit breaker to trip occasionally, especially when there’s a surge in power. But if it’s happening regularly, it could indicate that your panel is struggling to keep up with your home’s energy demands. Frequent breaker trips are a warning sign that your panel needs attention.
3. The Panel Feels Warm to the Touch
Your electrical panel should never feel warm or hot. Heat coming from the panel can mean there’s faulty wiring or an overloaded system, which is a fire hazard. If you notice this, it’s time to have an electrician inspect the panel to determine whether it needs repair or replacement.
4. You Smell Burning or Hear Buzzing Sounds
A burning smell or strange buzzing noise coming from the panel is a serious red flag. It could indicate wiring issues or a malfunctioning breaker. Don’t ignore these sounds or smells—turn off the power and call a licensed electrician immediately for an inspection.
5. Your Home Still Has a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Panel
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels were installed in many homes between the 1950s and 1980s, but they’ve since been found to be unsafe. The problem lies in their circuit breakers, which often fail to trip during an electrical surge, increasing the risk of electrical fires. If your home still has an FPE panel, it’s essential to schedule a replacement as soon as possible. These panels pose significant safety risks and are not up to modern electrical standards.
6. You’ve Added New Appliances or Expanded Your Home
An electrical panel installed when your home was first built may not have the capacity to support major upgrades, such as new appliances or a room addition. If your lights flicker or your breakers trip after installing something like an HVAC system or a hot tub, your panel might need to be upgraded to handle the increased load.
7. The Panel Is Over 25 Years Old
Electrical panels generally have a lifespan of 25–40 years. If your panel is on the older side, it’s worth having it inspected to ensure it’s still in good condition. Even if it appears to work fine, the internal components can degrade over time, leading to potential safety hazards.
Don’t wait until an outdated panel causes bigger issues. Call our Peaden Pros today to schedule a consultation and find out if your electrical panel needs an update. We’ll ensure your home’s electrical system is safe, reliable, and ready to power your lifestyle for years to come.