7 Signs You Should Upgrade Your Home’s Electrical Panel

Your electrical panel is the central hub that manages power throughout your home. Because of its critical role, it must operate safely and reliably at all times. While electrical panels can last for decades, many older systems are no longer equipped to handle the electrical demands of modern homes in Lenexa, KS. From high-powered appliances to smart home technology, today’s households require more capacity than many outdated panels can safely provide.

Your electrical panel can also affect your home’s resale value. Buyers often ask about panel size, age, and safety features during inspections. An outdated or undersized panel may raise red flags or limit future renovations. An electrical panel upgrade is often a smart investment. Below are seven common warning signs that your panel may need attention.

1. Circuit Breakers Trip Frequently

Circuit breakers are designed to shut off power when circuits overload, protecting your wiring and appliances from overheating. Occasional tripping is normal, but frequent trips signal a deeper issue.

Modern homes run multiple power-hungry appliances at once, including air conditioners, ovens, washers, dryers, and entertainment systems. When demand exceeds what your panel can safely handle, breakers trip repeatedly. Simply resetting breakers does not solve the problem and can strain panel components over time.

Upgrading your panel allows it to support higher electrical loads safely and ensures major appliances have dedicated circuits.

2. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Lights may flicker due to loose bulbs or faulty switches, but persistent dimming often points to electrical panel issues. Brief dimming when appliances start is normal, but ongoing flickering suggests voltage problems or overloaded circuits.

If your lights dim frequently or unpredictably, your panel may be struggling to distribute power evenly throughout your home.

3. Your Panel Is Too Small

Electrical panels have a limited number of breaker slots. If your panel is full and you need to add new appliances or systems, an upgrade is usually the best solution.

Some homeowners attempt shortcuts like double-tapped breakers, where two wires connect to a breaker designed for one. This creates a serious fire hazard and should never be done. Upgrading your panel provides adequate space for future electrical needs without compromising safety.

4. Heavy Reliance on Extension Cords or Power Strips

Using multiple power strips or extension cords often indicates a lack of sufficient outlets or circuits. While acceptable for temporary use, long-term reliance increases fire risk and overloads circuits.

A panel upgrade supports additional circuits and outlets, reducing dependence on extension cords and improving overall safety.

5. An Old or Outdated Electrical Panel

Some older panels, including Federal Pacific, Zinsco, Sylvania, and Pushmatic, are known for safety issues and failure to trip properly. These panels were built under outdated standards and may not meet current National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements.

Older panels also generate more heat and lack modern safety features. Insurance companies may even deny coverage for homes with outdated panels. Upgrading brings your system up to code and improves overall reliability.

6. Burning Smell Near the Panel

A burning odor near your electrical panel is a serious warning sign. Loose connections or overheating wires can melt insulation and increase the risk of fire inside walls and ceilings.

If you notice any burning smells, power should be addressed immediately by a licensed electrician.

7. A Fuse Box Instead of Breakers

Homes built before the 1960s often rely on fuse boxes rather than circuit breakers. Fuses are outdated and struggle to meet modern electrical demands.

Upgrading from a fuse box to a breaker-based panel improves safety, convenience, and electrical capacity.

Why Electrical Panel Upgrades Matter

Many homeowners underestimate how much power their panel manages daily. Faulty or overloaded panels increase the risk of fire and electrical shock. An upgraded panel provides safer, more reliable power and supports modern appliances and technology.

MVP Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric provides professional electrical services in Lenexa, including electrical panel upgrades, outlet installations, and whole-home surge protection. Our licensed electricians prioritize safety, code compliance, and long-term reliability. Contact us today to schedule your electrical service.