10 Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
Is your electrical panel keeping up with modern demands? Learn the warning signs that indicate it may be time for an upgrade to keep your home safe and efficient.
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When Should You Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's electrical system. As technology advances and our power demands increase, older panels often struggle to keep up. Here are the key signs that indicate it's time for an upgrade.
1. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
If you're constantly resetting tripped breakers, your panel may be overloaded. This is especially common in older Florida homes that weren't designed for today's electrical demands.
2. Flickering or Dimming Lights
Lights that flicker when you turn on appliances suggest your panel is struggling to distribute power evenly. This can indicate undersized wiring or an overtaxed panel.
3. Burning Smell or Scorch Marks
Any burning smell near your panel is a serious warning sign. Scorch marks on the panel or outlets indicate dangerous overheating that requires immediate professional attention.
4. Your Panel Uses Fuses Instead of Breakers
Fuse boxes are outdated technology. Modern circuit breakers are safer, more convenient, and often required by insurance companies and Florida building codes.
5. You Need More Circuits
Adding a home office, EV charger, or pool equipment? If there's no room in your panel for new circuits, an upgrade to a larger panel (typically 200 amps) is necessary.
Benefits of a Panel Upgrade
A modern electrical panel provides increased safety with arc-fault and ground-fault protection, supports high-demand appliances like EV chargers and HVAC systems, increases your home value, and ensures code compliance.
ARO Electrical specializes in high voltage panel upgrades throughout Central and South Florida. Contact us at (786) 259-5739 for a free assessment.
Need Professional Electrical Help?
ARO Electrical provides high voltage and low voltage services throughout Central and South Florida. 45+ years of experience, licensed and insured.