Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s power system—it distributes electricity to every outlet, light, and appliance. But like any critical component in your home, it doesn’t last forever. At SDG Electric, we often get asked: “When should I upgrade my electrical panel?”
If you’re unsure whether your panel is up to the task, here are the key signs and reasons to consider a panel upgrade.
If your home has a fuse box instead of a modern circuit breaker panel, it’s definitely time for an upgrade. Fuse boxes were common before the 1960s and aren’t designed to handle the electrical demands of today’s homes.
Why upgrade?
Fuses can be a fire hazard
Limited capacity for modern appliances
Difficulty getting insurance coverage
SDG Tip: A circuit breaker panel is safer, more efficient, and allows for easier troubleshooting and future expansion.
If your lights dim when you use the microwave—or your breakers trip often—it’s a sign your panel may be overloaded.
This often happens in older homes that were wired for lower demand (e.g., no central A/C, fewer electronics, no EV charger).
Why upgrade?
Prevent power loss
Avoid overloading circuits
Ensure consistent, safe power delivery
Installing a new HVAC system? Planning a kitchen remodel? Adding a hot tub, EV charger, or solar system?
All of these upgrades place additional demands on your electrical panel. If your current panel doesn’t have room for new circuits—or enough amperage—you’ll need an upgrade.
SDG Tip: Most modern homes need at least a 200-amp panel to support today’s energy needs.
This is an urgent red flag.
If you smell burning plastic near your panel, or see discoloration, buzzing, or feel heat, shut off power immediately and call a licensed electrician.
Why upgrade?
Prevent electrical fires
Address faulty wiring or overloaded circuits
Restore safe operation
Like roofs and HVAC systems, electrical panels have a lifespan—typically 25–40 years. Older panels often lack modern safety features like AFCI or GFCI protection.
They may also use outdated brands like Zinsco or Federal Pacific, which are known to be fire hazards.
SDG Tip: Even if your panel seems fine, a proactive upgrade can prevent costly outages or dangerous failures.
Increased Safety: Reduce fire risk and electrical hazards
More Power: Support EV chargers, hot tubs, smart appliances
Home Value: Modern panels are a plus for buyers and inspectors
Insurance Compliance: Many insurers require panel upgrades to issue or renew policies
Not sure if your panel needs an upgrade? Let the licensed experts at SDG Electric inspect your system and give you honest, experienced advice. We’ll help you plan a safe, code-compliant upgrade that supports your home now—and in the future.
Safety starts at the panel—don’t wait for a failure to make the upgrade.
Choose SDG Electric for reliable, professional panel upgrades done right.
