What the panel does
The electrical panel (breaker box) is where power from the utility enters your home's wiring. It divides that power into circuits, each protected by a breaker that shuts off if the circuit is overloaded or faulted. A panel that can't safely handle your home's needs, or that has failing components, is one of the most important electrical issues to fix.
Signs you may need a panel upgrade
- Breakers that trip frequently, especially when large appliances run.
- No space for new breakers, or many tandem breakers squeezed in to make room.
- Warm, buzzing or discolored panel covers or breakers.
- An old fuse box or a panel that has had problems reported with its breakers. Some older panel brands and models have been the subject of safety concerns; an electrician can identify yours and explain whether it should be replaced.
- Plans for big new loads: an EV charger, a heat pump, an electric range, a hot tub, a workshop or an addition.
- Signs of water or corrosion in or around the panel.
Service size
Panels and the service that feeds them are rated in amps. Older homes often have smaller services that were adequate for their original loads but not for today's appliances. An electrician will do a load calculation to determine how much capacity your home needs, now and for planned additions, before recommending a service size.
Sometimes there are alternatives to a larger service: load management devices that prevent an EV charger and a dryer from drawing full power at the same time, for example. Ask whether those make sense for your home.
EV chargers, heat pumps and electrification
Switching from gas to electric appliances, adding an EV charger or installing a heat pump all add load. Before buying equipment, have an electrician check whether your panel and service can handle it. Some utilities and agencies offer incentives for panel upgrades that support electrification; ask the electrician and your utility what's currently available.
For an EV charger, the electrician should tell you the circuit size, the charger's location, how the wire will be run, and whether the charger needs a dedicated disconnect.
The utility's role
A full service upgrade usually requires coordination with your electric utility, which may need to disconnect and reconnect power, replace the meter, or upgrade its own equipment. That can add time to the project. Ask the electrician to explain the utility's part, who schedules it, and how long you can expect to be without power on the day of the switch.
Permits and inspection
Panel replacements and service upgrades require permits and inspections. The inspection is usually required before the utility will reconnect power. Ask who pulls the permit and whether the price includes it.
What a complete panel upgrade includes
1. A load calculation and a recommendation for panel and service size. 2. A new panel with breakers, including GFCI and AFCI protection where required. 3. Grounding and bonding brought up to current code. 4. A new meter base or service entrance if needed. 5. Labeling of every circuit. 6. Coordination with the utility and the inspector. 7. Patching or a clear note of any wall repair needed.
Questions to ask
- Why do I need a new panel, and what size do you recommend?
- Are there alternatives, such as load management, that would avoid a service upgrade?
- What does the utility need to do, and how long will power be off?
- Is the permit included, and when is the inspection?
- Will every circuit be labeled when you're done?