5 Signs Your Electrical Panel Needs an Upgrade
Flickering lights, warm breakers, and old Federal Pacific panels—what to watch for and when to call a licensed electrician.
Your electrical panel is the most important safety device in your home. Many Lexington homes still run on 100-amp panels—or worse, recalled brands—that can't keep up with modern appliances, EV chargers, and heat pumps.
1. Breakers trip frequently
Occasional trips are normal. Weekly trips mean a circuit is overloaded or a breaker is failing. Either way, it's time for an inspection.
2. The panel is warm to the touch
A warm or buzzing panel is a fire risk. Shut off the main and call a licensed electrician immediately.
3. You have a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel
Both have documented histories of failing to trip during overloads. Insurance carriers increasingly require replacement.
4. You're adding an EV charger or heat pump
Modern loads need 200-amp service at minimum. Upgrading the panel now avoids tearing into walls later.
5. The panel is 25+ years old
Bus bars corrode, breakers stiffen, and code requirements change. A panel from the 1990s is overdue for evaluation.
Have questions about your home?
Talk to a licensed Lexington technician—no pressure, just answers.
