Your home should be a place of safety, reliability, and comfort. But if your electrical panel is outdated, it could be doing more harm than good—and you may not even know it.
At Palmatier Electric, we believe homeowners deserve peace of mind when it comes to their electrical systems. That starts with knowing the facts. If you’ve ever wondered whether you need an electrical panel upgrade, this guide is for you.
Let’s walk through the most common questions our licensed electricians get from homeowners just like you.
What Is an Electrical Panel—and Why Is It So Important?
Think of your electrical panel as your home’s power manager. It’s the box (usually in a garage, basement, or utility room) that takes electricity from the grid and distributes it safely throughout your home.
Every light switch you flip, every appliance you run, and every device you charge depends on your panel working properly. If it’s outdated or overloaded, the whole system suffers—and you could be at risk for serious hazards like electrical fires or power outages.
How Do I Know If I Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade?
There are several signs to know when it is time to upgrade your electrical panel, and our friends at Allen Service have helped us come up with a list of them:
- Your home is over 25 years old and still has the original panel
- Breakers trip frequently
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Buzzing sounds or a burning smell near the panel
- You’ve recently added high-powered appliances, a hot tub, or an EV charger
- You’re planning a home renovation or addition
- Your panel uses fuses instead of circuit breakers
- There’s rust or corrosion inside the panel
If you’ve noticed one or more of these warning signs, it’s time to call in a pro.
What Are the Risks of Keeping an Outdated Panel?
An old or undersized panel isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous.
When your panel can’t handle your home’s power demand, circuits can overheat. This increases the risk of electrical fires, short circuits, and damage to your appliances. In some homes, outdated panels have even been recalled due to fire hazards.
At Palmatier Electric, safety is our top priority. We help you avoid these risks with modern, code-compliant upgrades that are built to last.
What’s Involved in Upgrading an Electrical Panel?
An upgrade typically involves:
- Removing the old panel
- Installing a new, higher-capacity panel
- Upgrading wiring or grounding if needed
- Connecting and labeling circuits
- Inspecting everything for safety and code compliance
Our licensed electricians handle every step with precision and care, so you can feel confident your home is in good hands.
How Long Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Take?
Most panel upgrades can be completed in one full day, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the job. In some cases, especially when paired with a full service upgrade or rewiring, it may take longer.
Rest assured, our team at Palmatier Electric works efficiently while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Will I Be Without Power During the Upgrade?
Yes, there will be a period when your power is turned off—usually between 4 to 8 hours. We’ll coordinate with you in advance so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.
Our team minimizes disruption and works quickly to get your home back up and running.
How Much Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost?
The cost of an upgrade can vary depending on factors like:
- The size of the panel (e.g., 100-amp vs. 200-amp)
- The condition of your current system
- Whether additional upgrades (like wiring or grounding) are needed
On average, homeowners can expect to invest $1,500–$3,000 for a full panel upgrade. While it may seem like a big investment, it’s one that pays off in safety, reliability, and future savings.
We offer honest pricing, transparent quotes, and financing options for qualifying homeowners.
Do I Need a Permit for an Electrical Panel Upgrade?
Yes—and that’s a good thing! Electrical panel upgrades require a permit and inspection to ensure the work is safe and meets current electrical codes.
Palmatier Electric takes care of the entire permitting process, so you don’t have to stress. We handle the paperwork, the inspections, and every detail in between.
Can I Upgrade My Panel Myself?
We get it—DIY can be tempting. But electrical panel upgrades are not a safe weekend project.
Working with electricity, especially at the panel level, poses serious risks if done incorrectly. It also requires code knowledge and permitting, which only licensed electricians are qualified to handle.
When you hire Palmatier Electric, you’re choosing expertise, safety, and peace of mind.
Why Choose Palmatier Electric?
We know there are a lot of electricians out there—but here’s what makes Palmatier Electric different:
- Licensed, insured, and highly experienced technicians
- Clean, code-compliant workmanship
- Upfront pricing with no surprises
- Friendly, respectful service from start to finish
Whether you’re dealing with flickering lights or planning a full home upgrade, we’re here to help you power your home with confidence.
Ready to Upgrade Your Panel? Let’s Talk.
An upgraded panel isn’t just about electricity—it’s about protecting your home and everything in it.
If you’re unsure about the state of your current panel, let our team take a look. We’ll assess your needs, explain your options, and guide you through the process with zero pressure.Schedule your panel inspection or upgrade consultation with Palmatier Electric today—and get the power, safety, and peace of mind you deserve.
