Typically, electric panels lasts 30-50 years. That means even the electrical panel in a house built as recently as the late 80s could be worn out, putting you at risk of an electrical fire. It is recommended that a regular professional inspection of your panel be done to ensure that it is still functioning correctly and safely, is done every 3 to 5 years, or when power upgraded appliances are installed.

Signs to consider:

1. Breakers trip repeatedly.
2. Your house has a fuse box.
3. Buzzing, popping or crackling from the breaker box.
4. Your home is more than 20 years old.
5. Unpleasant odors from the panel – charring or scorched breakers or melted insulation on the wiring.
6. Lights flicker – trying to draw more electricity than your panel can safely handle. Consider an electrical service upgrade.
7. Home remodel or adding more modern appliances. Standard home power used to be 50 amps, then 100 amps. Modern homes are equipped with electric power of 200 amps or higher to accommodate all our power-hungry appliances.