By [AUTHOR NAME, TITLE], Kelley Electrical Contracting. Published 2026-10-16. Last reviewed [DATE]. Educational information, not a substitute for an on-site inspection.
What does an electrical panel do?
Your panel (also called a breaker box or service panel) takes power from the utility and splits it into circuits for the house. Each breaker protects a circuit by shutting it off if it carries too much current. A panel that is worn out, too small or damaged cannot protect the house reliably.
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The warning signs
1. Breakers trip often, especially when you run a microwave, hair dryer or space heater at the same time.
2. Lights flicker or dim when a large appliance turns on.
3. The panel is warm to the touch, buzzes, crackles or smells like burning. Turn off what you can and call an electrician right away.
4. You see rust, moisture, scorch marks or melted insulation on or inside the panel.
5. The home still has a fuse box, or a panel rated for only 60 or 100 amps while you use modern appliances. Many homes today are served by 150 or 200 amp panels.
6. The panel is an older brand that inspectors commonly flag. Federal Pacific (Stab-Lok) and Zinsco panels have a long-standing reputation for breakers that may fail to trip. Have a licensed electrician evaluate them.
7. You are adding a big load: an EV charger, heat pump, hot tub, electric range or rooftop solar. These often need more capacity or free breaker slots.
Call (559) 940-1939Questions? Talk to a licensed electrician.
Is a panel upgrade the same as a repair?
Not always. Sometimes a bad breaker or loose connection can be repaired. A full upgrade replaces the panel (and sometimes the meter base and service wires) so the home has more capacity and modern protection. Only a licensed electrician can tell you which you need after inspecting the panel and testing the circuits.
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Do panel upgrades need a permit?
In most California cities and counties, yes. A permit and inspection are normally required for a panel or service change, and the utility may need to disconnect and reconnect power. A licensed electrician handles this for you.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Many residential panel replacements are done in about one working day, but utility coordination and inspections can add time. Ask your electrician for a schedule for your home.
Is a hot electrical panel dangerous?
Yes. A panel that is hot, buzzing or smells burnt can indicate loose connections or overloaded circuits, which are fire risks. Stop using heavy loads and have a licensed electrician inspect it promptly.
Do I need a 200 amp panel?
It depends on your home size, appliances and plans for EV charging, solar or electric heating. An electrician can run a load calculation to size the service correctly.
Call (559) 940-1939Questions? Talk to a licensed electrician.
Sources and further reading
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