The electrical panel sends power to every circuit in your home. Older or undersized panels may not keep up with modern needs such as air conditioning, electric cooking, heat pumps and car chargers. An upgrade makes the system safer and ready for what you want to add.
Sifixit is a free referral service. Call the number on this page and you will be connected with an independent electrical provider where one serves your area. Calling costs nothing and you are never obliged to hire anyone.
Signs you may need a panel upgrade
Consider an upgrade if any of these apply.
- An old fuse box instead of breakers
- Breakers that trip often
- No space left for new circuits
- Plans for an EV charger, heat pump or electric appliances
- Warm, buzzing or scorched parts of the panel
- A panel brand with known safety concerns
What to do right now
Never remove the panel cover yourself. If you smell burning or see scorch marks at the panel, leave the home and call 911.
- Note how often breakers trip and on which circuits
- List any new appliances or chargers you plan to add
- Find the panel brand and age if it is labeled
- Ask your insurer whether your panel type affects your policy
- Get quotes from licensed electricians
- Plan for a few hours without power on install day
Why panels are upgraded
More capacity
Many older homes have smaller services. Modern homes often need more capacity for heating, cooling and charging.
Safety
Some older panel brands, such as Federal Pacific and Zinsco, have well known safety concerns.
Room to grow
New circuits for kitchens, additions and chargers need space in the panel.
Insurance
Some insurers ask about fuse boxes and certain older panels.
How a panel upgrade works
- The electrician checks your current service and future needs.
- A permit is pulled, and the utility is scheduled if the service must be disconnected.
- The old panel is removed and the new panel is installed.
- Circuits are connected, labeled and checked.
- An inspector checks the work, and power is restored.
Planning your upgrade
- Ask whether the utility service also needs upgrading
- Plan for future needs such as an EV charger or heat pump
- Ask for a labeled circuit directory
- Consider whole home surge protection
- Keep the inspection paperwork
Questions to ask before you hire
- What size panel and service do I need?
- Does the utility service need upgrading too?
- Is the permit and inspection included?
- How long will the power be off?
- What warranty do you give?
Frequently asked questions
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Often a day of work, plus time for the permit, utility scheduling and inspection.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade?
Yes, in almost all areas, along with an inspection.
Can I add an EV charger without an upgrade?
Sometimes. An electrician can calculate whether your current panel has enough capacity.
Is a Federal Pacific panel dangerous?
These panels have well known safety concerns. Have a licensed electrician inspect it and advise you.
Learn more
Our main electrical guide covers the wider picture, including what affects the cost and when to call a professional.
Sifixit is a free referral service and does not provide home services. Calls may be answered by a partner call center or connected directly to independent local providers, who are solely responsible for their work, pricing, licensing and insurance.