Your home’s electrical panel is like its heart—pumping electricity to all appliances, lights, and devices. But just like any other system, it can become outdated and overworked. If your panel isn’t keeping up with your household’s electrical needs, it may be time for an electrical panel upgrade.

Upgrading your panel ensures safety, efficiency, and compliance with modern electrical demands. Here’s how to know when it’s time for an upgrade and why hiring a licensed electrician in Kansas City is the best choice.

Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade

1. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips

If your breakers trip often, it’s a sign your panel is overloaded. Modern homes use more electricity than ever, and older panels weren’t built to handle today’s demands.

Common causes include:

• Running multiple appliances at once (microwave, air conditioner, washer/dryer)
• Adding new high-energy devices like electric vehicles or home offices
• Overloaded circuits due to outdated wiring

2. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Do your lights flicker when you turn on a large appliance? That’s a red flag. This happens when your panel can’t supply consistent power, indicating it’s time for an electric panel upgrade.

3. Your Home Still Has a Fuse Box

If your home was built before 1960 and still has a fuse box, it’s long overdue for an upgrade. Fuse boxes are outdated, less efficient, and a safety hazard.

A modern circuit breaker panel is much safer and more reliable. Plus, many insurance companies charge higher premiums for homes with fuse boxes, or they may not insure them at all.

4. Your Panel is Over 20-30 Years Old

Most panels last about 20 to 30 years. If yours is older, it might not be up to code or able to handle modern electricity needs.

Common outdated panel brands to watch out for:

• Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) – Known to fail and cause fires
• Zinsco Panels – Prone to melting and poor connections
• Split-Bus Panels – No longer up to code and lack a single main breaker

If you have one of these, it’s time to call a Kansas City electrician for a replacement.

5. Adding New Appliances or Home Additions

Planning to install an EV charger, hot tub, HVAC system, or new kitchen appliances? Your panel may not have the capacity to support the extra power draw.

A professional electrical panel upgrade ensures your home can handle the additional load safely.

Benefits of an Electrical Panel Upgrade

Increased Safety – Reduces fire risks and prevents overloads

More Power for Your Home – Handles modern appliances efficiently

Higher Home Value – A new panel is attractive to buyers

Lower Insurance Costs – May reduce your homeowner’s insurance premiums

Why Choose Lynn Electric for Your Panel Upgrade?

At Lynn Electric, we specialize in safe, code-compliant panel upgrades for Kansas City homeowners. Our licensed electricians will assess your current setup and recommend the best solution.

Same-day service available

Upfront pricing—no hidden fees

Experienced, licensed, and insured electricians

Contact us today for a free consultation!

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