Top Signs Your Electric Panel Repair & Expert Help You Can Trust
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s power system. It distributes electricity to all the appliances, lights, and outlets in your property. But like any essential system, it can wear down or become outdated over time putting your home and family at risk. Recognizing the warning signs early and seeking professional help can prevent serious safety hazards, such as electrical fires or power outages.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top signs your electric panel may need repair and how expert Los Angeles electricians, like those at Phase Electric, can help ensure your electrical system is safe and reliable.
1. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
If your circuit breakers are tripping often, it could indicate a problem with your electric panel. While occasional trips are normal, frequent ones suggest that the panel may be overloaded or faulty. This issue is especially common in older homes with outdated panels that weren’t designed to handle the power demands of modern appliances and technology.
What You Can Do:
Don’t just keep resetting the breaker. Call a licensed electrician to inspect the panel and determine whether it needs repair or replacement.
2. Flickering or Dimming Lights
Flickering or dimming lights especially when you turn on appliances like a microwave or vacuum cleaner—can signal that your panel isn’t distributing electricity efficiently. This could be due to loose connections, corroded wiring, or an overwhelmed system.
What You Can Do:
Avoid ignoring these signs, as they may indicate deeper wiring or panel issues. A professional electrician can evaluate the load balance and address any underlying faults.
3. Burning Smell or Scorch Marks
A burning odor near the electrical panel, or scorch marks around breakers, is a red flag. It typically means the panel is overheating or there’s faulty wiring both of which pose a serious fire hazard.
What You Can Do:
Turn off the power and contact an electrician immediately. This is a critical safety concern and should not be delayed.
4. Old or Outdated Electrical Panel
If your home is over 25 years old and still has the original panel, it might not meet current electrical code standards. Panels like Zinsco, Federal Pacific, or those with fuses instead of breakers are considered obsolete and unsafe by many electricians.
What You Can Do:
Consider upgrading your panel. A new panel will improve safety, efficiency, and increase your home’s electrical capacity—especially important if you’re adding new appliances or planning renovations.
5. Warm or Hot Panel Surface
An electrical panel should never be hot to the touch. Heat coming from the panel can indicate an overloaded system or internal arcing, both of which require immediate attention.
What You Can Do:
Turn off the main power if it’s safe to do so and call an expert. A warm panel is not something to monitor passively—it’s a potential fire hazard.
6. Buzzing or Crackling Sounds
A functioning electric panel should operate silently. If you hear buzzing, crackling, or popping noises, it could mean wires are loose, breakers are failing, or electrical arcing is occurring inside the panel.
What You Can Do:
This is another urgent issue that requires a professional assessment. Continued use in this state increases the risk of shock or fire.
7. Corrosion or Rust
Moisture near your panel can lead to rust or corrosion, both of which compromise electrical conductivity and safety. Water damage is a serious problem and can lead to dangerous short circuits.
What You Can Do:
If you notice rust or corrosion, have an electrician inspect it immediately. The panel may need to be replaced, and the source of moisture should be addressed to prevent further damage.
8. You’re Installing High-Powered Appliances
If you’re planning to install high-powered appliances—like a new HVAC system, EV charger, or hot tub—your current electrical panel may not be up to the task. It’s crucial to ensure the panel can handle the additional load safely.
What You Can Do:
An electrician can perform a load calculation to determine if your current panel is adequate or if an upgrade is needed.
Why Choose Professional Help?
Electrical panel issues are not DIY-friendly. They involve high voltage and pose serious risks if handled incorrectly. A professional electrician brings:
Expert Diagnosis – Identifying hidden faults the average homeowner can’t spot.
Code Compliance – Ensuring your system meets local and national safety standards.
Long-Term Safety – Preventing future issues with professional-grade repairs or upgrades.
Insurance & Peace of Mind – Professional work is typically insured and warranted, giving you confidence in the results.
Trust Expert for Your Panel Repair Needs
At Phase Electric, we understand how important a safe and efficient electrical system is for your home or business. Our licensed electricians have the experience and tools needed to repair, upgrade, or replace your electric panel with precision and care.
Whether you’re dealing with frequent outages or planning a home improvement project, we provide honest assessments, fair pricing, and top-quality workmanship. Your safety is our priority.
Final Thoughts
Your electric panel might be out of sight, but it should never be out of mind. Recognizing the warning signs early can save you from costly repairs and dangerous situations. If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms mentioned above, don’t wait contact a trusted electrician to inspect your panel. Stay safe, powered, and worry-free.
