You might not think about your electrical panel often, but it’s the heart of your home’s power system. When it’s overloaded, it can cause subtle but serious issues. You may notice your lights flicker when you turn on the microwave or hear a faint buzzing sound near your panel. Maybe you’ve felt your outlets get a little warm or even smelled something slightly burnt. These are all early warning signs that your panel is struggling to handle the power demand in your home.
What Causes an Overloaded Panel?
Panels often get overloaded because modern homes use more electricity than ever before. If you’re still using a 100-amp panel in a home built decades ago, it wasn’t designed for the appliances we rely on today—like air conditioners, EV chargers, or even multiple computers and entertainment systems running at once. Sometimes, people try to work around an older panel by plugging in power strips everywhere, which only makes the problem worse. Over time, the circuits get overwhelmed, and that’s when you start noticing those flickering lights or tripped breakers.
Why Ignoring These Signs Can Cost You
It’s easy to brush off these little issues, but ignoring them can lead to serious problems. Overloaded circuits are a common cause of electrical fires. If wires overheat, the insulation can break down, sparking a fire inside your walls. You also risk damaging your appliances due to unstable power. Even worse, if your electrical panel is old and outdated, it might not trip the breakers properly, leaving your home unprotected against surges and overheating.
When Should You Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?
So, how do you know when it’s time to upgrade? If your home still has a 100-amp panel and you’ve added new appliances, or you’re considering an electric vehicle charger, it’s probably time. A 200-amp panel is the standard for modern homes, giving you room to safely power all your devices and future upgrades. You should also think about upgrading if you frequently trip breakers, your panel is warm to the touch, or you’re planning any home additions like an ADU or new HVAC system.
What Does Upgrading a Panel Involve?
Upgrading a panel isn’t just about swapping out a box. An electrician will assess your home’s power needs, replace the old panel, and often upgrade the wiring leading into it. Sometimes the meter box needs updating too. This work requires coordination with the utility company (like LADWP in Los Angeles), and permits are always needed to ensure everything is safe and up to code. Depending on your home’s setup, a panel upgrade can take a full day or sometimes two.
How Much Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost in Los Angeles?
The cost can vary widely. In Los Angeles, upgrading from a 100-amp to a 200-amp panel typically ranges from $2,500 to $6,500. Factors like panel location, wiring condition, permit fees, and whether the panel needs to be relocated can all affect the price. You might find cheaper quotes, but be cautious—low prices often mean shortcuts that can leave your home at risk.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Your Panel Is Overloaded?
If you’ve noticed any warning signs, the best thing to do is stop using high-powered appliances simultaneously and call a licensed electrician. They can inspect your panel, measure your home’s power load, and advise whether a repair or upgrade is the safest option. Delaying this can lead to bigger issues and higher costs down the line.
Future-Proofing Your Home
Even if your panel seems fine today, consider future-proofing your electrical system. Upgrading to a 200-amp panel gives you the capacity to add electric vehicle chargers, solar panels, or air conditioning without worrying about overloads. It’s a smart investment, especially as homes become more energy-dependent.
Why Choose LAProElectrical?
If you’re in the Los Angeles area and need an electrical panel upgrade or inspection, LAProElectrical is a trusted, licensed electrician specializing in residential panel upgrades, ADU wiring, and EV charger installations. We handle everything in-house—from permits to final inspections—and we offer free assessments with competitive pricing. You can even upload photos online for a fast quote. Don’t wait for small electrical issues to become major problems. Contact LAProElectrical today and ensure your home is safe and powered for the future.