You’re halfway through making dinner when the blender shuts off, the lights dim, and your phone charger stops working.
Another trip to the breaker box, another reset, and you’re starting to wonder what’s really going on.
These kinds of electrical issues are surprisingly common in older homes around the Denver area. Many were built before the 1980s and still rely on electrical panels that were never designed to support modern appliances, air conditioning systems, EV chargers, or home renovations. Some insurance providers even require upgrades if outdated or recalled panels are still in place.
If your panel is struggling to keep up, it is not just an inconvenience. It is a safety issue and one that is easier to solve than most people think.
It might seem like a small box on the wall, but upgrading it could make a big difference in how your whole home runs.
What Is an Electrical Panel?
An electrical panel is your home’s main power center. It receives electricity from the utility company and distributes it through individual circuits to power everything from lights and appliances to outlets.
Each circuit is protected by a breaker, which automatically shuts off when there’s too much electrical load or a safety concern. This prevents overheating, fires, and damage to equipment. When a panel is outdated or overloaded, it can’t safely handle your home’s power needs.
A modern panel keeps your system running safely, efficiently, and ready for future upgrades.
6 Signs It’s Time for an Electrical Panel Upgrade
Most homeowners do not think about their electrical panel until something goes wrong. However, recognizing the early warning signs can help you avoid outages, damage to electronics, or even fire risks.
Here are the most common indicators that it might be time to upgrade your panel:
1. Breakers Are Tripping Frequently
If your breakers trip often, it usually means your panel is overloaded. This is one of the most apparent signs that your electrical system is working harder than it should.
While occasional trips are normal, frequent resets may indicate that your panel is no longer sized properly for your home’s power demands.
2. Lights Flicker or Dim Unexpectedly
Flickering lights, especially when large appliances turn on, can signal a panel that is struggling to distribute electricity evenly.
This may indicate outdated wiring, a faulty breaker, or overloaded circuits.
3. Burning Smell or Warm Panel
A burning odor or warm panel cover is a red flag. These signs can indicate melted wires, failing components, or an unsafe connection inside the panel. Left unaddressed, they can lead to arcing or electrical fires. If you notice either, shut off the power to the panel and contact a licensed electrician immediately.
4. Your Home Is 20+ Years Old
Older homes often still rely on their original electrical panels, which may no longer meet modern safety standards or power demands.
Many from this era still use panels from brands like Federal Pacific or Zinsco, which are known to fail under overload conditions and have been linked to fire risks.
These panels are commonly flagged by home inspectors and insurance providers due to their history of safety concerns and outdated construction.
Panel upgrades in Colorado typically must meet current National Electrical Code (NEC) standards, as well as local residential code requirements. This is especially important when completing permitted remodels, service upgrades, or major appliance installations.
5. You’re Adding High-Energy Appliances or an EV Charger
Upgrading your kitchen, finishing a basement, or installing an EV charger can push your current panel beyond capacity. In some cases, local permitting or utility requirements may call for a panel upgrade to support these additions safely.
6. You Still Have a Fuse Box
Fuse boxes are outdated and not considered safe by modern standards. Replacing a fuse often requires a complete shutdown, and finding compatible replacement parts can be challenging.
Fuse boxes are not designed to handle the power needs of modern households and lack the fail-safes built into circuit breakers. They can also pose fire hazards if the wrong type or size of fuse is installed.
Trust CT Electrical Services for a Safe, Reliable Panel Upgrade
An outdated electrical panel can create real risks to your home and peace of mind. If you’ve noticed any of the warning signs, it may be time for a professional upgrade.
CT Electrical Services provides safe, code-compliant panel replacements, backed by local expertise and honest service. All panel upgrades are completed by licensed electricians who follow current safety standards and inspection requirements.
Contact us today to schedule your panel upgrade.
