When Should You Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?
The common signs it is time for a new panel, from RTD Electric in DeLand, FL. Call or text (386) 469-8189.
Quick answer: Consider a panel upgrade if breakers trip often, the panel feels warm or smells like burning, you still have a fuse box or a very old panel, lights dim when appliances start, or you are adding an EV charger, hot tub, addition or major appliances. An electrician can look at your panel and tell you whether a repair, an added circuit or a full upgrade makes sense.
Your electrical panel sends power to every circuit in your home. When it is too small, worn out or overloaded, you usually see warning signs first. Here is what to watch for in homes around DeLand, Deltona, DeBary and Orange City.
1. Breakers trip often
A breaker that trips now and then is doing its job. Breakers that trip again and again, especially when normal appliances run, can mean circuits are overloaded or the panel cannot keep up. See electrical repair.
2. Warmth, buzzing or burning smells
A panel that feels warm, buzzes, crackles or smells like burning plastic needs attention right away. Stop using the affected circuits and call an electrician.
3. An old fuse box or older panel
Many older Florida homes still have fuse boxes or original panels. Older equipment can wear out, and it may not have room for the circuits a modern home needs.
4. You are adding something big
New loads often need panel space or more capacity:
- An EV charger (see EV chargers and new circuits)
- A hot tub, pool equipment or a shop
- A room addition or a kitchen remodel
- New central air or major appliances
5. Lights dim or flicker
If lights dim when the AC, dryer or microwave starts, your home may be running near the limit of its electrical system.
6. Not enough breaker spaces
Double-tapped breakers or a panel with no open spaces are signs the system has outgrown the panel.
What happens next
RTD Electric can look at your panel, explain what is going on and talk through the options. Learn more on our panel upgrades page.
Serving Volusia and Seminole County
RTD Electric serves DeLand, Deltona, DeBary, Orange City and Sanford.
Common questions
Can I add a circuit without replacing the panel?
Sometimes, if the panel has room and capacity. An electrician can check.
Is a warm panel an emergency?
A warm, buzzing or burning-smelling panel should be checked right away. Call an electrician.
How do I get a quote?
Call or text (386) 469-8189, or use the contact form.
Talk to RTD Electric about your panel
RTD Electric, Inc is based in DeLand, FL, serving DeBary, Deltona, Orange City, Lake Helen, Enterprise, Pierson, Sanford, Lake Mary, Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach. Open 7 days a week, 7 AM to 9 PM. Call or text (386) 469-8189, or use the contact page.
Still have a question?
Call or text (386) 469-8189 and ask.