Signs Your Electrical Panel May Need to Be Replaced

Contact an electrician if you notice any of the following:

Frequently Tripping Breakers

Occasional breaker trips can happen, but frequent trips may indicate an overloaded circuit, electrical problem, or insufficient capacity.

Flickering or Dimming Lights

Lights that flicker or dim when appliances turn on can be a sign that your electrical system needs attention.

Burning Smell or Excessive Heat

A burning odor, unusual heat, discoloration, or visible damage around your electrical panel should be evaluated by a qualified electrician promptly.

Old or Outdated Electrical Panel

Older panels may not provide the capacity or features required by modern electrical equipment.

You're Adding Major Electrical Loads

Installing an EV charger, generator, HVAC equipment, pool equipment, or other high-demand electrical equipment may require an evaluation of your existing panel.

You Need More Electrical Capacity

If you're planning a renovation, addition, or major electrical upgrade, we can determine whether your existing panel has enough capacity for the planned work.

Electrical Panel Upgrade vs. Electrical Panel Replacement

The terms "panel upgrade" and "panel replacement" are sometimes used interchangeably, but the appropriate solution depends on the condition and capacity of your existing electrical system.

Electrical Panel Upgrade

An upgrade may involve increasing the electrical service or replacing equipment to provide additional capacity.

Electrical Panel Replacement

A replacement involves removing an existing panel and installing a new electrical panel when the current equipment is outdated, damaged, unsuitable, or otherwise needs to be replaced.

The right solution depends on your property's existing electrical service, panel condition, electrical load, wiring, and future needs.

Our estimators can evaluate the system and explain what work is appropriate for your property before scheduling the work.

Do I Need a 200-Amp Electrical Panel?

Not every property automatically needs a 200-amp panel.

The appropriate electrical service depends on the property's electrical load and requirements.

A professional evaluation can consider:

• Existing electrical service
• Square footage
• HVAC equipment
• Appliances
• Electric water heating
• Pool equipment
• EV charging
• Generator installation
• Planned additions
• Future electrical needs

If you're wondering whether you need a 100-amp, 150-amp, 200-amp, or another configuration, our electricians can evaluate your property's requirements and explain your options.

Electrical Panel Upgrades for EV Chargers

Planning to install an electric vehicle charger?

An EV charger can add a significant electrical load to your property. Depending on your existing electrical service and other loads, your panel may or may not have sufficient capacity.

Before installing an EV charger, we can evaluate your electrical system and determine whether additional electrical work is needed.

Related service: [EV Charger Installation]

Electrical Panel Upgrades for Generators

Installing a standby or backup generator also requires careful consideration of your property's electrical system.

Our estimators can help evaluate the existing panel and electrical service and determine what equipment and modifications may be required for the generator installation.

Related service: [Generator Installation]

What Happens During an Electrical Panel Upgrade?

Our process typically begins with an evaluation of your existing electrical system.

1. Electrical Evaluation

We examine the existing panel, electrical service, circuits, and other relevant components.

2. Determine Electrical Requirements

We consider your current electrical loads and any planned additions or upgrades.

3. Explain Your Options

We'll explain what we find and discuss the appropriate options for your property.

4. Complete the Electrical Work

If you approve the work, our electricians perform the installation according to applicable requirements.

5. Test the System

The completed electrical work is inspected and tested as appropriate to ensure the system is operating properly.

Permit and inspection requirements can vary depending on the scope and location of the project.

Electrical Panel Upgrade Service Areas

Dunedin Electric provides electrical services throughout Pinellas County and surrounding communities.

We serve customers in areas including:

• Clearwater
• Dunedin
• Palm Harbor
• Safety Harbor
• Tarpon Springs
• Largo
• Oldsmar
• St. Petersburg
• Seminole
• Belleair
• Pinellas Park
• Indian Rocks Beach
• Indian Shores
• And surrounding communities

Looking for an electrical panel upgrade near you? Contact us to discuss your property and service area.