Electrical Panel Services
What to Remember
- Panel upgrades are necessary to replace outdated panels and fuse boxes.
- Upgrading to a 200-amp panel allows you to power a hot tub circuit, EV charger, and other high-voltage devices.
- Signs you need a new panel include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, and rising energy bills.
Why Upgrade or Replace Your Electrical Panel?
Understanding when you need electrical panel replacement is an important part of homeownership, but it can also be an intimidating process. After all, your panel is responsible for dispersing high voltage around your home, and you may not know how it works at the best of times.
One reason for breaker panel replacement is that your current panel is reaching the end of its lifespan. Electrical panels last for around 25 to 40 years, though there’s a good chance you’ll want to replace yours sooner. Your current panel may not be wired for the required amperage to run these appliances safely. If you’re adding new appliances to your home, beefing up your HVAC system, or want a high-voltage addition like a hot tub circuit or an electric vehicle charger, you’ll probably need to upgrade your electrical panel to accommodate them.
Learn the signs it’s time for an electrical panel upgrade, the benefits of making the switch, and why California homeowners count on Service Lion’s team of electricians to handle this important job.
Electrical Panel Installation & Upgrade Services We Offer
If you notice any of the above issues, our team can arrive quickly to inspect your electrical panel and determine whether it needs to be replaced. We also perform system upgrades, helping homeowners increase their amp wiring to accommodate more devices.
If you live in an old home, there’s a chance your electrical system still relies on an outdated fuse box instead of a modern circuit breaker. Our team can perform fuse box-to-breaker panel upgrades in just a few hours, modernizing your home and ensuring your appliances and devices can be safely powered.
Signs You Need Electrical Panel Replacement in Brea, CA
Beyond its age or power constraints, what are the signs that your panel needs replacement? If you experience any of the following issues, it may be time for a new electrical panel installation in your Brea-area home.
Frequent breaker trips
The most common sign it’s time for an electrical service panel upgrade is when your breakers keep tripping. This might happen periodically with normal use, or only when you plug in a specific appliance. In either case, frequent breaker trips indicate your panel doesn’t have the right amp rating for your devices (most homes require 200 amps).
Dimming or flickering lights
Dimming or flickering lights may happen on its own, or you may notice it while using other appliances. For example, if your lights dim as your dishwasher changes cycles, it’s a sign that your circuits are overloaded, meaning your panel can’t handle the power draw of all your home’s circuits.
Strange noises from panel
If you hear loud buzzing or cracking from your electrical panel, it means trouble. If you leave this issue unchecked, there’s a chance that overloaded circuits could put out sparks, potentially creating a dangerous electrical fire in your home.
Heat from panel
If your panel heats up while in use, it’s a sure sign that the circuits are overloaded, forcing the panel to overheat. This symptom may mean your panel poses a fire risk, so don’t wait to replace it.
Burning smells
If you smell smoke or burning from your panel, contact a professional electrician as soon as possible. Burning smells indicate the panel is severely overloaded, putting your home at high risk of experiencing an electrical fire.
Visible panel damage
If your panel is rusty, discolored, or otherwise damaged, it’s best to replace it. Panels generally can’t be repaired, so a severely damaged one requires replacement to prevent fires and other issues.
Burnt panel or outlets
If your panel has black scorch marks or you notice burn marks on outlets throughout the house, it’s time for a new circuit breaker panel installation. Burn marks are a sign of overheating, which can quickly lead to a fire if left unchecked.
What To Expect During an Electrical Panel Installation
When you contact our team for a new electrical panel, we arrive at your home, turn off the power, and safely access the panel. From here, we remove your old panel and install the new one.
After the new panel is secured, we’ll connect it to your home’s various circuits and wires, ensuring safe, professional connections throughout. Once everything is connected, we restore the power, test the system and circuits, clean up after ourselves, and answer any questions you may have about your new electrical panel.
Why Choose Service Lion for Electrical Panel Services in Brea & Orange, CA?
Why do Brea homeowners count on Service Lion when they need work on their electrical systems? We’ve earned a reputation for quality work you can count on. Plus, we help make big jobs like panel installations more affordable with special offers, discounts, and flexible financing, so you can get the upgrades you need when you need them.
Service Areas in Orange County, CA
We’re proud to serve our Brea area from La Habra to Sleep Hollow, as well as nearby communities, including:
- 92821 – Brea
- 92865 – Orange
- 92867 – Orange Park Acres
- 92870 – Placentia
- 92807 – Anaheim Hills
Book Your Electrical Panel Replacement in Brea & Orange, CA Today
Ready to boost your home’s electrical capacity, improve safety, and say goodbye to power problems at home? Service Lion is here to help. With comprehensive electrical services and a commitment to getting your system up and running the right way, we’re the top choice for panel upgrades in Brea, Orange, and surrounding areas. Contact us today to book your panel replacement appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs that my electrical service panel is outdated?
The main sign that your panel is outdated is if it’s wired for less than 200 amps, which is the modern standard. A fuse box is even more outdated and should be replaced with a breaker panel as soon as possible.
When should I upgrade from a 100-amp to a 200-amp electrical panel?
Upgrade to a 200-amp panel when you need to reliably power more devices and appliances. A 200-amp panel also enables you to power high-voltage devices, such as a hot tub circuit or EV charger.
How long does electrical panel installation take?
Electrical panel installation is a quick job when done by the pros at Service Lion. We can typically replace a panel in just a few hours, depending on the complexity of the job.
Do I need a permit for an electrical panel upgrade?
Yes, California requires permits for electrical panel upgrades. When you work with Service Lion, we handle the permit acquisition process on your behalf.
What’s the difference between circuit breaker replacement and electrical panel replacement?
Your electrical panel has many individual circuit breaker switches. These switches can sometimes be replaced individually rather than replacing the entire panel.
