How Often Should You Replace Your Electrical Panel?

Your electrical panel is the silent workhorse of your home, keeping everything from your lights to your appliances powered. But like any system, it doesn’t last forever. If your panel is nearing the end of its life, it can cause more than just a few inconveniences—it could pose serious safety risks.

Let’s walk you through the typical lifespan of your electrical panel, the signs it’s time for a replacement from electricians in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and why upgrading might be the smartest move for your home.

What Is an Electrical Panel and What Does It Do?

The electrical panel, sometimes called a breaker box, is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It receives power from your utility provider and sends it to different circuits in your home. If there’s an issue—like an overload or short circuit, the breakers trip to shut off power and protect your system.

Older homes might still have fuse boxes or outdated breaker panels that aren’t equipped to handle today’s energy demands. Even if everything seems to be working, your panel could be long overdue for an upgrade.

Typical Lifespan of an Electrical Panel

On average, electrical panels last between 25 and 40 years. But that lifespan can vary based on the brand, installation quality, and how much stress the system is under. Heat, humidity, power surges, and general wear and tear can all take a toll.

If your home was built before the 1990s and still has the original panel, it's worth having it inspected. Panels installed decades ago may not meet today’s electrical codes, and some older models are known to have safety concerns.

Signs Your Electrical Panel May Need to Be Replaced

There are some clear signs that your panel might be at the end of its life:

• Frequent breaker trips – Constantly resetting breakers isn’t normal and could point to a struggling panel.

• Flickering or dimming lights, especially when using appliances.

• Burning smell or scorch marks

• Buzzing or humming sounds – They can signal loose or damaged wiring.

• Corrosion or rust – Moisture inside the panel can create a serious hazard.

• Over-reliance on extension cords – If you’re constantly short on outlets, your panel might not support enough circuits.

• Outdated models – Some panels (like certain Zinsco or Federal Pacific Electric panels) are known to be unsafe and should be replaced even if they seem fine.

When to Consider Replacement Even If It’s Not Failing

Sometimes, you don’t have to wait for problems to show up. You may want to replace your panel in these situations:

• You’re remodeling or adding appliances – Hot tubs, EV chargers, or a new HVAC system might require a larger panel.

• You want to upgrade from 100-amp to 200-amp service – This is common in older homes that need more power.

• You’re selling your home – A modern electrical panel is often a selling point and can avoid issues during inspection.

• Your insurance company requires it – Some insurers will deny coverage or claims if your panel doesn’t meet standards.

Trust Our Electricians in Lake Oswego, Oregon, for Electrical Panel Replacement

At A-TEMP Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we’ve been delivering trusted service for over 50 years, and we’re here when you need us. With our team, you can expect timely responses, background-checked technicians, clean work areas, upfront pricing, and reliable systems from top manufacturers.

Contact A-TEMP today for expert electrical panel replacement and repairs, as well as HVAC installation, maintenance, and more.