Your electrical panel functions as an essential component that stands apart from the rest of your home infrastructure. It is situated in a garage, basement, or utility closet, making it out of sight until issues begin with buzzing, tripping, or smoking.
The following article presents 5 warning signs your Spokane home needs an electrical panel upgrade , primarily when the panels become outdated, experience an overload issue, or pose safety hazards. Homeowners who face constant microwave-related breaker trips should read this article.
Our dedicated Electrical Panel Upgrades & Repairs in Spokane, WA page provides fast expert assistance to homeowners who believe their breaker box has reached its end of life.
Why Outdated Panels Are a Growing Problem in Spokane
Most Spokane homes that were constructed prior to 1990 continue to operate from outdated electrical panels. Both Federal Pacific (FPE) and Zinsco panels have received negative attention due to their tendency to malfunction. FPE panels have been connected to thousands of house fires throughout the United States.
The increasing population of Spokane alongside new residential development requires homeowners to install modern appliances and HVAC systems and EV chargers, and additional electronic devices. Today’s electrical loads exceed the original design capacity of outdated panels, which also fail to protect homes against lightning strikes and electrical arcs.
So how do you know when it’s time to upgrade?
Let’s dive into the top five signs.
1. Frequent Breaker Trips
Multiple appliance usage during a single morning leads to breaker trips at your home, which is more than a coincidence. The electrical panel reaches its maximum capacity when breakers keep tripping because of excessive power consumption.
When your home needs protection against overloads or short circuits, breakers activate to disconnect the power supply. Regular breaker tripping signals three possible problems:
- Your circuits may be overloaded.
- Your panel could be undersized (likely 100 amps or less).
- The breakers themselves may be old or faulty.
The majority of Spokane homes require a 200-amp panel installation with added circuits because frequent tripping indicates an immediate need for an upgrade.
2. Your Lights Flicker or Dim
A temporary dimming of lights when the air conditioner turns on requires immediate attention. A brief light flicker indicates that your electrical panel has difficulty distributing power across your entire house.
Older residential areas such as South Hill, Garland, and the Shadle region experience frequent problems with power distribution because these neighborhoods were constructed with smaller capacity wiring systems and electrical panels. The power consumption requirements of new appliances, together with power tools and electronic devices, exceed the original electrical system capabilities.
The regular occurrence of flickering lights suggests that your electrical panel operates at its maximum capacity or suffers from internal deterioration.
3. Your Panel is Hot, Buzzing, or Smells Like It’s Burning
Your electrical panel should always maintain a neutral temperature that you can touch without feeling any heat. The panel should operate without producing any buzzes, hums or clicks. The electrical panel should never produce any burning odors.
You need to stop the power supply immediately and contact an electrician if you notice any of these symptoms. These are signs of:
- Loose connections
- Overloaded circuits
- Internal component failure
- Electrical arcing (a major fire hazard)
During Spokane’s hot, dry summer months, the danger increases dramatically. The risk of a fire increases when a defective internal connection inside your electrical panel heats up and causes sparks because breakers cannot reset quickly enough.
Don’t wait. Upgrading your electrical panel offers more than an upgrade because it could end up saving your house from destruction.
4. Your Panel Is Over 25 Years Old
A home built before 1995 with its original electrical panel should be considered either obsolete or dangerous.
Watch out for:
- Fuse boxes instead of circuit breakers
- Federal Pacific or Zinsco brand labels
- Panels with limited circuit space or rust on the cover
- Panels installed indoors without proper ventilation
Most older panels do not have modern safety features like arc fault protection (AFCI) and ground fault breakers (GFCI), which are now required in many areas under the Washington State electrical code.
A new panel ensures your system meets 2025 code standards, supports future appliances, and gives you peace of mind during inspections or home resale.
5. You’re Installing Major Appliances or Expanding Your Home
Planning to add a hot tub? Finish your basement? Charge an electric vehicle in your garage?
If you are adding any device that requires significant power, the panel may not be adequate. Most Spokane homes are served by 100-amp service, but most modern households need 200 amps or more.
Appliances like:
- EV chargers (40–60 amps)
- Tankless water heaters (30–50 amps)
- HVAC systems or mini-splits
- Induction cooktops
…all draw substantial current and may require dedicated circuits. If your present panel is fully utilized or has no spare capacity for adding new equipment, you will need to have a new panel installed before installing anything new.
Why a Panel Upgrade is Worth Every Penny
We get it—electrical panel upgrades aren’t cheap. But neither is replacing a fried refrigerator, dealing with an insurance claim, or rebuilding after a fire.
An upgraded panel:
- Provides consistent power to all devices
- Reduces fire risk and improves safety
- Increases your home’s value and resale appeal
- Meets insurance and real estate inspection standards
- Supports EV chargers, hot tubs, and other upgrades
- Future-proofs your home for the next 30+ years
Please check out our Electrical Panel Upgrades & Repairs in Spokane, WA service page for further details.
Who Should You Call?
We advise working with a licensed, local electrician who knows Spokane’s building codes, weather conditions, and permitting process. At Home Electrical Services, we:
- Offer FREE panel inspections and estimates
- Specializes in same-day electrical diagnostics
- Install surge protection and generator-ready panels
- Handle all permits and coordinate with utility providers
- Offer a $50 new customer discount on repairs or upgrades
Visit our Homepage for more info or Contact us today to schedule your panel assessment.
FAQ: Electrical Panel Upgrades in Spokane
How long does it take to replace an electrical panel in Spokane?
Do I need to upgrade my wiring too when I replace the panel?
Can I upgrade from 100 amps to 200 amps in Spokane?
Ready for a Safer Electrical System?
Your electrical panel is the gatekeeper for your home’s safety and performance. Don’t wait until it fails.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or you simply want peace of mind, please schedule an inspection. We are proud to serve homeowners in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Mead, and the surrounding areas.
- Reliable service
- Licensed electricians
- Upfront pricing
- $50 off for new customers
Schedule your panel upgrade now or visit our Homepage to learn more.
