5 Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system, distributing power to outlets, lights, and appliances. But just like any system, it can become outdated or overburdened over time. If you're noticing electrical issues or your home is relying on outdated technology, it might be time to consider an electrical panel upgrade. In this post, we’ll highlight the key signs that indicate your electrical panel may no longer be up to the task and why upgrading could be the best decision for your safety, comfort, and convenience. 

1. Frequent Fuse or Breaker Tripping

One of the most common signs that your electrical panel needs an upgrade is frequent fuses blowing or circuit breaker trips. If your fuses are blowing, replacing them with larger fuses is the most dangerous thing that you can do. The reason is because you are no longer protecting the wire to your devices, and are asking for a fire to start.  If you are noticing that your fuses are blowing, or your breakers keep tripping, it could be a sign that your panel is overloaded or unable to handle the electrical demand of modern appliances and electronics. Overloaded circuits are not only inconvenient but can also pose a safety risk if left unchecked.

Why it happens: Older electrical panel components wear out over time, and connections start to degrade. If you’ve added more devices over the years—such as a home theater system, new kitchen appliances, or a hot tub—the existing panel might not be able to provide sufficient power without tripping.

What you can do: Have an electrician assess the situation. They may suggest installing a higher-capacity panel to handle the extra load safely.

2. The Panel Is Over 40 Years Old

If your electrical panel is over 40 years old (from the mid 1980s), it may be time for an upgrade. Older panels weren’t designed to meet the high electrical demands that we place on our homes today. They may also lack essential safety features, such as surge protection, Arc Fault Circuit Interruption, or Ground Fault Circuit Interruption, that are crucial for modern living.

Why it matters: Electrical components degrade over time, and older panels can become inefficient, unsafe, and even prone to failure. Additionally, older panels may not be compliant with current electrical codes, which could pose serious risks.

What you can do: Consult an electrician about replacing your old panel with a modern one that meets current electrical standards and safety codes. 

3. You’re Renovating or Adding Large Appliances 

If you’re renovating your home, adding a new room, or installing major appliances like a hot tub, air conditioner, or a charging station for an electric vehicle, your current electrical panel might not be able to handle the increased load.

Why it happens: Modern appliances require a lot more power than older models, and if your electrical panel or service is not equipped to handle these demands, it could cause the panel to overheat, trip circuits, or even lead to more serious electrical problems.

What you can do: Before starting a renovation or adding large appliances, have an electrician assess your electrical panel. They may recommend upgrading your panel to a larger size or adding a dedicated circuit to accommodate the additional power needs.

4. You Experience Dimming or Flickering Lights

Flickering or dimming lights can be more than just an annoyance—they may be a sign of a deeper electrical problem. If this happens when you turn on an appliance or use multiple devices at once, it could indicate that your electrical panel or wiring isn’t able to provide enough power.

Why it happens: Dimming or flickering lights are usually a sign that your electrical panel or associated circuit is struggling to handle the current demand. It could also indicate loose connections or damaged wiring within the panel or circuit itself.

What you can do: If you notice dimming or flickering lights, it’s best to call an electrician right away. They’ll be able to diagnose the issue and determine if you need an electrical panel upgrade.

5. You Have a Fuse Box Instead of a Circuit Breaker Panel

If your home still uses a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker panel, it’s definitely time for an upgrade. Fuse boxes were common in older homes but are now considered outdated and unsafe by modern electrical standards.

Why it matters: Fuse boxes require you to replace blown fuses each time an overload occurs, which can be inconvenient and dangerous. Circuit breaker panels are much safer, easier to reset, and provide more reliable protection against electrical hazards.

What you can do: Consider replacing your fuse box with a modern circuit breaker panel. This will improve safety and ensure that your electrical system can meet the needs of your home.

If you’ve noticed any of the signs listed above, it may be time to consider an electrical panel upgrade. Upgrading your panel will not only improve the safety and efficiency of your electrical system, but will also ensure that your home can meet the increasing demands of modern appliances and devices.

At MacKenzie Wiring Inc, we specialize in electrical panel upgrades and can help you make sure your home is safe and ready for the future. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or consultation with one of our expert electricians!

Proper care of electrical outlets and cords on household appliances is essential for preventing fires, shocks, and appliance damage. 

Here are some tips to ensure your appliances are operating safely: 

Use Grounded Outlets – Plug major appliances, such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, into grounded, three-prong outlets.

Avoid Overloading Outlets – Do not plug multiple high-powered appliances into the same outlet.

Use GFCI Outlets – For appliances near water, such as in the laundry room or kitchen, use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets to prevent electric shocks.

Check for Heat or Sparks – If an outlet feels hot or sparks when plugging in an appliance, stop using it and call an electrician.

Replace Damaged Outlets – If an outlet is loose, cracked, or discolored, have it repaired or replaced immediately.

Do NOT Use Extension Cords for Major Appliances – Large appliances should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet.

Unplug When Not in Use – If an appliance isn't used often, unplug it to reduce the risk of electrical fires.

Inspect Cords Regularly – Look for frays, cracks, or exposed wires. Replace damaged cords immediately.

Keep Cords Away from Water & Heat – Do not let cords touch hot surfaces or wet areas.

Secure Loose Cords – Use cord organizers to keep them tidy and prevent tripping hazards.

Did you do an inspection and notice a repair is needed? Book a service call with us today!

Here are some backyard electrical safety tips to keep your outdoor space safe:

General Backyard Electrical Safety

1. Use Outdoor-Rated Outlets and Cords – Ensure all outlets, extension cords, and appliances are designed for outdoor use.
2. Install Weatherproof Covers – Protect outdoor outlets from rain, snow, and moisture.
3. Unplug Devices When Not in Use – Prevent power surges and reduce fire risks by unplugging tools, grills, and lights.
4. Check for Damaged Cords – Inspect cords for frays, cracks, or exposed wires before plugging them in.
5. Avoid Overloading Outlets – Use only one high-power device per outlet to prevent overheating.

Outdoor Lighting Safety

1. Use LED Lights – LEDs use less energy and generate less heat, reducing fire hazards.
2. Secure Cables and Wires – Keep cables off the ground to avoid tripping hazards and water damage.
3. Keep Lights Away from Flammable Materials – Position lights away from dry leaves, wooden decks, and mulch.
4. Use Motion Sensors or Timers – This reduces energy use and prevents lights from staying on unnecessarily.
5. Turn Off Decorative Lights Overnight – Prevent overheating and save energy by using timers or unplugging them before bed.

Electric Tools & Equipment

1. Use GFCI-Protected Outlets – Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) prevent electric shock and should be installed near patios, pools, and      gardens.
2. Keep Cords Away from Wet Areas – Never run extension cords through puddles, wet grass, or damp soil.
3. Use Battery-Powered Tools When Possible – This reduces the risk of electric shock.
4. Store Electrical Equipment Properly – Keep power tools and cords indoors when not in use.
5. Turn Off Power Before Repairs – Always shut off electricity before fixing or inspecting outdoor wiring.

Pool & Water Area Safety

1. Keep Electrical Devices Away from Pools & Hot Tubs – Maintain a safe distance between water and electrical outlets or appliances.
2. Use GFCI Outlets Near Water – Helps prevent electric shock around wet areas.
3. Have a Licensed Electrician Inspect Pool Wiring – Ensure pool lights, pumps, and heaters are properly installed.
4. Never Handle Electrical Equipment with Wet Hands – Dry your hands before plugging in or using electrical devices.
5. Teach Kids About Electrical Safety – Make sure children understand the dangers of mixing water and electricity.

Keep your home a safe oasis with these safety tips! Any concerns, give us a call for an inspection.

Electrical Safety Tips:

Most power outages will be over almost as soon as they begin, but some can last for days or even weeks. Power outages are often caused by freezing rain, sleet storms and/or high winds, which damage power lines and equipment. Cold snaps or heat waves can also overload the electric power system. It’s important to be prepared for extended power outages, and to know how to speed up the power restoration process.

Storm-related electrical hazards

• If you were cooking when the power went out, turn off the stove, oven or other cooking appliances right away;
• Downed powerlines and flooding create electrical hazards in and around your home. Remember to stay back at least 10 metres (the length of a school bus) from a downed powerline. Call 9-1-1 and your local utility immediately to report it; and
• Stay out of your basement if flood water is higher than the electrical outlets, baseboard heaters or furnace, or near the electrical panel. Call your local electric utility immediately to have power disconnected.

Getting power restored after a storm

Your local electric utility fixes the powerlines and other electrical equipment to restore power. As a homeowner, you are responsible for having repairs done to your own equipment.

Call Mackenzie Wiring Inc. to assist the restore of your power after a storm.

Electrical Safety Tips

When hooking up computers, appliances, TVs, game consoles and other electronics, it pays to be safe. Students and parents who know what electrical hazards to look for and how to address them will start the school year with peace of mind.

Protect yourself from injury and keep electronics running safely by taking the following precautions:

• Use only approved electrical products with the mark of a recognized certification agency.
• Choose power bars with a heavy-gauge cord that are approved by a recognized certification agency.
• Replace frayed or damaged extension cords with new ones;
• Keep extension cords out from under carpet, rugs or furniture as this could damage the cord and also present a fire hazard;
• Keep flammable materials such as books, paper and clothing away from heaters, stoves and other heating sources;
• Never leave cooking appliances unattended;
• Plug portable heaters and air conditioners directly into the outlet. If an extension cord is needed, to prevent overheating and risk of fire, use only one that is rated for this purpose to ensure that the cord can handle the electrical current;
• Never remove the third prong from an electrical product. The third prong is the grounding device and is a critical safety feature; and
• Avoid overloading outlets or circuits as this can cause overheating that may lead to fire.

Every Fall, thousands of students move away from home to attend university or college in Ontario. When renting off-campus accommodations, have the landlord correct any electrical hazards before you move in, such as:

• Exposed electrical wiring;
• Loose or damaged plugs and switches, or outlets and switches with missing cover plates;
• Dim, flickering or surging lights;
• Fuses that blow or circuit breakers that frequently trip, or outlets that don't work when fuses are replaced or breakers reset; and
• Fuses and switches that are warm or hot to the touch.