Your electrical panel distributes power to every circuit in your home and protects those circuits from overloads. In an older home, it may be decades old and may have never been inspected.
What an assessment looks at
- The brand and age of the panel and breakers
- Whether the panel is properly labeled
- Signs of overheating, scorching, or corrosion
- Doubled-up or improperly installed breakers
- Wiring type, including aluminum branch wiring or older cloth-insulated wiring
- Grounding and bonding
- Whether the panel has room for the loads you plan to add
Panel brands with known issues
Certain older panel brands, such as Federal Pacific (Stab-Lok) and Zinsco, have well-documented problems where breakers may not trip when they should. If your panel is one of these, an electrician can advise you on replacement.
When to get an assessment
- You've bought or are buying an older home
- You're adding a heat pump, EV charger, ADU, or a remodel
- You've had flickering lights, tripping breakers, or warm outlets
- The panel hasn't been looked at in many years
- You're preparing to sell and want no surprises
Warning signs that shouldn't wait
- A burning smell near the panel
- Scorch marks, or a panel that is hot to the touch
- Buzzing, crackling, or sizzling sounds
- Moisture or rust inside or around the panel
Don't open the panel yourself. If you notice any of these, stop using the affected circuits if you can do so safely, and call a licensed electrician right away. If you see smoke or fire, call 911.
Want a professional opinion?
Call us any time, day or night, at (425) 615-5000, or book online. Written pricing before any work begins.
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