Is Your Electrical Panel Safe? Here’s How to Tell

February 6, 2025

Your electrical panel might not be the first thing you think about when it comes to home safety, but it’s one of the most important pieces of your home’s electrical system. If it’s outdated, damaged, or not functioning properly, it can lead to serious hazards like electrical fires or power outages. So, how do you know if your electrical panel is safe? Here are some signs to look out for and tips on how to ensure it’s working properly.

1. Frequent Circuit Breaker Tripping

If your breakers are tripping frequently, it’s a major red flag. This is often the panel trying to protect your home from an overload. A circuit breaker trips when it detects that the current flowing through a wire is too high, which could lead to overheating or a fire. While it’s normal for a breaker to trip once in a while, constant tripping is a sign that something might be wrong.

The solution? You may need to upgrade your panel or have a licensed electrician (like Buzz Electrical) check for any underlying issues. It could be a simple fix, like replacing an overworked breaker, or a sign of a more serious electrical problem.

2. Burn Marks or Strange Smells

If you notice burn marks around your panel or smell something burning, it’s time to turn off your power and call an electrician immediately. These could be signs of overheating or an electrical fault. If you don’t act quickly, this could lead to a fire or other major electrical issues. Don’t ignore these signs — they’re serious.

3. The Panel is Old or Outdated

Just like anything else in your home, your electrical panel has a lifespan. If your panel is more than 20-30 years old, it may no longer be up to code or capable of handling the electrical demand of modern appliances. Newer homes have much higher electrical needs than older ones, and older panels may not be designed to handle today’s energy load.

If you live in an older home and still have a fuse box (rather than a circuit breaker panel), it’s definitely time to consider an upgrade. Fuse boxes are much less reliable and much harder to maintain than modern circuit breaker panels.

4. No Labeling or Confusing Labels

Have you ever tried to figure out which breaker controls what in your home? If your electrical panel has no labels or the labels are unclear or outdated, that’s a safety hazard. In an emergency, you need to know exactly which breaker to flip to cut off the power to a specific area. A lack of labeling can slow you down in a critical situation and even increase the risk of injury.

Take a few minutes to label each breaker and make sure they’re easy to read. If the labeling is too worn or unclear, have an electrician update it for you.

5. Panel is Warm to the Touch

Your electrical panel should never feel hot. If it does, it could mean that there’s a serious issue like a wiring problem or an overloaded circuit. A warm panel is a red flag that needs immediate attention. Don’t ignore it, as this could lead to a dangerous situation.

6. Flickering Lights or Power Surges

If your lights flicker or you experience frequent power surges, it could be a sign that your panel isn’t properly regulating power. This is often an issue when the panel isn’t able to handle the load of all the appliances and devices in your home. Power surges can also be caused by faulty wiring or issues with the connections inside the panel.

If you notice any of these issues, don’t wait for them to become worse. An electrician can inspect your panel and wiring to get everything back to normal.

7. Visible Rust or Corrosion

Rust or corrosion inside your electrical panel can compromise the safety and overall performance of your system. This could be caused by water damage, moisture in the air, or other factors that lead to wear and tear over time. If you spot rust or corrosion inside your panel, it’s crucial to have an electrician come out and take a look. You don’t want to risk a malfunction caused by corroded components.

What to Do if Your Electrical Panel is Unsafe

If you notice any of the above signs, don’t wait to get your electrical panel inspected. Call an electrician, like Buzz Electrical, to perform a thorough and detailed inspection. Our team will also recommend necessary repairs or upgrades. Electrical work should always be done by a professional — never attempt to fix an electrical panel on your own.

Contact Buzz Electrical for All Your Electrical Panel Needs in Northwest Arkansas

A safe electrical panel keeps your home and family protected. By staying on top of maintenance and addressing problems as soon as they come up, you can make sure that your electrical system is functioning properly and efficiently.

Remember, when it comes to your home’s electrical safety, it’s always better to be proactive than reactive. If you’re unsure (even a little) about the condition of your panel, don’t hesitate to call the trusted experts at Buzz Electrical.