Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's power system. When it struggles, everything else suffers. Here are the warning signs every St. Louis homeowner should know—and why 2026 might be the year to upgrade.
The 7 Warning Signs Your Panel Needs Attention
1. Frequently Tripping Breakers
Occasional trips happen. But if you're resetting breakers weekly—or daily—your panel is telling you something:
What's happening: Circuits are overloaded or breakers are worn out Why it matters: Each trip stresses the breaker; eventually it won't trip when it should (fire risk) What to do: Call an electrician to evaluate load distribution and breaker condition
2. Flickering or Dimming Lights
When lights flicker as appliances cycle on, your electrical system is struggling:
Common causes: - Insufficient panel capacity - Loose connections at the panel - Undersized main breaker - Utility service issues (less common)
Quick test: If flickering happens with specific appliances (like AC startup), that appliance may need a dedicated circuit.
3. Burning Smell or Scorch Marks
This is an emergency. If you notice: - Burning plastic odor near the panel - Discoloration on breakers or bus bars - Warm or hot breaker handles
Immediate action: Turn off the main breaker and call an electrician immediately. These signs indicate arcing or overheating that can cause fire.
4. Buzzing or Crackling Sounds
Electrical panels should be silent. Any sound indicates:
Buzzing: Loose connections or failing breakers Crackling: Active arcing (extremely dangerous) Humming: Overloaded circuits
5. You're Using Power Strips Everywhere
If every outlet has a power strip or extension cord, you're compensating for inadequate circuits:
The problem: Older homes were designed for 10-15 circuits; modern homes need 20-40 The solution: Circuit additions or panel upgrade to accommodate more circuits
6. Your Panel Uses Fuses (Not Breakers)
Fuse panels were standard until the 1960s. While properly maintained fuse panels can be safe, they present issues:
- Easier to install wrong-size fuses (fire risk)
- No AFCI/GFCI protection capability
- Insurance concerns and higher premiums
- Difficulty finding replacement fuses
- Lower resale value
7. Panel Age Over 25 Years
Even well-maintained panels degrade over time:
0-20 years: Generally reliable with proper maintenance 20-30 years: Components wearing, consider replacement planning 30+ years: High priority for replacement
Special Concerns for St. Louis Area Homes
Common Panel Issues by Neighborhood Age
Pre-1950 homes (St. Louis City, older suburbs): - 60-100 amp service (inadequate for modern use) - Knob-and-tube wiring possible - Fuse panels common - Often located in unfinished basements
1950s-1970s homes: - 100-150 amp panels - Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels (known fire hazards) - Aluminum wiring possible (requires special handling)
1980s-2000s homes: - 150-200 amp panels - Generally adequate but may be near capacity - May lack AFCI protection (now required)
Dangerous Panel Brands
Some manufacturers produced panels with known defects. If you have these brands, replacement is strongly recommended:
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok: - Breakers fail to trip 25-50% of the time - Linked to thousands of fires - Identified by "Stab-Lok" on breakers
Zinsco/GTE Sylvania: - Breakers melt to bus bars - May appear to be off but still conducting - Often have aluminum bus bars that degrade
Challenger (pre-1988): - Some models have trip failure issues - Verify specific model with electrician
What Does a Panel Upgrade Involve?
Standard 200-Amp Upgrade Process
Day 1 (5-8 hours typical):
- Utility coordination: Schedule meter disconnect
- Old panel removal: Disconnect and remove existing panel
- New panel installation: Mount new panel, install main breaker
- Circuit transfer: Reconnect all existing circuits
- New circuit addition: Add any new circuits needed
- Utility reconnection: Schedule meter reinstallation
- Testing: Verify all circuits, test AFCI/GFCI protection
What You'll Get
Standard upgrade includes: - 200-amp main panel (40-42 spaces typical) - New meter base if required - Updated grounding system - AFCI protection for required circuits - Whole-house surge protection (recommended addition) - Permit and inspection - 1-year workmanship warranty
Panel Upgrade Costs in St. Louis Area
Typical Price Ranges (2026)
| Upgrade Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 100 to 200 amp | $2,500-$4,500 |
| Fuse to breaker | $2,000-$4,000 |
| Sub-panel addition | $1,500-$2,500 |
| Panel relocation | $3,000-$5,000 |
| Service entrance upgrade | $3,500-$6,000 |
Factors affecting cost: - Panel location (basement vs. exterior) - Utility requirements - Number of circuits to transfer - Permit and inspection fees - Whole-house surge protection - AFCI breaker requirements
Investment Perspective
Consider what you're protecting: - Your home's value (panels are scrutinized in home inspections) - Your possessions (from electrical fires) - Your insurance rates (some insurers require panel upgrades) - Your convenience (no more tripping breakers)
When to Upgrade: Now or Later?
Upgrade Now If:
- You have a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel
- Breakers trip frequently
- You're adding major appliances (EV charger, heat pump)
- You're planning a renovation
- Your panel is over 30 years old
- You smell burning or see scorch marks
Can Wait 1-2 Years If:
- Panel is 15-25 years old and functioning well
- No dangerous brands
- Adequate capacity for current use
- No major electrical additions planned
Questions to Ask During Your Free Estimate
- What's the actual capacity of my current panel?
- Is my panel a known problem brand?
- Will I need utility involvement?
- How long will I be without power?
- What's included in the warranty?
- Do you handle permits and inspections?
Ready to Evaluate Your Panel?
Most homeowners are surprised by what they learn about their electrical panels. A professional assessment takes 30-60 minutes and reveals exactly what you're working with.
Schedule your free panel assessment:
First Choice Electric has upgraded hundreds of panels across St. Louis and St. Charles County. Our licensed electricians specialize in residential electrical services, from simple repairs to complete system upgrades.