Your home’s electrical panel is the heart of your electrical system, distributing power safely throughout your property. But how do you know when it’s time for an upgrade? As Vancouver’s trusted electrical experts, we see these warning signs regularly in homes across Clark County.
Your Panel Uses Fuses Instead of Circuit Breakers
If your home still has an old fuse box, it’s definitely time for an upgrade. Fuse boxes were common in homes built before the 1960s, but they simply can’t handle today’s electrical demands. Modern homes require the safety and capacity that only a circuit breaker panel can provide.
Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
While occasional trips are normal, frequent breaker trips indicate your panel is working overtime. This often happens when you’re running multiple appliances simultaneously—like the microwave, dishwasher, and air conditioner all at once. Your electrical system is telling you it needs more capacity.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
When lights dim as you turn on appliances, your electrical panel may be struggling to distribute adequate power. This is especially common in older Vancouver homes that were built before our modern electrical needs existed.
Burning Smells or Scorch Marks
Never ignore burning odors or visible scorch marks around your electrical panel. These are serious safety concerns that require immediate professional attention. Our licensed electricians in Vancouver have seen how quickly electrical issues can escalate when left unaddressed.
Your Home is Over 25 Years Old
Electrical panels typically last 25-40 years. If your Vancouver home falls into this age range and you’ve never upgraded your panel, it’s worth having our team perform an inspection to assess your system’s condition and capacity.
Why Choose Professional Installation?
Electrical panel replacement isn’t a DIY project. Our licensed electricians ensure your new panel meets current electrical codes, handles your home’s power demands, and keeps your family safe. We serve homeowners throughout Vancouver, Camas, and Ridgefield with reliable, code-compliant installations.
Ready to upgrade your electrical panel? Contact Compass Electric today for a professional assessment of your Vancouver home’s electrical system.