Modern residential electrical systems are truly amazing things. With the mere flick of a switch, you can illuminate your home, turn on advanced climate control systems, or enjoy any number of entertainment devices. Many modern homeowners even have advanced smart systems installed, which allow them to automate their appliances and devices or control them from afar.
But it’s important to remember that electricity requires respect. Not only can it lead to dangerous shocks, but it can also trigger devastating home fires. And while most homes have safe electrical systems, it is always important to be on the lookout for signs of trouble — especially when it comes to your home’s electrical panel.
Given the critical role your panel plays in your home’s electric system, it’s critical that you take the time to ensure that it is operating correctly, up to date, and most of all, safe. We’ll try to help you do that below by sharing some of the key safety issues surrounding electric panels and some of the potential signs of trouble you’ll want to be aware of.
The Purpose and Importance of Electrical Panels
Your home’s electrical panel serves as the central distribution point for all the electricity in your home. It’s somewhat like a “command center” for your entire electrical system, and it’s not that much different than your own central nervous system.
In fact, your electric panel not only distributes power to all of your outlets and switches, but it also helps to ensure that everything operates safely and in the manner that it’s intended to work.
In total, your electrical panel does five key things:
1. Your electric panel distributes power throughout your home.
Your electric panel is a key node in the journey electricity takes from the utility company’s plant to your microwave, light switch, or wall outlet. After being generated at the plant, electricity flows through utility lines and into your home via something called a service line.
From there, the electricity enters your home’s electric panel. The panel divides the incoming power into individual circuits, which all serve different sections of your house. For example, your kitchen will be on one (or more) outlets, as will your living room, bedroom, HVAC system, washer and dryer, and so on. Each of these circuits is controlled by a dedicated circuit breaker.
2. Your electric panel helps to protect you from house fires.
In addition to distributing the power in your home, your panel is also responsible for halting the flow of electricity when there’s a problem in a circuit. For example, if the panel detects a short circuit or overloaded outlet, the associated circuit breaker shuts off automatically (the breaker “trips”).
This helps prevent the wires in your home’s walls from overheating and ultimately prevents them from starting fires. Without this kind of protection, home fires would happen far more often.
3. Your electric panel helps manage the power in your home efficiently.
While the two most important things your electric panel does may be to distribute power and protect against overloaded circuits and short circuits, it also provides a few other services.
One of the key things it does is to allow you (and your electrician) to organize circuits. In other words, you can group one set of outlets and switches on one circuit, and group another set on a different circuit.
This helps to not only keep things more organized but also allows you to manage demand more effectively. Some newer panels even support smart features like load balancing, which helps prevent the outages high-demand appliances like EV chargers or HVAC systems can cause when they are running.
4. Your electric panel provides some protection against power surges.
While your electric panel is not a surge protector in itself, it can play a key role in mitigating the damage caused by power surges. For example, if lightning or grid fluctuations trigger a power surge, the panel can help isolate the problem and keep it from damaging sensitive electronics.
Additionally, electric panels provide a convenient and effective place to have a whole-home surge protector installed. When this kind of project is carried out, your entire home will be more or less completely protected from surges.
5. Electric panels allow for safe electric system expansions and upgrades.
Electric panels also allow you to expand or upgrade your home’s electrical system safely and in a controlled manner. For example, if you were to add more appliances, remodel your home, or install solar panels or EV chargers, you will find that your electrical needs will grow. Without a centralized electric panel, it would be hard to accommodate this growth.
But modern electrical panels allow you to easily add extra circuits or accommodate higher amperage, without overloading the system.
Warning Signs That May Indicate Your Panel Is Unsafe
Electrical panels don’t always give off obvious signs of danger like smoke or sparks. Often, the warning signs are subtle and easy to ignore. This means people rarely notice that there’s a problem until something goes seriously wrong.
So, keep an eye out for the following red flags, and contact Alpha Omega Electric if you notice any of them happening in your home.
1. Flickering, Dimming, or Surging Lights
Flickering lights are a common electrical problem that can be caused by a variety of things, ranging from simple things like faulty switches to very serious things, like malfunctioning electrical panels. And while flickering lights should always be investigated by a licensed electrician, they’re especially troubling when they occur at the same time that you turn on major appliances, such as your fridge or AC.
Lights that dim randomly or pulse are also cause for concern, as are lights that get brighter or dimmer throughout the day.
2. Breakers That Frequently Trip — or Never Trip at All
If you’re constantly having to reset a breaker in the kitchen or bathroom, your home may be suffering from electrical panel problems. This often happens when you turn on a power-hungry device (like a vacuum cleaner or space heater), but it can even happen with devices that don’t require a lot of electricity to operate.
The flip side of this coin is also a sign of a problem: If you are able to plug in multiple high-demand devices or appliances into a single circuit without the breaker tripping, there may be an issue with the overall electric panel or an individual circuit. In fact, this is even more dangerous than breakers that flip constantly, as it means you may be able to overload a circuit without the intended safety mechanisms in place.
3. Overheating Smells, Crackling, or Sizzling
Burning plastic or smoky smells coming from the panel box are a very serious symptom of major problems. Similarly, if you hear faint buzzing, crackling, or sizzling sounds when standing near the panel, you’ll want to shut off the main breaker (assuming it is safe to do so) and have an electrician inspect the panel immediately.
All of these signs indicate that the wires or breakers inside the panel may already be overheating. If not corrected promptly, these kinds of issues can trigger a fire.
4. Burn Marks, Rust, or Corrosion
While burning odors and sizzling sounds are important signs of overheating, they’re not the only clues that your panel is getting too hot; black marks or discoloration on breakers or the panel door are other signs that should cause you to take action and have the panel inspected.
And while corrosion isn’t as troubling as signs of overheating, it is still cause for concern, as it indicates that moisture may be getting into the panel. So, always call your electrician if you notice things like rust (particularly around the panel edges or screw holes) or green powdery corrosion on the panel connections.
5. Electrical Shocks from Outlets or Appliances
It may seem obvious, but you should always contact an electrician immediately if you start getting tingling sensations when touching a switch or outlet, plugging in a power cord, or touching a metal appliance. Even if you experience these types of things frequently and they seem harmless, they are extremely dangerous.
These kinds of problems may signify grounding issues or generally unsafe wiring conditions, and they are often tied directly to panel problems. And if your home’s panel is not working correctly, there is a very real risk of suffering a potentially fatal electric shock.
Additional Signs to Watch For
In addition to these common problems that may indicate your panel is in need of repair, you’ll also want to keep an eye out for subtler symptoms, such as:
- Outlets that spark when you plug things in
- Buzzing sounds coming from outlets (or the panel itself)
- Warm wall plates or outlet covers
- Breaker panels that are hot to the touch
- The absence of a main breaker switch
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a licensed electrician immediately and have an inspection performed.
Three Electrical Panels That Require Special Attention
No matter what kind of panel you have, you should seek professional assistance if you notice any of the signs or symptoms of panel problems discussed above.
However, there are three kinds of panels that present problems so often that they demand even more vigilance. In fact, if you have any of the following three panels, you should go ahead and have an electrician inspect them. Most often, they’ll require an immediate replacement.
1. Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Panels
Federal Pacific Electric panels, especially those using Stab-Lok breakers, were installed in millions of homes throughout the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. These panels are widely considered one of the most dangerous types still found in homes today. And although they often appear to work normally, they have a well-documented history of having circuit breakers that fail to trip when an overcurrent or short circuit occurs.
When these breakers fail to trip, they may allow the electricity to continue flowing until wires overheat or catch fire. Some tests have even shown failure rates as high as 60%. This is especially concerning in today’s homes, where electrical demand is significantly higher than it was when these panels were installed.
Common safety issues with Federal Pacific Electric Panels include:
- Breakers may appear to be “off” but still conduct electricity
- Panels can overheat internally without warning
- Can lead to electrical fires, especially under modern power loads
- No longer UL-listed and not compliant with today’s electrical codes
2. Zinsco Panels
Zinsco electrical panels were commonly installed during the 1960s and early 1970s and were once a popular brand across much of North America. But over time, they started displaying significant safety concerns.
The most critical issue associated with these panels is that their breakers can melt and fuse to the internal bus bar, which prevents them from tripping during a short circuit or overload. This means that even when a circuit is in danger, the panel might continue feeding electricity.
In many cases, Zinsco panels appear to be functioning normally from the outside, and even after the panel cover is removed. It often isn’t until an electrician attempts to test or remove a breaker that melted connections, fused breakers, or corrosion are noticed. These panels also used aluminum components that tend to corrode more easily than copper, making them less reliable over time.
Common safety issues with Zinsco Panels include:
- Breakers can weld to the bus bar and stop functioning
- Some components use aluminum, which corrodes easily
- Breakers may appear off but still allow electricity to flow
- Often require full replacement — repairs are not considered reliable
3. Outdated Panels (Fuse Boxes and Split-Bus Panels)
Before modern circuit breaker panels became standard, homes built prior to the 1960s typically used fuse boxes – the precursors to modern circuit breakers. Fuse boxes can be tampered with in myriad ways, which cause them to be unsafe and often lead to fires.
Similarly, many homes in the 1960s and 70s featured split-bus panels. These types of panels lack a single main breaker and instead use a small breaker to feed a secondary set of breakers. This makes them particularly prone to overload as electrical usage increases beyond what they were designed to support.
While these systems may have functioned adequately at the time, they were not designed to handle the power demands of modern homes, which often feature HVAC units, electric ranges, home offices, and multiple large appliances running simultaneously.
Common safety issues with outdated panels include:
- Not built to handle the 100- to 200-amp service required in modern homes
- Often lack proper grounding or modern safety devices
- Fuse boxes are prone to dangerous misuse or tampering
- Repairs are difficult and often mask the need for full panel replacement
The Importance of Replacing Old Panels
If your home still relies on an outdated or unsafe electrical panel, replacement is crucial for protecting your home and family. Modern electrical panels are built to meet modern safety codes, handle much more power, and provide better protection against short circuits, overloads, and the electrical fires these problems may cause.
Older panels like Federal Pacific Electric, Zinsco, fuse boxes, and split-bus models were never designed for the demands of today’s households. When these panels were installed, most homes had far fewer electronic devices, no central air conditioning, and minimal kitchen or laundry appliances.
But fast-forward to the modern era, and those same panels are being asked to support high-efficiency HVAC systems, smart devices, computers, home theaters, electric vehicle chargers, and more. These kinds of demands are simply more than these antiquated panels were built to handle.
Even worse, these panels often fail in dangerous ways. Breakers may not trip when they should, melted connections can go unnoticed, and ungrounded circuits can put you at risk of shock or fire. The results of these problems can be catastrophic and life threatening.
But if you upgrade to a modern model, you’ll end up with a panel that:
- Has a greater electrical capacity, making it suitable for modern electrical demands
- Is safer and features reliable breakers, grounding, and arc fault protection
- Earns more affordable home insurance coverage, as some carriers raise rates for homes with known hazardous panels
- Increases your property value and allows for smoother home inspections
Replacing your panel isn’t just about convenience — it’s about safety, compliance, and peace of mind. A licensed electrician can assess your current panel, recommend the right upgrade, and ensure everything meets local code and national safety standards.
What Happens When a Panel Fails
Electrical panels don’t typically fail in a dramatic fashion. At least, not at first.
In most cases, failure starts subtly. A breaker may not trip when it should, or an internal wire may overheat. In a particularly frightening scenario, a breaker may look “off” but still be live and carry electricity. These malfunctions can even build over time, creating dangerous conditions behind the scenes. On the other hand, when a panel works correctly, it’ll shut off power during an overload or short circuit, protecting the wires in your walls from overheating and catching fire.
A few common scenarios that may happen when a panel fails include:
- Overheating wires or breakers: As electricity continues to surge through an overloaded circuit, wires and breakers can reach dangerously high temperatures. You might not see it, but inside the panel, insulation can melt, and components can begin to burn.
- Melted or fused breakers: In some defective panels, breakers can fuse to the bus bar. This makes it impossible to shut off power, even manually.
- Hidden fires: A failed panel can ignite a fire that smolders inside the wall or panel box before spreading. Since many panels are located in basements, garages, or utility closets, these fires may go unnoticed until they’ve grown out of control.
- Damage to wiring or appliances: A major surge that isn’t stopped by a breaker can damage not just the panel, but also your home’s wiring, outlets, and plugged-in devices, including everything from your refrigerator to your computer.
- Electric shock risks: Panels that appear to be shut off may still conduct electricity, posing a serious shock hazard to homeowners and even electricians.
In many reported cases, panels that had “worked fine for years” suddenly failed during a surge caused by a storm, an overloaded appliance, or even routine use of power-hungry devices. And that illustrates the hidden danger faulty panels present: They often fail during unexpected electrical events — exactly when you need them most.
And once they fail, there’s no easy way to stop the damage from spreading.
Keep Your Home & Family Safe: Next Steps
As frightening as it may sound, millions of homes across the country have aging or faulty electric panels. So, to keep your home and family safe, you’ll want to take the following steps:
1. Check your electric panel. Locate your electrical panel and check the brand and labeling. If you see names like Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or your panel still uses fuses, you can consider that a sign of potential danger. If your panel doesn’t have a clear label or looks visibly damaged, err on the side of caution and assume it needs professional attention.
2. Schedule a professional inspection from Alpha Omega Electric. One of our licensed electricians can safely inspect your panel and tell you whether it’s still functioning properly or needs replacement. An inspection usually takes under an hour and could prevent a serious hazard in the future.
3. Plan for an electric panel upgrade. If your panel is deemed unsafe or outdated, you’ll want to take immediate action. A modern circuit breaker panel will bring your home up to code, support the power demands of your modern home, and protect your family from electrical fires and shocks.
Spread the Word
Verifying that your own electric panel is working correctly is certainly important, but it is equally important to help your friends, family, and neighbors stay safe, too! In that spirit, we encourage you to share this resource with anyone you think may benefit from it.
Give special thought to sharing it with loved ones who may live in an older house or have an aging panel, as well as anyone who currently experiences electrical issues in their home that may be troubling. Additionally, be sure to share it with anyone you know who has one of the electrical panel models that have proven hazardous in the past.
You may just help protect someone else from electric shocks or house fires!
Trust Alpha Omega Electric to Keep Your Electric Panel Safe
Whether you are already seeing concerning signs from your home’s electric panel or you’d just like a licensed electrician to ensure your panel is safe, Alpha Omega Electric is ready to help. Contact us today so that we can assess your current electric panel and provide any upgrades or repairs necessary to ensure your home’s electrical system is safe and operating as it should.
As California’s leading electric service provider, we have the skill and expertise necessary to perform all of the repairs, installations, or upgrades that your home needs.
