Electrical Panel Upgrades

Need electrical panel upgrades? Ongaro & Sons is here for you!

Our licensed electricians can assist with any of your electrical needs for your home. Our team of certified experts cuts no corners, we offer top-quality services and products that are safe, efficient, effective, and fully compliant with the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Upgrade Electrical Panels and Increase Energy Efficiency

The average California household spent about $242 a month on electricity in 2024, far above the national average. Let's find ways to reduce that cost. If you have an outdated panel, upgrading can help you save money on your monthly electric bill.

How Long Do Electrical Panels Last?

The average lifespan for an electrical panel is anywhere from 25 to 40 years, sometimes longer. Much of the lifespan depends on the type of electrical panel, how well it was installed, its usage, and whether it was built for today’s energy requirements.

If you are moving to a new home or renovating your current home, you should schedule an electrical inspection to determine the safety and efficiency of your electrical equipment.

Are Fuse Boxes Safe or Should I Upgrade to a Modern Panel?

In the 1960s, builders stopped installing fuse boxes in homes. You should upgrade to a circuit breaker if your residence still has one. Fuse boxes aren’t designed to handle modern energy requirements.

Circuit breakers are much safer, whenever there’s an overcurrent or short, they automatically cut off the current. This protects you from electric shock, your equipment from getting damaged, and your home from the risk of an electrical fire.

Electrical Panel Safety Tips

Your electrical panel is the command center of your home’s electrical system. Knowing how to safely interact with it, and when to call a professional, can help prevent hazards, avoid costly damage, and keep your home running smoothly. Here are a few essential electrical panel safety tips every homeowner should follow:

• Familiarize yourself with the main breaker, individual circuit breakers, and the labeling of each circuit. Knowing what each breaker controls will be invaluable during troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Don't overload circuits. Be mindful of how many high-power devices you have plugged into a single circuit. Overloading can cause breakers to trip frequently, indicating a potential issue or the need for additional circuits.
• Ensure the area around your electrical panel is always clear of obstructions. Avoid storing anything in front of it that would prevent quick access in an emergency or during maintenance. Maintain at least a 3-foot clear space in front of the panel.
• Label circuits clearly and accurately. Over time, circuit labels can become faded, incorrect, or missing. Take the time to accurately label each breaker, indicating what outlets, lights, or appliances it controls. This makes troubleshooting much easier and safer.
• Never attempt to repair or modify your electrical panel yourself unless you are a licensed and experienced electrician. If you notice persistent issues like frequently tripping breakers, flickering lights, burning smells, or strange noises, call Ongaro & Sons. We promise to find a safe solution that fits your budget and protects your loved ones.

What Are the Signs I Need a New Electrical Panel?

There are many telltale signs that you need a new electrical panel. Remember, a defective panel is a fire hazard. Call our Ongaro & Sons professionals right away if you suspect a problem. Here are some common symptoms:

Overheating or Scorching

Is there a burning smell coming from your panel or outlets? Notice any signs of scorching? Your electrical system may be overheating, or the wires may be melting. A burning smell could indicate a serious problem. Contact our electricians right away.

Rusty Panel

Water and electricity don’t mix well. If there’s rust, water could be leaking onto your panel. When water gets inside your panel box, it can cause issues with the circuit breakers and pose a safety hazard. Be sure to call our licensed professionals to replace the panel.

Breakers Keep Tripping

Do your breakers trip often, particularly when you run appliances requiring more electricity, such as your air conditioner, heat pump, washing machine, or dryer? This could indicate you have an outdated panel that can’t keep up with your electrical needs. Alternatively, it may be undersized. The standard panel size for most modern homes is 200 amps. Larger homes may require a 400-amp panel.

Flickering Lights

Lights that flicker constantly can be a sign of an electrical panel problem. If the issue is house-wide and occurs rain or shine, have our Ongaro & Sons electricians check it out immediately.

Irregular Noises

Some noise is to be expected, a steady "hum" indicates a healthy breaker box. However, any crackling, hisses, or pops are a cause for concern. It means electricity is making contact with something that it's not supposed to and causing damage. This could also indicate loose or frayed wiring.

You Have a Zinsco Electrical Panel

If your home has a Zinsco electrical panel, it is time to upgrade. These outdated panels are known to overheat, fail to trip properly, and pose serious fire risks. Modern electrical demands often exceed their capacity, upgrading ensures better safety, reliability, and compliance with current electrical codes.