Is It Time For An Electrical Panel Upgrade?

Do You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade? Here’s How to Tell

Your home’s electrical panel is the heart of your system — safely distributing power to every outlet, appliance, and light. But as homes evolve with more devices, larger HVAC units, and modern appliances, older panels often struggle to keep up. That’s where an electrical panel upgrade can make all the difference.

At Real Deal Solutions, we help homeowners across Columbia, Franklin, Spring Hill, and the greater Middle Tennessee area stay safe, efficient, and up to code with professional electrical services you can trust.

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Performance & Usage issues

• Frequent Breaker Trips: If your breakers trip often, it’s a warning your system is overloaded.

• Flickering or Dimming Lights: This can indicate your panel isn’t supplying steady power.

• New Appliances or Additions: Upgrading your HVAC system, hot tub, or EV charger? You may need more power capacity.

• Home Renovation: During home renovations or room additions, it’s essential to ensure your electrical system can manage the added load — otherwise, an upgrade may be necessary for safety and performance.

• Not Enough Outlets: Frequent use of power strips indicates your home’s electrical system is overloaded. A panel upgrade increases circuit capacity, improves safety, and ensures consistent power throughout your home.

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Safety Red Flags

• Buzzing or Crackling Sounds: If you hear buzzing, sizzling, or crackling from your electrical panel or outlets, it could mean there’s loose or damaged wiring — a problem that needs immediate attention.

• Strange Sounds or Buzzing: Buzzing, humming, sizzling are serious red flags also — call a licensed electrician immediately.

• Warm or Hot Panel: Your breaker box should never feel warm to the touch. Heat coming from the panel usually indicates an internal wiring issue or electrical overload.

• Damage or Corrosion: Signs of rust, corrosion, or moisture inside the panel are extremely dangerous. Water and electricity don’t mix — this can cause short circuits, shocks, or even electrical fires.

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Outdated Technology

• Outdated Fuse Box: An old panel with fuses instead of breakers, or a panel that is over 25-40 years old, is likely not up to modern safety standards.

• Fuse Boxes: If your home still relies on a fuse box instead of a modern circuit breaker panel, it’s likely outdated and may no longer meet current safety standards. Fuse boxes weren’t designed to handle today’s higher electrical demands, and upgrading to a modern panel can greatly improve both safety and efficiency.

• Hazardous panels: Certain older electrical panels — including brands like Zinsco and Federal Pacific Electric (FPE)— are known to have serious safety issues and should be replaced immediately. These outdated panels can fail to trip during an overload, creating a major fire and shock hazard.

• Low amperage: Many older homes still operate on 60- or 100-amp electrical service, which simply isn’t enough to power today’s modern appliances and technology. Most homes now require at least 200 amps to safely and efficiently meet daily electrical demands.

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Why Upgrade?

A new electrical panel increases safety, improves efficiency, and ensures your home can handle modern power needs. It can also raise your property value, reduce fire risks, and help your home meet local code requirements — especially during remodels or new installations.

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Our licensed electricians deliver professional, code-compliant upgrades designed for your

home’s unique setup. From inspection to installation, we handle the job right — safely, efficiently, and affordably.

Call (615) 664-7768 to schedule your electrical panel evaluation today.

Real Work. Real Value. Real Deal Solutions.