Breaker Keeps Tripping? Here’s When to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

Older homes with a tech upgrade and modern smart homes both draw more electricity than ever before. From energy-hungry appliances to EV chargers and smart systems, the electrical demands of your home quickly put a strain on your electrical panel. If your Rancho Cordova circuit breaker keep tripping, lights flicker when you turn on the microwave, or your panel looks like something straight out of a Facebook post on nostalgic tech from the 70s, it’s time to consider an upgrade.

The team at Gubrud’s Electrical Services is here to safely and efficiently upgrade your electrical panels in Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, and the surrounding area. From remodels to tripping breakers, here are the most common red flags that you need an electrical panel upgrade to stay safe and keep your property functioning.

1. Your Breaker Keeps Tripping Whenever Appliances Run

One of the first signs that your panel is overloaded is frequent power breaker trips. You don’t even need to be running your dishwasher and clothes dryer at the same time. Sometimes just turning on the toaster and microwave simultaneously can pop your breaker when your HVAC kicks on. Older Rancho Cordova electrical panels were not designed for today’s electrical demands and need an upgrade. 

We see many homes in the Sacramento area with panels that are still rated 60 to 100 amps. Although they may have worked seamlessly during the 1970s, they didn’t need to run modern air conditioners, gaming consoles, charging laptops, and an EV. It doesn’t take long before things start to break down and your property is at risk.

Breakers often trip due to:

• Undersized panel capacity
• Too many appliances running on the same circuit
• Aging or worn-out internal components

The licensed electricians at Gubrud’s offer panel upgrades to 200 amps or more. We give your system the bandwidth it needs to function safely and reliably.

2. You Installed an EV Charger (Or Want To)

Electric vehicles are a smart investment, but the chargers they come with can take days to fully power up your vehicle. Most drivers opt for a Rancho Cordova Level 2 EV charger installation in their home, which typically requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit. Although powerful and effective, it draws significantly more current than a standard outlet. The problem? Most older panels simply aren’t equipped to handle that load.

Before you install an EV charger for your home, you need a licensed electrician to inspect your electrical panel. You will most likely need a panel upgrade or add a dedicated subpanel to handle the new circuit safely. The team at Gubrud’s can also safely install your EV charger in a convenient, safe location in your garage or on your property.

Common limitations to EV chargers include:

• No remaining breaker space
• Not enough amperage to support EV charging
• Wiring or grounding issues that need correcting

Gubrud’s can also help you take advantage of any available rebates or tax incentives for your EV installation.

3. Your Panel Is Hot, Buzzing, or Smells Like It’s Burning

An electrical panel should always be cool to the touch and quiet. If you hear a low buzzing, smell burning, or notice warmth around the panel, shut things down immediately. Then give us a call and we’ll come out as soon as possible to assess the situation.

Your panel is probably experiencing overheating, internal arcing, or deteriorated wiring. These issues are especially common in outdated panel models like Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or Pushmatic, which are known to fail and create a hazard in your home. 

These electric panels often:

• Don’t trip during electrical faults
• Cause internal arches and fire risks
• Are flagged during home inspections or insurance reviews
  

Never ignore these warning signs or you could put your home and personal safety at risk.

4. You See Rust, Corrosion, or Water Damage

Water and electricity don’t mix, and rust, staining, or corrosion on your panel is never a good sign. These symptoms indicate that water has entered the panel due to a nearby plumbing issue or exposure from the outside. 

Even a small amount of moisture could cause long-term damage to your panel’s internal components and lead to unpredictable performance or an increased fire risk. These panels can’t just be repaired. They need a full replacement, which is also a good time for a panel upgrade. 

Common causes include:

• Leaks in the wall or roof near the panel
• Condensation in garages or basements
• Poor sealing around outdoor panels

The licensed electricians at Gubrud’s will come out to inspect your system and recommend a code-compliant replacement if needed. We’ll guide you through options that are sealed, grounded, and ready for anything Sacramento weather can throw at them.

5. You’ve Run Out of Room for New Electrical Breakers

If you’re planning to remodel your kitchen, add a hot tub to your property, or finish your garage, your panel needs to have room for the new electrical circuits. Older panels reach their maximum capacity quickly, especially if they’re already overflowing with “piggyback” breakers. Although these devices save space and can work temporarily, they’re not a long-term or safe solution for growing electrical needs.

Common signs you’ve run out of space in your panel:

• All breaker slots are full
• Electrician used tandem breakers to add more circuits
• No capacity left for major appliances or EV chargers

We can help you expand your system safely, from installing a subpanel to upgrading to a larger main panel that can handle your plans.

6. You Still Have a Fuse Box

Was your home built before the 1960s? If it still has a fuse box, you’re overdue for an upgrade. Fuses were common in mid-century homes, but they don’t keep up with today’s electrical loads and are often no longer up to safety standards or local codes.

Homeowners sometimes try to swap in larger fuses to stop their breakers from tripping. The workaround isn’t just ineffective; it also poses a fire risk. Unlike circuit breakers, fuses need to be manually replaced and don’t offer the same level of safety or control. 

Why fuse boxes are problematic:

• Undersized for modern appliances
• Not compliant with most insurance policies
• More likely to overheat or cause arc faults

Gubrud’s can safely replace your fuse box with a modern breaker panel for more peace of mind and easier maintenance.

7. Your Home Failed Inspection or Was Flagged by Insurance

Did you know that old or unsafe electrical panels are one of the most common reasons homes fail inspection during a sale or refinance? Homeowners insurance companies are also becoming strict about what types of electrical panels they cover. They often require a full replacement before issuing a policy. 

Common reasons for flagging a panel:

• Unsafe panel brands, such as Federal Pacific or Zinsco
• Evidence of water damage or arcing
• No compliance with current code requirements

Gubrud’s offers fast, inspection-ready panel upgrades. We’ll also handle all of the proper permits, labeling, and code compliance built in so you can move forward with your plans.

Schedule Your Electrical Panel Inspection Today

If your electrical panel is outdated, showing signs of stress, or you’re planning a high-demand upgrade like an EV charger or remodel? We can help. 

The team at Gubrud’s Electrical Services is proud to offer over 25 years of experience serving Sacramento and Rancho Cordova with licensed, insured electricians, transparent pricing, and same-day availability. We’ll walk you through your options, help you take advantage of available rebates, and make sure your home is powered safely and efficiently for the future. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!