Are Old Electrical Panels Really That Dangerous?

What Is an Electrical Panel and What Does It Do?

Your electrical panel is like the traffic controller for electricity in your home. It takes the power coming in from the utility company and distributes it to different parts of your house: your lights, outlets, appliances, HVAC, etc.

Inside the panel are circuit breakers. These breakers are designed to "trip" (shut off) when there’s too much electrical current flowing through a circuit. That trip is what prevents wires from overheating and starting a fire.

If the breakers don’t work properly, or the panel itself can’t handle the amount of power your house uses today, that’s where things start to go wrong.

How to Know If Your Electrical Panel Is Outdated (And Which Brands to Watch Out For)

If your home was built before 1990 and hasn’t had an electrical upgrade, there’s a real chance your panel is outdated. Here are common signs to look for:

• You still have fuses, not breakers. This is a dead giveaway the panel is old.

• Your breakers trip often. Constant tripping can mean the panel is overloaded or faulty.

• The panel is warm or smells like something is burning. Huge red flag.

• Your lights flicker or dim when appliances run. That’s your panel struggling to keep up.

• You’re using a lot more electronics than when the house was built. Think smart TVs, computers, chargers, kitchen gadgets—all these demand more power.

And then there are brand-specific red flags. Some panels have been shown to have major safety flaws leading to recalls and “blacklisting” by insurance companies. The following panels have been linked to thousands of house fires and should be replaced immediately:

• Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) 

• Zinsco

• Pushmatic 

• Stab-Lok

• GTE-Sylvania

Why Old Electrical Panels Are Dangerous — And When You Need to Replace Yours

Let’s break it down simply. Older electrical panels weren’t built for how we live today. A home from the 1970s might have needed 60 to 100 amps of power. Today, with central air, big fridges, gaming setups, and home offices, we easily use 150 to 200 amps or more.

Here’s what can go wrong with old panels:

• They overheat. Too much current + too little capacity = heat. And heat around wires = fire risk.

• They don’t trip. A breaker that fails to trip allows power to keep flowing when it shouldn’t, increasing the chance of an electrical fire or shock.

• They’re not up to code. Older panels might not meet modern safety standards. This can be a problem when selling your home or making renovations.

• Insurance companies may flag them. Some insurers refuse to cover homes with certain panel brands, or they charge more if they do.

When should you replace it?

• If your panel is more than 30 years old.

• If it’s made by one of the dangerous brands mentioned earlier.

• If you’re adding major appliances or renovating.

• If an electrician has warned you about it.

If your panel checks any of these boxes, waiting could cost you far more than just money.

Cost to Replace an Old Electrical Panel in 2025

Let’s talk real numbers. The cost to replace or upgrade an electrical panel in 2025 ranges widely from $5,000 to $12,000+. There are several key factors that influence this price:

• Panel Size: Most modern homes need a 200-amp panel, but larger homes or those with electric vehicle chargers and high-energy appliances may require a 400-amp upgrade.

• Grounding Requirements: If your home lacks proper grounding—often the case with older homes—upgrades could cost extra, especially if the panel is far from the main water line.

• Mounting Style: Surface-mounted panels are generally faster and cheaper to replace than flush-mounted ones.

• Permits and Code Upgrades: Local regulations and modern safety standards sometimes require additional work that adds to the total cost.

While these numbers might seem high, this isn’t an area to cut corners. You want a licensed, insured electrician who pulls proper permits and installs a brand-new, code-compliant panel that’s built to last decades.

Think of it as a safety investment—not just for your house, but for your family, your electronics, and your long-term peace of mind. And compare that to the potential cost of:

• A home fire

• Replacing fried electronics

• Higher home insurance premiums

• Failing a home inspection when trying to sell

Read our article “How Much Does It Cost To Upgrade An Electrical Panel In 2025?” to further understand and estimate your project cost.

Conclusion: What’s the Real Danger of an Old Electrical Panel?

If you’re still asking whether old electrical panels are really that dangerous, here’s the truth: they absolutely can be. It’s not about scaring you. It’s about being honest.

If you’re unsure whether your panel is safe, don’t guess. CPN Electric offers free electrical panel inspections for homeowners who want answers without the pressure. We’ll tell you the truth, show you what we see, and explain your options in plain English. 

As a family owned business, native to the San Fernando Valley we take pride in offering value to our community and we truly want to help our neighbors and community stay safe.