• It’s older than 20 years. If you’re unsure of the electric panel’s age, it’s usually the same age as your home.

• The lights dim or flicker any time a major appliance comes on (such as a refrigerator or air conditioner).

• The electric panel ever feels hot to the touch.

• There is corrosion visible anywhere on the electric panel or panel cover.

• Several different brands of breakers are installed. Look for different colors or manufacturer labels.

• Rusting has occurred or is visible anywhere in the electric panel.

• When adding on to your house, your need for electricity will increase. You will need to find out if you need a new electrical panel, subpanel, or both.

• If you are using multiple power strips in your home, you are also using more electricity. You should assess your electrical system and make sure that it is equipped to handle your electrical needs.

• If the electric panel is a Federal Pacific, Zinsco, I-T-E Pushmatic, or GTE/Sylvania brand, we recommend an immediate electric panel replacement for the safety of your home and family. These brands have been off the market for years because of serious safety issues.

An electric panel replacement is also generally recommended for “split-buss” electrical panels that were popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Instead of having one circuit breaker to shut down the whole panel if necessary, the split-buss panel has up to six main breakers. Our 21st-century lifestyles, with multiple TVs, computers, refrigerators and other electronics have made these electric panels obsolete and often subject to overload, power outages, as well as reliability and safety issues.