Signs Your Electrical Panel Needs an Upgrade (Prince George Homeowners Guide)

Your electrical panel is one of those parts of your home you never really think about—until something goes wrong. But in a place like Prince George, where winters are long, heaters run nonstop, and many homes are 20–40+ years old, your panel works harder than you might realize.

If you’ve been noticing flickering lights, tripping breakers, or a panel that just feels old, it might be time to think about an electrical panel upgrade in Prince George. Upgrading doesn’t just add capacity—it improves safety, prevents fire risks, and gives your home the power it actually needs in 2025.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common signs your panel is due for an upgrade and why it matters for local homeowners.

Why Electrical Panels in Prince George Wear Out Faster

Living in Prince George means bigger electrical loads—especially in winter. Space heaters, electric fireplaces, older insulation, well pumps, heat tapes, kitchen appliances running nonstop… it all adds up. Many homes in The Hart, College Heights, Pineview, Buckhorn, and rural areas are running on panels that were never built for modern electrical demands.

If your home still has a 60A or 100A service, or a panel installed decades ago, it may simply not have the capacity to keep up. That’s where panel upgrades become more than “nice to have”—they’re about safety, performance, and protecting your home.

Top Signs Your Electrical Panel Needs an Upgrade

Here are the signs we see most often when homeowners in Prince George call us.

1. Breakers Keep Tripping

If your breaker flips every time you plug in a heater, start the microwave, or run two appliances at once, your panel is overloaded. Constant tripping isn’t normal—it’s a sign your electrical system is struggling to handle demand.

Frequent tripping is the #1 reason homeowners contact electricians for panel upgrades.

2. Your Panel Is Over 20 Years Old

If your home hasn’t had an electrical update since the early 2000s (or earlier), your panel may be outdated. Older panels can have:

• poor grounding

• worn breakers

• loose or corroded connections

• lower capacity than modern homes require

Panels wear out the same way older furnaces or water heaters do—eventually they need replacing.

3. Lights Flicker or Dim When Appliances Turn On

If your lights flicker when your furnace starts or dim every time the microwave runs, your panel might be unable to supply stable power. This is a classic sign of:

• an overloaded panel

• insufficient service size

• undersized wiring feeding the panel

  
  

Homes relying heavily on heaters in winter see this a lot.

4. Your Home Still Has 60A or 100A Service

A lot of older homes in Prince George still have 60A or 100A electrical service. Today, most homes need 125A–200A or more—especially if you plan on adding things like a hot tub, heat pump, EV charger, or workshop equipment.

If you’re renovating or adding major appliances, a service upgrade is likely necessary.

5. Burning Smells, Buzzing, or Warm Breakers

This one’s urgent.

If you notice:

• a burning smell

• warm or hot breakers

• buzzing sounds

• scorch marks

• discoloration around the panel

  
  

…you should call an electrician immediately. These are signs of overheating and potential electrical fire hazards.

6. You Still Have a Fuse Box

If your home still uses fuses, it’s time for an upgrade. Fuse panels are outdated, difficult to maintain, and often no longer supported by insurance companies. They’re also a sign that the wiring behind the walls may be extremely old.

7. You’re Renovating or Adding New Electrical Loads

Any of the following usually require a panel upgrade:

• finishing a basement

• adding a rental suite

• installing a hot tub

• adding an EV charger

• upgrading your HVAC

• building a garage or shop

• buying high-demand appliances

  
  

Renovations often trigger the need for a bigger service to safely power everything.

Why Upgrading Your Electrical Panel Matters

A new panel gives you:

• better safety for your home and family

• more capacity for appliances and future upgrades

• fewer tripped breakers

• increased home value

• insurance approval (some insurers require modern panels)

• stable power and improved efficiency

  
  

Your panel is your home’s backbone—replacing it before issues become dangerous is always cheaper than repairing after a failure.

How Much Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost in Prince George?

Prices vary based on your home and what needs upgrading, but generally:

• 100A to 200A panel upgrades: $2,200–$4,500

• Full service upgrades (including mast/meter): $3,000–$6,000+

  
  
  
  

Your electrician will give you a clear breakdown once they inspect the home.

When Should You Call an Electrician?

If you notice:

• daily breaker tripping

• burning smells

• flickering lights

• buzzing from the panel

• signs of water near the panel

• warm or hot breakers

  
  

…schedule an inspection immediately.

Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade in Prince George?

At Fraser Current Electric, we specialize in safe, code-compliant panel upgrades for homes throughout Prince George and the surrounding areas. Whether your panel is outdated, overloaded, or showing warning signs, we’ll give you an honest assessment and clear pricing before any work begins.

If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, or you’re planning a renovation or new electrical addition, we’d be happy to help. Give Fraser Current Electric a call at 250-845-1213