How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Electrical Panel
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system—it sends power to every light, outlet, and appliance. But if your panel is outdated, overloaded, or showing signs of trouble, it might be time for an upgrade.
In Kitsap County, many homes—especially in areas like Bremerton, Silverdale, Poulsbo, and Port Orchard—still have older panels that aren’t designed to handle today’s electrical demands. Here's how to tell if it's time to replace yours.
⚠️ 1. You Have an Old Fuse Box
If your home still uses a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker panel, it's time to upgrade. Fuse boxes can’t handle the electrical loads of modern homes and are less safe and convenient than today’s breaker systems.
🔁 2. Your Breakers Trip Frequently
Are you constantly heading to the panel to flip breakers back on? That’s often a sign your panel is either overloaded or has worn-out components. It means your home’s electrical system can’t keep up with your needs.
🔌 3. You’re Adding New Appliances or Technology
Installing a hot tub, EV charger, or even a new HVAC system? Many older homes have 100-amp panels, but newer setups may require 200 amps or more. A panel upgrade ensures everything runs smoothly and safely.
🔥 4. You Notice Burn Smells, Corrosion, or Rust
Smelling something burning or seeing rust on your panel? That’s a red flag. It could mean overheating, water damage, or corrosion—all of which are serious safety risks. Call a licensed electrician immediately.
🏠 5. You’re Renovating or Expanding
If you're remodeling your kitchen or adding on to your home, your electrical system may need an upgrade. A panel replacement helps you meet code, run new circuits, and future-proof your home.
🕒 6. Your Panel Is 25+ Years Old
Even if it still works, panels over 25 years old may no longer meet current code—and parts may be obsolete. Federal Pacific, Zinsco, and some other brands have known safety issues and should be replaced regardless of condition.
🔍 Local Tip from Kitsap County Electricians:
Many homes we service around Port Orchard, Bainbridge Island, and Poulsbo were built before 1990 and still have outdated or undersized panels. With more people working from home and adding EVs, demand on electrical systems is higher than ever.
✅ So, What Should You Do?
If your electrical panel is showing any of these signs—or you’re just unsure about its condition—it’s time to have it inspected by a pro. At Downpour Electric, we specialize in safe, code-compliant electrical panel replacements in Kitsap County.
We handle everything: permits, inspections, parts, and clean, high-quality installation.
📍 Serving All of Kitsap County:
Bremerton • Silverdale • Poulsbo • Port Orchard • Bainbridge Island
📞 Call us today at 360-860-1450
🌐 Visit: www.downpourelectric.com
🔧 Learn more about our Electrical Panel Upgrade Services
❓ FAQ: Replacing Electrical Panels
How much does it cost to replace an electrical panel in Kitsap County?
Most panel upgrades range from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on amperage, location, and permits. We offer free estimates to help you plan.
Do I need a permit to replace my electrical panel?
Yes. Washington State requires a permit and inspection. We take care of all the paperwork for you.
Is it safe to replace a panel myself?
No. Panel replacement involves high-voltage work and should only be done by a licensed and insured electrician.
Final Thoughts
Replacing your electrical panel might seem like a big step, but it’s one of the best things you can do to keep your home safe and ready for the future. Whether you're adding new appliances or just want peace of mind, Downpour Electric is here to help.
Why does electrical work cost what it does?
Why Does Electrical Work Cost What It Does?
We get this question a lot: “Why does it cost so much to install an outlet or fix a light?” On the surface, it might seem like a quick job, but there’s a lot that goes into electrical work—and a lot you’re getting in return.
Safety First
Electricity isn’t something to mess around with. Doing it wrong can lead to shocks, fires, or serious damage. When you hire a licensed electrician, you're paying for someone who knows how to do it right—and safely. That peace of mind is priceless.
It’s Not Just Time on the Job
We’re not just showing up with a screwdriver and some wire. We bring thousands of dollars worth of tools, safety gear, and parts so we can fix most things in one trip. Plus, there’s the cost of keeping a reliable work truck on the road.
Permits & Inspections
A lot of electrical work requires permits and inspections from the state. We handle all of that for you, but it does add time and cost to the job. Still, it means your work is up to code and safe for the long haul.
Training & Know-How
Electricians go through years of training, apprenticeships, and continuing education. That means when we walk into your home, we can spot problems quickly, fix them efficiently, and make sure everything’s done right the first time.
Quality Materials
We don’t use cheap parts that will burn out in a year. We use solid, long-lasting materials that meet code and keep your home safe. That might cost a bit more upfront, but it saves headaches later.
Business Costs
Behind every service call, there’s also insurance, fuel, licensing, scheduling, and more. It’s not just about the work in your home—it’s about running a reliable, professional service you can count on.
In the end, you’re not just paying for an hour or two of labor. You’re paying for safety, experience, quality, and the peace of mind that your home’s electrical system is in good hands.
Why isn’t my GFCI outlet working?
Why isn’t my GFI working? Here’s a few possibilities.
Here’s the top 5 reasons your GFI may not be working:
Ground fault occurrence - Ground faults occur when the hot wire or live wire comes into contact with the ground wire or the grounded area of an appliance. Usually, GFCIs function by detecting when the current is flowing along an unintended path (e.g., through water or a person).
The instant the GFCI detects there is even the slightest of current leakage as low as 0.005 amps, it trips right away.
Moisture in the receptacle box - Obviously this is more of an issue in outdoor GFCI outlets. This is much more common with older GFCI’s that weren’t rated specifically for outdoor use. This is a simple repair of swapping out the older GFCI with a new weather proof device and ensuring the box cover seals properly.
Overloaded Circuit - Circuit overload occurs when more amperage flows through an electric wire or circuit than it can handle. This may happen if you connect malfunctioning or defective appliances. Loose, corroded wires or connections may also be to blame. Once the GFCI outlet senses an overload, it trips or "breaks" the circuit.
Electrical Fault - If your GFCI outlet trips consistently, it could be an electric fault resulting from faulty structural wiring. An electrical outlet connected to the same circuit could also be the source of the problem, especially if it was not part of the original wiring of your home. In the case of an electrical fault, you will need a professional electrician to fix the problem.
Faulty GFCI Outlet - If you've tried all else and the GFCI outlet reset doesn't solve the problem, that means the outlet itself is defective. GFCI outlets have highly responsive internal circuitry to detect whenever there's a flaw in the electric system. With time, the sensitive circuitry wears out, rendering the outlet dysfunctional. In this case, the outlet will need replacing and should be done by a qualified electrician.