When the lights flicker or the breaker trips for the third time this week, it’s your home’s way of saying: I need more power.
In Los Angeles, where many homes were built decades ago, outdated electrical panels are one of the most common causes of power problems, safety issues, and even home fires.
As licensed electricians serving homeowners and builders across L.A. County, here’s what you should know before your next remodel, EV charger install, or appliance upgrade.
The Real Purpose of an Electrical Panel
Your electrical panel — often called a breaker box — is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It distributes electricity to every outlet, light, and appliance.
But like anything else, panels have a lifespan. If your home is over 25 years old, your panel likely wasn’t designed to handle modern energy demands.
Old panels can:
Overheat or short-circuit under heavy load
Trip frequently when using new appliances
Lack proper grounding or AFCI/GFCI protection
Why Los Angeles Homes Are Especially at Risk
Los Angeles homes face a unique challenge: growth without electrical modernization.
Between solar panels, central AC, induction cooktops, and EV chargers, the average L.A. household now uses 2–3 times more electricity than it did just 20 years ago.
When your home still runs on a 100-amp panel, it’s like trying to power a Tesla with a lawnmower battery.
The Benefits of Upgrading to a 200-Amp Panel
Upgrading your panel is one of the smartest long-term investments you can make — both for safety and property value.
Top benefits include:
No more tripped breakers — reliable power for every device
Room for future upgrades like EV chargers, solar, or ADUs
Higher resale value — modern buyers and inspectors love to see 200-amp service
Fire prevention — new panels include better protection against overloads and arcing
In fact, many insurance companies in California now require panel replacements to maintain or renew coverage on older homes.
Planning for EV Chargers, Solar, and Smart Homes
California is going all-in on clean energy and electric vehicles. By 2035, all new car sales in the state will be electric — and most EV chargers require a 240-volt dedicated circuit.
Instead of adding a patchwork of circuits later, it’s far smarter to plan your panel upgrade before you remodel or install new systems.
Our team at 911 Construction & Electric Inc. can assess your total electrical load and design a system that’s ready for future expansion — from solar integration to smart-home automation.
How to Know It’s Time for an Upgrade
You should consider upgrading if:
Your home has a fuse box or Federal Pacific panel
Breakers trip often or feel warm to touch
Lights flicker when appliances start
You smell a burning odor near your panel
You’re adding major new appliances or an EV charger
What to Expect During a Panel Upgrade
A professional panel upgrade typically takes 1–2 days and involves:
A power shutoff coordinated with LADWP or your local utility
Removal of your old panel and breakers
Installation of a new main service panel and updated breakers
Inspection and permit approval through the city
All work should be performed by a licensed C-10 electrical contractor — not a handyman or general builder — to ensure full code compliance and insurance coverage.
Final Word: Don’t Wait for the Lights to Go Out
Electrical panels are the heart of your home’s safety system. Waiting until yours fails could mean costly repairs or even a dangerous electrical fire.
If your Los Angeles home hasn’t had a panel upgrade in decades, now is the time to act.
Call 911 Construction & Electric Inc.
Your trusted Los Angeles construction and electrical experts — licensed, bonded, and ready to modernize your power system safely and efficiently.
