If you’re a homeowner in Lakeland, you’ve probably wondered whether your electrical system is still safe-especially if your home is older or your power needs have grown. Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s power supply, and when it starts to fail, the risks can be serious. Problems like flickering lights, tripping breakers, or strange burning smells may indicate you need an electrical panel upgrade in Lakeland.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top warning signs, explain when Florida electrical code requires an upgrade, and help you understand when it’s time to call a licensed electrician in Lakeland, FL for a professional inspection.
Why Electrical Panels Matter in Florida Homes
Your electrical panel-also called a breaker box or service panel-distributes electricity safely throughout your home. A failing or outdated panel can cause:
- Power outages
- Overheating and fire hazards
- Damaged appliances
- Increased risk during storms (a major concern in Florida)
Older Lakeland homes built before the early 1990s often have outdated equipment, and some South Florida-era panels are now known fire risks (like Federal Pacific and Zinsco). That makes knowing the warning signs even more important.
Warning Sign #1 – Breakers That Trip Constantly
A breaker is designed to trip when something is wrong, but frequent tripping is a clear signal your panel is struggling.
Possible causes include:
- Overloaded circuits
- Loose connections
- Faulty breakers
- Undersized service for modern appliances
If your home has added load-like a new AC unit, EV charger, or kitchen remodel-your panel may no longer meet code or capacity.
When this requires a panel upgrade
If the panel cannot support the load even after redistribution or repairs, a breaker box upgrade is necessary.
People Also Ask:
“Can a house run with a constantly tripping breaker?”
Not safely. Tripping is a built-in protection. Ignoring it increases fire risk.
Warning Sign #2 – Lights Flicker or Dim When Appliances Turn On
If your lights flicker when your AC kicks on-or dim when using the microwave-your panel may be overloaded.
Why this matters in Lakeland
Florida homes rely heavily on:
- Air conditioning
- Pool pumps
- Heat pumps
- Dehumidifiers
These high-demand devices can strain older panels.
What this warning sign may mean
- Your service amperage is too low
- The panel is reaching end-of-life
- Branch circuits are overextended
- Connections are loose or corroded
A licensed electrician in Lakeland, FL should inspect the system immediately.
Warning Sign #3 – Burning Smells, Buzzing, or Discoloration
This is the most urgent sign.
Common causes include:
- Overheated bus bars
- Corroded breakers
- Arcing behind the panel
- Melted insulation
Why this is dangerous
Electrical arcing can exceed 10,000°F, hot enough to ignite surrounding materials. Florida’s humidity makes corrosion more common, especially in garages.
If you ever smell burning, immediately shut off power and call a licensed electrician.
Warning Sign #4 – Your Home Still Uses an Old or Unsafe Panel
Some older panels are now considered unsafe. If you live in an older Lakeland neighborhood-Dixieland, Beacon Hill, Lake Morton, North Lakeland-your home may still have one.
Panels known for fires or failures:
- Federal Pacific (FPE)
- Zinsco / Sylvania
- Challenger
- Fuse boxes
- 60-amp panels
- Panels older than 30-40 years
These panels fail to trip properly, which can lead to overheating and house fires.
Florida Electrical Code Requirements
The Florida Building Code, based on the National Electrical Code (NEC), often requires upgrades when:
- Adding major appliances
- Renovating a kitchen or bathroom
- Installing HVAC systems
- Adding EV chargers or generators
If your panel is outdated, a panel replacement is not optional-it’s required.
Warning Sign #5 – You Don’t Have Enough Circuits for Modern Living
Homes built decades ago were not designed for modern electricity use. Today’s homes may need circuits for:
- Air fryers
- Dual refrigerators
- Tesla/EV chargers
- Smart home systems
- Outdoor kitchens
- Pools & hot tubs
- Home offices
If you rely on extension cords or power strips, your system is overloaded.
Signs you need more circuits:
- Outlets are warm
- Lights dim when you plug devices in
- Breakers labeled “spare” or “open” but don’t work
- You hear clicking or buzzing
A panel upgrade or sub-panel installation fixes this safely.
How Florida’s Climate Makes Panel Issues Worse
Lakeland is in one of the highest lightning strike zones in the U.S. Electricity behaves differently here.
Florida-specific risks:
- Frequent lightning → surge damage
- High humidity → corrosion inside panels
- Hurricanes → increased generator load on panels
- Heat → overheated breakers
Because of this, many Lakeland homeowners also install:
- Whole-home surge protection
- Generators / transfer switches
- Service upgrades to 200 amps or higher
When Florida Code Requires an Electrical Panel Upgrade
Even if your panel seems “fine,” code may require an upgrade during:
1. Home Renovation Projects
Adding square footage, remodeling a kitchen, or installing a new HVAC system often requires meeting modern NEC standards.
2. Adding High-Demand Appliances
Examples:
- EV chargers
- Electric ranges
- Tankless electric water heaters
- Heat pumps
- Pool heaters
3. Insurance Requirements
Many Florida insurers refuse coverage for outdated or unsafe panels.
4. Property Sales
Buyers often request panel upgrades for safety.
If you’re unsure, Look Electric provides free estimates and can confirm if your system meets code.
How a Licensed Electrician Diagnoses a Failing Panel
At Look Electric Co., our inspection includes:
1. Checking the Panel Age & Manufacturer
We verify whether the panel is one of the known fire-risk models or over 30 years old.
2. Testing Breakers
We check:
- Trip timing
- Heat levels
- Load capacity
3. Inspecting for Arcing, Burn Marks, or Corrosion
Lakeland’s humidity makes corrosion very common in garage-mounted panels.
4. Load Calculation According to Florida Code
We calculate whether your home’s load exceeds panel capacity using NEC Article 220.
5. Evaluating Whether an Upgrade or Repair Is Needed
Sometimes repairs are enough, but when the system is unsafe or outdated, replacement is the only compliant option.
People Also Ask – Quick Answers
“How long does an electrical panel last?”
Most panels last 25-40 years, depending on climate and usage.
“Is upgrading an electrical panel worth it?”
Yes – it improves safety, prevents outages, and increases home value.
“Can I replace an electrical panel myself?”
No. Florida law requires a licensed electrical contractor to perform panel work.
“How much does a panel upgrade cost in Lakeland?”
Depending on size and code requirements, most 200-amp upgrades cost $1,800-$3,500.
Conclusion: When to Schedule an Electrical Panel Upgrade in Lakeland
If you’ve noticed breaker trips, flickering lights, burning smells, or you know your home has an old breaker box, it may be time for an electrical panel upgrade in Lakeland. Florida’s weather, power demands, and strict code requirements make it even more important to have a panel that’s safe and up to date.
Look Electric Co. specializes in code-compliant panel replacements, detailed electrical inspections, surge protection, generator hookups, and EV charger installations. Our licensed electricians provide free estimates, honest recommendations, and professional installation you can trust.
Call Look Electric today at (863) 859-2515
Keep your home safe, up to code, and ready for modern electrical demands.
