An overloaded electrical panel can pose serious safety risks, including electrical fires and frequent power disruptions. Homeowners in Cumming, GA, should be aware of the warning signs that indicate their electrical panel may need an upgrade or replacement.

Common Signs of an Overloaded Electrical Panel

🔹 Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips – If your breakers trip often, it means the panel is struggling to handle the electrical load. This is especially common in older homes that weren’t designed for modern power demands.

🔹 Dimming or Flickering Lights – When turning on appliances like your HVAC system, microwave, or hairdryer, do your lights flicker? This could mean your panel isn't distributing power efficiently.

🔹 Burning Smell or Scorch Marks – If you detect a burning smell near your electrical panel or see scorch marks around breakers or outlets, this is a serious fire hazard and needs immediate attention.

🔹 Buzzing or Crackling Sounds – A humming or crackling noise from your panel could indicate loose connections or overheating wires, both of which can lead to electrical failure.

🔹 Warm or Hot Electrical Panel – Your panel should never feel warm to the touch. Overheating is a sign of excessive electrical demand and potential wiring issues.

🔹 Outlets Sparking or Not Working – If you notice sparks, buzzing, or discolored outlets, it may indicate excessive strain on your electrical system.

🔹 Lack of Available Breakers – If your panel is full and you have no room to add new circuits, it may be time for an upgrade to a 200-amp panel to accommodate your home's growing power needs.

🔹 Older or Outdated Electrical Panels – Homes in Cumming, GA, built before the 1990s may have outdated Federal Pacific (FPE) or Zinsco panels, which are known fire hazards and should be replaced immediately.

Choosing the right electrical panel size is crucial for ensuring your home has enough power for your daily needs while staying safe and up to code. In Cumming, GA, most modern homes require at least a 200-amp panel, but the right size depends on your home’s size, appliances, and future electrical demands.

Common Electrical Panel Sizes and Their Uses

🔹 100-Amp Panel – Suitable for older or small homes with minimal electrical demands. May not be enough if you have central HVAC, a modern kitchen, or an EV charger.

🔹 150-Amp Panel – A good choice for mid-sized homes, but it may still be limiting if you plan to add large appliances or a home addition.

🔹 200-Amp Panel – The standard for most modern homes, providing enough power for large appliances, HVAC systems, home offices, and potential future upgrades.

🔹 400-Amp Panel – Ideal for large homes (3,500+ sq. ft.) or properties with high-energy demands, such as multiple HVAC systems, pools, workshops, or EV chargers.

How to Determine the Right Panel Size for Your Home

If you're unsure what size electrical panel your home needs, consider these factors:

✔ Home Size & Age – Older homes may have outdated 100-amp panels that struggle to support today’s energy needs. If your home is over 1,500 sq. ft., a 200-amp panel is recommended.

✔ Number of Large Appliances – Do you have an electric stove, HVAC system, hot tub, or EV charger? These require more power and may necessitate a larger panel.

✔ Future Expansion Plans – If you’re adding a home office, basement, or solar panels, upgrading to a larger panel now can save time and money later.

✔ Breaker Availability – If your current panel is full or you rely on multiple subpanels, an upgrade to a larger panel might be necessary.

✔ Local Electrical Codes & Safety – In Cumming, GA, most electricians recommend 200 amps as the minimum for modern homes. Older panels, like Federal Pacific or Zinsco, should be replaced due to fire hazards.

Upgrading your electrical panel when installing new appliances depends on your home’s current electrical capacity. In Cumming, GA, many older homes still have 100-amp or 150-amp panels, which may not be sufficient to handle the increased demand from modern appliances. If you're adding high-power appliances, an upgrade to a 200-amp panel (or larger) may be necessary.

How to Know If Your Panel Can Handle New Appliances

If you’re installing any of the following, you may need an electrical panel upgrade:

🔹 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger – Most Level 2 EV chargers require a dedicated 240V circuit and draw significant power.
🔹 Tankless Water Heater – These require higher amperage than traditional water heaters.
🔹 HVAC System Upgrade – Replacing or adding an AC, heat pump, or electric furnace may strain an older panel.
🔹 Hot Tub or Pool Equipment – Pumps, heaters, and filtration systems require additional circuits.
🔹 Electric Range or Double Oven – If switching from gas to electric, your panel may need more capacity.
🔹 Home Addition or Remodel – More rooms often mean more outlets, lighting, and appliances, increasing electrical demand.
🔹 Solar Panel Installation – Some solar setups require an upgraded panel to accommodate additional loads.