How often should your home’s electrical system and breaker panel be inspected?

Your breaker panel is where power enters your home and gets divided into circuits. Unlike a furnace or water heater, it doesn’t get a yearly tune-up, so it’s easy to forget about. A periodic inspection by a licensed electrician makes sure it, and the wiring behind it, can safely handle how you use power today.

When to have an inspection

• When your home is more than 40 years old. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) recommends that all homes over 40 years old get an electrical inspection to make sure the system can handle modern demands.
• When buying or selling a home.
• Before or after a major renovation or addition.
• Before adding a major electrical load, such as an EV charger, hot tub, heat pump, electric range or generator.
• After a fire, flood or other damage that reached electrical equipment.
• Many electricians also suggest a general check every few years for any home, and sooner if you notice the warning signs below.

What an electrician checks

• The panel’s capacity and condition, and whether it can handle your current and planned loads.
• Breakers for correct sizing, wear, overheating and proper connections.
• Signs of moisture, rust or corrosion inside the panel.
• Grounding and bonding.
• GFCI and AFCI protection where it’s required.
• Outlets, switches and visible wiring for damage, loose connections or outdated materials.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Signs your panel or wiring needs attention

ESFI says flickering or dimming lights, a burning smell, discolored switches or warm outlets can be signs of a serious wiring problem. Also call an electrician if:

• Breakers trip often during normal use.
• The panel cover feels warm, or you hear buzzing or crackling from it.
• You see rust, scorch marks or water stains on or near the panel.
• Your home still uses a fuse box, or the panel’s rated capacity is low for the appliances you run.

Keep your panel ready

• Keep the area in front of the panel clear so it can be reached quickly.
• Make sure each breaker is labeled with what it controls.
• Leave panel repairs and breaker replacements to a licensed electrician. Panel work involves the main power feed into your home.