Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s power system. It distributes electricity from the utility company to all the outlets, lighting, and appliances you rely on every day. But just like any other system in your home, it can become outdated, overloaded, or even unsafe over time.
At Hippo Heating and Electric Services, we help homeowners across Greater London identify and upgrade faulty or aging electrical panels before they become serious risks. Here are the top signs it might be time for an upgrade.
⚠️ 1. Your Breakers Trip Constantly
If your circuit breakers are shutting off regularly, your panel is likely overworked. Breakers are a safety mechanism — they trip when a circuit gets too hot or overloaded. If this happens often, your panel might be too small or worn out to safely manage your home’s electrical needs.
What to do: Call a qualified electrician to assess your panel capacity and condition.
💡 2. Lights Flicker When Appliances Are On
When your lights dim or flicker every time you run the microwave, kettle, or vacuum, it’s a sign that your electrical system is straining. This often points to an underpowered or aging panel.
What to do: An upgrade will ensure your circuits deliver consistent, reliable power.
🧯 3. You Still Have a Fuse Box
Still using an old-school fuse box instead of a breaker panel? That’s a red flag. Fuse boxes are outdated, harder to maintain, and may not meet current safety regulations. Some insurers won’t even cover properties with them.
What to do: Upgrade to a modern breaker panel for safety, compliance, and insurance peace of mind.
⚙️ 4. You’ve Added New Appliances or a Home Extension
New HVAC system? Electric car charger? Loft conversion? These upgrades add serious electrical demand. Your old panel might not have the capacity to handle it all — especially if it’s under 100 amps.
What to do: Before making upgrades, have an electrician check if your panel can support the extra load.
🔥 5. The Panel Smells Burnt or Feels Warm
A burning smell, buzzing noise, or warm panel is a major warning sign. These symptoms can mean loose wiring, corrosion, or overheating — all of which pose a fire risk.
What to do: Shut off the power and call an electrician immediately. This is an urgent safety issue.
⏳ 6. It’s Over 25 Years Old
Electrical panels typically last 25–30 years. After that, internal parts degrade and may no longer meet modern safety standards. Older models from brands like Zinsco or Federal Pacific are known to fail dangerously and should always be replaced.
What to do: If your panel is more than two decades old, schedule a professional inspection — even if everything seems fine.
🔌 7. You Rely on Extension Cords and Power Strips
Are there extension cords and multi-way adapters in every room? That’s a clue your home doesn’t have enough outlets or circuits — which usually ties back to an underpowered panel.
What to do: Upgrading your panel allows for more circuits and outlets, safely tailored to your home’s usage.
✅ Why Upgrade Your Panel?
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Protect your home from fire risks and electrical faults
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Increase capacity for modern appliances and EV chargers
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Boost property value and meet current codes
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Ensure reliable, uninterrupted power
⚡ Trust the Experts at Hippo Heating and Electric
At Hippo Heating and Electric Services, we specialise in safe, code-compliant electrical panel upgrades across Greater London. Whether you’re experiencing signs of trouble or planning a home renovation, our qualified electricians will make sure your home is powered properly — and safely.
Don’t ignore the signs.
Upgrade your electrical panel today for peace of mind tomorrow.
👉 Click here to book an electrical inspection
Or call us now to speak with a member of our team.