California Electrician ProCalifornia

Electrical panel upgrades

Panel work usually needs a permit and inspection from the local AHJ, and the utility may need to be involved for service changes.

Closed residential circuit breaker panel cover
Photo: BrokenSphere, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

What this covers

Replacing outdated fuse boxes or undersized breaker panels and adding capacity for modern loads.

Do this first

  • Keep clear of sparking outlets, burning smells or water near electrical equipment.
  • Do not keep resetting a breaker that trips immediately.
  • Note which rooms lost power and photograph the panel if it is safe.

No power, a hot panel or a new circuit? Tell us what is happening. Request an electrician