Got the home renovation bug? Once you start dreaming about a new kitchen, bathroom or patio, it’s easy to see the potential for updates everywhere you look. Before you start picking out paint chips and ordering appliances, let us shine a light on a renovation that far too many homeowners overlook—until disaster strikes. 

Here in San Mateo, many older homes still have outdated electrical panels with known issues that can’t safely handle modern appliances and technology. The problem with these devices is that they typically work just fine until they suffer a sudden and catastrophic failure.

Upgrading your panel keeps your family safe, helps get your home ready for the future here in California, and gives you peace of mind. Find out why below, then schedule a visit from Caccia Home Services or call (650) 442-1470 so we can help.

The Dangers of Outdated Electrical Panels

All components begin to wear down over time; that’s why we recommend having your entire electrical system inspected and maintained at least once per year. This is the best way to catch potential problems early and fix them before they negatively affect your home.

But running an outdated electrical panel is particularly dangerous, even if you’re diligent with maintenance. They may appear to be operating perfectly fine on the surface even when the components within them are corroded, broken, or recalled for safety issues.

Related: How to Know if Your Panel Needs to Be Upgraded

Breaker boxes made before 2011 are more likely to suffer from breakdowns and failures that lead to serious problems, including:

• Electrical fires
• Problems with breakers
• Power outages
• Sudden electrical failures
• Expensive repairs

Overloading is another common issue we see—it occurs when the appliances and electronics you use pull more power than your panel is rated to provide. Over time, this will degrade the insulation on your wiring and negatively affect your entire electrical system.

It’s also one of the most common contributors to electrical fires and electrocution injuries in homes. Rarely, it can even damage your appliances or burn out their circuitry.

If your panel was made before the year 2000, it may also be a brand or model that was recalled for serious safety issues decades ago. We strongly recommend having it inspected by our licensed electricians right away.

Federal Pacific and Zinsco Panels: Dangerous by Design

Most Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) and Zinsco panels were discontinued in the 1980s after it became clear they had serious manufacturing defects. The failure rates for these devices are extraordinarily high—so much so that some people estimate up to 80% of all units will eventually fail or cause a fire. They also don’t meet NEC safety standards.

• FPE panels use Stab-Lok breakers that can fail to trip appropriately in response to electrical overload, causing wires to overheat or spark. One study from 2011 linked them to over 2,800 fires and 13 deaths.
• Zinsco panels contain aluminum bus bars (tiny metal strips) that carry electricity from your main breaker to your circuit breakers. Corrosion at connection points causes electrical arcing that can melt components, burn insulation, and start fires.

You’re more likely to have one of these models if your home was built before 1990. Check on the door for an FPE or Zinsco logo or give us a call to confirm.

Related: What Does an Electrical Inspection Include?

The Benefits of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel

Safety is the number one reason to upgrade your electrical panel—but an update is also one of the smartest ways to future-proof your home. Newer models are designed to help your entire system run more efficiently and support technologies that require more capacity. 

Making the switch can help you:

• Lower energy waste and costs. Newer panels are better at distributing power and limiting waste, which can save you money and reduce your carbon footprint.
• Stay compliant with modern safety codes. Newer panels are designed to meet stringent NEC safety standards and are more carefully manufactured. You can trust them to keep you safe for up to 20 years.
• Increase your capacity. Energy-efficient HVAC systems, smart home automation tools, EV chargers increase demand on your panel. Upgrading ensures your system can effortlessly support technologies like these.
• Go solar. Modern breaker boxes are easier to integrate with new or existing solar panels—so you can take part in California’s efforts to address climate change.

There’s nothing more frustrating than ordering a fancy new piece of equipment, only to find out your panel isn’t capable of supporting it. Save yourself the disappointment by scheduling an appointment with us first—we’ll confirm if you need to make any changes beforehand!

Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

You won’t always be able to detect a problem with your electrical panel on your own, and frankly, if you aren’t an electrician, please don’t try. There’s a lot of power coursing through those circuits at any given time.

Most panel breakdowns happen suddenly and without warning. That said, you should always reach out to us right away if you experience any of the following:

• Breakers that keep tripping, even though your use hasn’t changed.
• Power outages in one or more rooms, outlying buildings, or the garage.
• A strong buzzing noise coming from your electrical panel or equipment.
• Lights that flicker, go dim, or appear to “brown out” without warning.
• A burning smell, sizzling, or smoke—THIS IS AN EMERGENCY! 

Here at Caccia, we have special tools to help us diagnose problems that simmer under the surface—like faulty wiring, hot circuits, and broken connections. It’s always safer to let us handle the job for you than to try to figure it out on your own.

Related: Residential EV Car Charger Guide for 2025

California-Specific Considerations

The NEC, Title 24, and California’s Electrical Code (CEC) all contain strict regulations and efficiency standards that older electrical panels don’t meet. The City of San Mateo builds on these guidelines by making it mandatory for all new builds—and some major renovations—to be all-electric and EV ready at completion. 

Most insurance companies that serve our area won’t provide coverage for homes that use panels manufactured before a specific date. That’s a big deal at a time when so many providers are thinking about pulling out of California altogether.

But what does all of this mean for you, the homeowner? Keeping your panel updated and in good working order is the best way to ensure you’re safe, protected, and ready to move into a more sustainable future here in California as guidelines become more strict.

Protect Your Home With Caccia Home Services

At Caccia Home Services, we believe that protecting the community starts with creating safer homes. With over 45 years of experience and a commitment to transparent, upfront pricing, you can trust our licensed electricians to provide fast, reliable panel upgrades and repairs.

Don’t take chances with outdated electrical equipment that can start fires or jeopardize the safety of your loved ones. Schedule an inspection now to find out if it’s time for an upgrade—so you’re doing everything you can to keep your family safe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Upgrading Electrical Panels

How do I know if my electrical panel needs an upgrade?

In general, panels that are more than 25 years old should be replaced with newer models as soon as possible. If you’re still operating on a 100-amp system, that’s an even more compelling reason to make the switch.

We don’t recommend trying to fix your electric or diagnose problems with panels on your own. Let us know right away if you’re struggling with issues like tripped breakers or flickering lights—or planning to install high-powered appliances.

What size electrical panel do I need for my home renovation?

Most modern homes need at least a 200-amp panel to comfortably support today’s electrical demands. If you’re adding major appliances, an EV charger, or expanding your home, our licensed electricians can estimate how much capacity you’ll need.

Can I upgrade my electrical panel myself?

That’s a solid “no!” Electrical panel upgrades should always be handled by a licensed electrician—and actually must be in order to meet local safety standards. This is just not a DIY-friendly process, and improper installation can lead to fires, code violations, or serious (and expensive) damage to your home.

How long does it take to upgrade an electrical panel?

A typical panel upgrade takes a few hours, but the exact process we follow can vary. Often, we’ll need to arrange for a permit first, inspect your current setup, and arrange for your power to be turned off while we handle the work. Give us a call if you have concerns about being offline—we’ll do our best to help you find solutions.