How to Identify Signs of a Faulty Electrical Panel This Winter

2/3/2025

A bad electrical panel can lead to fires, power surges, and breaker problems, especially in winter when energy use goes up. Signs of trouble include flickering lights, breakers tripping often, and a burning smell near the panel. If you notice any of these, get an inspection right away to stay safe.

Why a Faulty Electrical Panel Is a Serious Danger

A faulty electrical panel isn’t just annoying—it’s a fire hazard.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says malfunctioning panels cause about 2,000 house fires in the U.S. each year.

That’s a scary number, especially with the added risks in winter.

In colder months, homes in Myrtle Beach, SC, use more power.

Heating systems, space heaters, holiday lights, and extra indoor activity all put more strain on your electrical system.

If your panel is old or failing, it may not handle the extra load safely.

This can lead to overloaded circuits, sparks, or even fires.

Another danger?

Outdated panels may not trip circuit breakers when there’s a power surge or short circuit.

This means wires can overheat, creating a fire risk.

Even if your panel looks fine, worn-out parts could be a hidden problem.

It’s not just about fires.

A malfunctioning panel can damage appliances, cause power outages, or make your electricity unreliable.

That’s why regular checks and upgrades are important.

If your home has an old panel or you’ve noticed flickering lights or frequent breaker trips, get it checked by Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach, SC before winter makes things worse.

Signs Your Faulty Electrical Panel Might Be Failing

Your faulty electrical panel won’t always stop working right away—it usually shows warning signs first.

Ignoring them can lead to serious risks like electrical fires.

Here’s what to look for:

• Flickering or dim lights – If your lights flicker, dim, or pulse when you use appliances, your panel might not be handling power well. This can mean a bad breaker or an overloaded circuit.
• Breakers tripping often – Breakers trip when there’s too much power flowing. If you keep resetting them, there’s likely a bigger issue. Older panels may also struggle to keep up with today’s electrical needs. 
• A burning smell or scorch marks – A burning smell near the panel or scorch marks on outlets or the panel itself is a serious warning. This could mean overheating wires or internal sparks, both of which can cause fires.

• Buzzing or crackling sounds – Electricity should be silent. If you hear buzzing, crackling, or popping sounds from your panel, it may mean the breakers aren’t controlling power safely, increasing the risk of fire.

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait—call an emergency electrician in Myrtle Beach, SC right away to protect your home from the dangers of a faulty electrical panel.

Faulty Electrical Panels You Should Replace

Some panels are known to fail, making them a safety risk.

If your home in Myrtle Beach, SC, has any of these panels, it’s time for an inspection or replacement.

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Panels

Commonly from 1950 to 1990, FPE panels fail 25% to 65% of the time in UL tests. The problem? Their breakers don’t trip when overloaded. This greatly raises the risk of fire.

Zinsco Panels

Used in the 1970s, Zinsco panels have a flaw where breakers melt into the bus bar. When this happens, they can’t trip during a power surge, allowing too much electricity to flow. This raises the chances of fire and electric shock.

Challenger (Eaton/Cutler-Hammer) Panels

Made from 1982 to 1988, these outdated electrical panels have breaker failures and overheating issues. Over time, they can cause power loss or dangerous wiring problems—issues you don’t want in winter when you rely on electricity the most.

If your home has a faulty panel, contact Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach, SC for a professional inspection and upgrade before it becomes a serious hazard.

Why Electrical Panels Fail More in Winter

Winter puts more strain on your home’s electrical system, leading to more panel failures.

One big reason? Higher energy use.

With heaters, space heaters, and holiday lights running non-stop, your panel has to work harder.

In winter, electrical demand can rise by 30-50%, pushing old or weak panels to their limit.

Another issue is moisture buildup.

Snow and ice can melt and seep into small cracks in your meter box or panel.

Over time, this extra moisture can cause rust, corrosion, or even short circuits.

If you smell burnt plastic or see discoloration around breakers, moisture could be the cause.

Temperature changes make things worse.

Shifting from freezing cold to indoor warmth makes electrical parts expand and contract, loosening connections inside the panel.

Loose connections create resistance, which builds up heat—a fire risk.

If your breakers trip often or your lights flicker in winter, don’t ignore it.

Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach, SC has skilled electricians ready to inspect, fix, or upgrade your panel before bigger problems happen.

A strong, updated panel keeps your home safe and powered all winter.

When to Check Your Electrical Panel for Problems

Checking your electrical panel regularly can help prevent serious issues.

While homeowners can spot some warning signs, a professional inspection ensures nothing gets missed.

Signs You Should Look For

Start with a quick visual check.

Look for scorch marks, rust, or melted insulation around the panel.

A burning smell or buzzing sound is a big red flag.

If your breaker trips often, especially when using big appliances, your panel may be struggling.

When to Call a Professional

Even if everything looks fine, getting an electrical inspection every 10 years is a smart move, says the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

If your panel is over 25 years old, it might not meet today’s safety standards.

Also, if you’ve added big appliances, a home addition, or upgraded your HVAC system, your panel may need an upgrade to handle the load.

If any of these issues sound familiar, call a licensed electrician.

Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach, SC can inspect and upgrade an outdated or malfunctioning panel before it becomes a hazard.

Don’t wait for a failure—get your panel checked today!

What Happens If You Ignore a Faulty Electrical Panel

A faulty electrical panel is not something you should ignore.

It can put your home and safety at risk.

If you don’t fix it, you could face electrical fires, damaged appliances, or a total power outage when you least expect it.

The biggest danger is fire.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says defective panels cause about 2,000 house fires each year.

Old panels, loose wires, and overloaded circuits create too much heat, which can start a fire.

If your panel is over 25-30 years old, it may have safety problems and might not meet today’s electrical codes.

Besides fire, power surges and voltage issues can damage your appliances.

Electronics like TVs, fridges, and computers can break down early because of unstable power.

Over time, that means spending more money to repair or replace expensive devices.

The worst-case scenario?

A malfunctioning electrical panel that leaves you without power.

Think about losing heat on a cold Myrtle Beach night or being stuck in the dark when you need power most.

Small problems can quickly turn into major failures.

Don’t wait—call Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach, SC at the first sign of trouble.

It’s not worth the risk.

Upgrade or Repair? Choosing the Best Option

Should you fix or replace a faulty panel?

It depends on its age, condition, and capacity.

Sometimes, small fixes like replacing a bad breaker or tightening loose wires can do the trick.

But if the panel is old or can’t handle your home’s power use, replacing it is often the safer choice.

Older panels, especially those rated 100 amps or less, may not support today’s power needs.

With more high-powered appliances, smart home devices, and electric vehicle chargers, a panel that worked fine 20 years ago could now be a fire risk.

Upgrading to a 200-amp panel boosts capacity and helps prevent overloaded circuits, tripped breakers, and electrical fires.

If your breaker box trips often, smells like something is burning or has scorch marks, it’s time to call a pro.

Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach, SC can check your system and advise the best solution.

Repairs might buy some time, but a full upgrade ensures safety, reliability, and modern code compliance.

Don’t wait until your panel fails—upgrade now for peace of mind.

How a Faulty Electrical Panel Hurts Your Home’s Efficiency

A faulty panel isn’t just a safety risk—it can also waste energy in ways you might not notice.

An old or malfunctioning panel can’t distribute power evenly, which can cause power surges or make appliances struggle to get the electricity they need.

This forces them to work harder and wear out faster.

If your electric bill is climbing, your panel might be the reason.

Loose connections, corroded wires, or overloaded circuits make your system work harder than needed, pulling extra power.

This not only costs you more money but can also shorten the life of key appliances like your HVAC system, fridge, and washer/dryer.

Another big problem? Bad surge protection.

An outdated panel can’t handle voltage spikes well, putting your expensive electronics at risk.

A modern surge protector can help protect your home from sudden power jumps and keep your devices running longer.

Upgrading to a newer, properly rated panel can make sure your electrical system runs smoothly, cuts down on energy waste, and helps appliances last longer.

If you think your panel is the problem, call a licensed electrician in Myrtle Beach, SC for an inspection.

Why Professional Electrical Panel Inspections Matter

A faulty panel isn’t just annoying—it’s a fire risk that needs expert attention.

Regular checks by a licensed electrician keep your panel safe and working well, lowering the chance of sudden failures.

Why Hiring a Local Electrician Helps

Electrical rules change by location, and Myrtle Beach, SC, has its own codes.

Choosing a local pro like Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach, SC ensures your panel follows safety rules.

Local experts also know how the area’s humidity and salt air can speed up corrosion in electrical parts.

What Happens During an Inspection

An inspection isn’t just a quick look at your breaker box.

Electricians check for loose connections, overheating breakers, outdated wiring, and corrosion.

They also test if your system can handle your home’s power needs and look for components that may require upgrades.

Added Safety with AFCI Breakers

New electrical panels have AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) breakers, which stop dangerous electrical arcing before it causes a fire.

Older panels often lack this key safety feature, making an inspection even more important to keep your home and family safe.

What to Do If You Think Your Electrical Panel Is Faulty

A faulty electrical panel is a serious problem.

If your lights flicker, breakers trip often, or you smell something burning near the panel, act fast to avoid fire risks or power failures.

Ignoring a faulty electrical panel can lead to dangerous situations, including potential electrical fires.

What to Do Right Away

1. Turn Off Extra Appliances – This helps reduce strain on the panel.
2. Don’t Keep Resetting a Tripping Breaker – If a breaker won’t stay on, forcing it can cause overheating or a fire.
3. Check for Signs of Damage – Scorch marks, melted wires, or odd noises mean trouble.
4. Stay Away if It’s Hot or Smells Burnt – Too much heat can lead to a fire.

How to Get an Inspection

Electrical problems aren’t just annoying—they’re dangerous.

Call an electrician right away if you think your panel has issues.

Licensed pros have the skills and tools to find the problem and fix it safely.

If you suspect you have a faulty electrical panel, getting it inspected immediately is crucial for the safety of your home and family.

For expert electrical services checks in Myrtle Beach, SC, contact Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach, SC.

Their team handles emergency electrical repairs and will inspect your panel to keep your home safe and up to code.

Don’t wait—electrical problems can get worse fast.

Preventative Maintenance Tips for a Reliable Electrical System

Electrical problems don’t just happen overnight.

They build up over time, often because of neglect.

A little maintenance can help keep your home’s electrical system safe and running smoothly.

Simple Checks Homeowners Can Do

A few quick inspections can help catch problems early.

Look for scorch marks, rust, or moisture around your panel.

If you hear buzzing or feel warmth on the panel, call an expert.

A faulty electrical panel can lead to serious safety risks.

Test your outlets and light switches often—flickering lights or power issues can mean trouble with the wiring.

It’s also smart to reset your breakers now and then.

This keeps them from sticking and ensures they work right.

Replace outlet covers that are worn or loose.

Loose outlets can cause arcing, which is a serious fire risk and could signal a faulty electrical panel.

Why Professional Maintenance Matters

Even if you’re careful, you won’t catch everything.

That’s why a licensed electrician should check for a faulty electrical panel every few years.

Experts from Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach, SC can spot overloaded circuits, bad connections, and hidden fire hazards.

Also, yearly surge protection checks help protect your electronics.

Cold weather puts extra strain on your system, so it’s even more important to get an inspection before winter.

Taking action now saves money and stress later.

Routine maintenance keeps your electrical system safe, efficient, and up to code all year.

FAQs

What are the signs of a faulty electrical panel?

Frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, and a burning smell near the panel are big red flags. Scorch marks, buzzing sounds, and power that cuts in and out are also signs you need a pro to check it out.

Can a faulty electrical panel raise my energy bills?

Yes. An old or malfunctioning panel may not distribute power well, making appliances work harder and use more electricity. If your energy bill has jumped without a clear reason, your panel might be the problem.

Are older electrical panels unsafe?

Yes. Panels over 25-30 years old may not meet today’s safety rules and can be a fire hazard. Certain outdated panel brands have been associated with potential issues and should be inspected by a professional to ensure safety.

How often should I get my electrical panel checked?

Experts recommend a professional inspection at least every 10 years. But if your home has frequent electrical problems, you should get it checked sooner.

Who should I call if I think my panel is bad?

If you’re in Myrtle Beach, SC, call a licensed electrician like Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach, SC. A pro can spot hidden dangers and make sure your system is safe.