By Volta Electric | Licensed Electrical Contractor Serving Burbank & the San Fernando Valley
Your electrical panel is the distribution point for your home’s electrical circuits. It is designed around the electrical service and load the home requires—but those requirements can change substantially over a property’s life.
An older Burbank home may have originally been designed for a much smaller electrical load than it uses today. Central air conditioning, modern kitchen appliances, home offices, EV charging, heat pumps, pools, and other electrical equipment can add significant demand.
That does not mean every older home needs a larger electrical panel. A 100-amp service, for example, may be adequate for one property and inadequate for another. The correct answer depends on the home’s calculated electrical load and the capacity of the existing service and equipment.
For homeowners considering an electrical panel upgrade in Burbank, the right starting point is a professional assessment rather than simply replacing a panel because it is old.
Quick Answer: How Do I Know If My Electrical Panel Is Too Small?
The strongest indication that a panel or electrical service needs an upgrade is not its age or amp rating alone. It is a mismatch between the home’s electrical demand and the capacity or configuration of the existing system.
Common reasons to have a panel evaluated include:
- Frequent circuit-breaker trips
- Flickering or dimming lights
- An electrical panel with physical damage or overheating
- Insufficient space or appropriate equipment for required new circuits
- Planned installation of an EV charger or other large electrical load
- A home addition or major remodel
- An electrical service that does not have enough capacity for the calculated load
- An inspection that identifies electrical deficiencies
Frequent breaker trips, dimming or flickering lights, buzzing, discolored outlets, and other symptoms are reasons to have a home’s electrical system inspected.
But these symptoms do not automatically prove that the main panel is undersized. A qualified electrician needs to determine the cause.
What Does “Panel Size” Actually Mean?
Homeowners often use “panel size” and “electrical service size” interchangeably, but they are not always the same thing.
The service rating describes how much electrical current the home’s service is designed to provide. The panelboard is the equipment that distributes that electricity among the home’s branch circuits.
A home might have a 100-amp service and a panel configured appropriately for that service. Another home might have a larger service but still have an electrical-panel problem because of age, damage, poor configuration, lack of circuit capacity, or other deficiencies.
That’s why simply looking at the number printed on the main breaker is not enough to decide whether an upgrade is necessary.
Why Burbank Homes May Need Electrical Upgrades
Burbank contains a wide range of housing ages and styles, including older single-family homes and properties that have been remodeled or expanded over the years.
The electrical demands of a property can change considerably when homeowners add major equipment.
For example, a home that once had relatively modest electrical loads may later add:
- Central air conditioning
- Electric cooking equipment
- Additional HVAC systems
- Pool or spa equipment
- EV charging
- Home-office equipment
- Heat-pump water heating
- An addition or ADU
- Outdoor kitchens or other high-demand appliances
Burbank Water and Power specifically notes that an ADU can require an upgrade to the electrical main service panel to accommodate additional electrical load. BWP also requires coordination and service confirmation for certain service changes.
The lesson is simple: new electrical loads should be evaluated before they are added—not after the existing system starts having problems.
Signs Your Electrical System May Need Attention
1. Circuit Breakers Trip Frequently
A circuit breaker that trips occasionally under a clear overload may be operating normally.
Repeated trips, however, should be investigated.
Possible causes include:
- Circuit overload
- Short circuit
- Ground fault
- Faulty appliance
- Damaged wiring
- Defective breaker
A repeatedly tripping branch breaker does not automatically mean the main panel needs replacing. ESFI lists frequent breaker trips as one warning sign of an overloaded electrical system.
2. Lights Flicker or Dim When Equipment Starts
Large motor-driven loads can produce noticeable changes when they start.
If lights flicker or dim significantly, especially throughout the home or increasingly often, the electrical system should be evaluated.
Potential causes can include an overloaded circuit, a connection issue, voltage problems, equipment-related issues, or other electrical conditions.
Again, the symptom needs to be diagnosed before choosing an upgrade.
3. You Keep Running Out of Suitable Circuit Capacity
A homeowner may discover that there is no practical way to add a required dedicated circuit for a new appliance or EV charger without modifying the existing panel.
That can be an important reason to evaluate the panel.
However, a panel being physically full does not automatically mean the entire panel must be replaced. The electrician should determine what equipment is permitted, whether additional circuit capacity is available through an appropriate configuration, and whether the service itself has adequate capacity.
4. You’re Planning an EV Charger
An EV charger is one of the most common reasons homeowners ask whether their electrical service can handle an additional load.
A Level 2 EV charger can represent a substantial continuous electrical load, so the existing service and load calculation should be evaluated before installation.
The result may be:
- No panel upgrade needed
- A new dedicated circuit
- Load-management equipment
- A panel upgrade
- A service upgrade
- Another code-compliant configuration
The correct answer depends on the individual home’s electrical system.
5. You’re Adding a Major Appliance or HVAC System
Induction cooking, heat pumps, electric water heaters, HVAC equipment, and other large loads can change the home’s electrical-demand calculation.
A panel upgrade may be appropriate, but it should be based on the calculated load rather than the appliance alone.
6. The Panel Has Visible Damage
Physical warning signs deserve prompt attention.
Examples include:
- Scorching
- Melted plastic
- Corrosion
- Burn marks
- Signs of overheating
- Damaged breakers
- Unusual buzzing or crackling
Does a 60-Amp or 100-Amp Panel Automatically Need an Upgrade?
No.
A lower-rated service may be unsuitable for a particular home, but amp rating alone does not tell you whether the service is adequate.
The proper process is to calculate the home’s electrical demand and compare that requirement with the capacity of the existing electrical service.
For example, a homeowner with a 100-amp service may have relatively modest electrical loads and not need an immediate service upgrade. Another homeowner with the same 100-amp service may be planning an EV charger, electric range, heat pump, and other major loads that make an upgrade worth investigating.
Burbank’s current electrical requirements are based on the applicable California Electrical Code and local amendments. The City adopted the 2025 California Building Standards Code, effective January 1, 2026.
Panel Upgrade vs. Service Upgrade
These terms are often used as though they mean the same thing. They don’t always.
Electrical Panel Upgrade
A panel upgrade can involve replacing the existing panelboard with newer equipment while maintaining the existing service capacity, provided the resulting installation is appropriate for the property and project.
Electrical Service Upgrade
A service upgrade can involve increasing the electrical service capacity itself.
This can require additional utility coordination and work beyond simply replacing the panel.
Burbank Water and Power is the electric utility serving Burbank. The City specifically states that an electrical service upgrade requires a BWP meter spot, and BWP service requirements must be coordinated before applicable service work proceeds.
That distinction is important because a homeowner may need a new panel without needing a larger utility service—or may discover that a larger service is appropriate because of the property’s calculated load.
What Happens During an Electrical Panel Upgrade?
A professional Burbank panel upgrade typically begins with an assessment rather than immediately ordering a new panel.
Step 1: Electrical Assessment
The electrician evaluates:
- Existing panel
- Main breaker/service rating
- Existing circuits
- Breaker configuration
- Grounding and bonding
- Panel condition
- Major electrical loads
- Planned future loads
Step 2: Load Calculation
The home’s expected electrical demand is calculated using the applicable requirements.
This helps determine whether the existing service is adequate and what capacity the upgraded system should provide.
California’s 2025 code cycle includes provisions governing branch-circuit, feeder, and load calculations.
Step 3: Equipment Selection
The appropriate panel, breakers, disconnects, and related equipment are selected based on the project’s electrical requirements and the applicable code.
Step 4: Utility Coordination
If the project affects Burbank’s electrical service or meter arrangement, Burbank Water and Power requirements may apply.
The City specifically notes that service upgrades require a BWP meter spot.
Step 5: Permitting
Burbank’s Building & Safety Division handles permitting and inspection for electrical work.
The City’s current electrical fee schedule specifically includes panelboards and electrical service work under its electrical-permit structure.
Step 6: Panel Installation
The existing equipment is replaced or upgraded according to the approved project scope.
Circuits are properly terminated, and required grounding, bonding, labeling, and protection are addressed.
Step 7: Inspection
The completed electrical work is inspected through the applicable City process.
Burbank states that most electrical work requires permits, with the specific requirements depending on the scope.
How Much Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost in Burbank?
There is no single price that applies to every Burbank home.
The final cost can depend on:
Existing service size: Upgrading an existing panel without increasing service capacity is different from a complete service upgrade.
New service capacity: Moving to a larger service may involve additional utility requirements and infrastructure.
Panel location: Accessibility can affect labor and installation complexity.
Number of circuits: Larger homes and properties with additions can have more circuits to reconnect and verify.
Condition of existing wiring: Damaged conductors, grounding issues, or other deficiencies can increase project scope.
EV charging and other new loads: New equipment may require additional circuits or service capacity.
Meter and utility requirements: BWP coordination can affect the project when the electrical service changes.
Permit and inspection requirements: The project scope determines the applicable permitting and inspection process.
For these reasons, a professional onsite assessment is the best way to obtain an accurate electrical panel upgrade estimate in Burbank.
Common Findings During a Panel Assessment
A panel evaluation can identify problems that aren’t obvious from outside the enclosure.
Damaged or Deteriorated Equipment
Older electrical equipment may show corrosion, overheating, damaged breakers, or other physical deterioration.
Improper Circuit Connections
Previous modifications sometimes result in wiring or breaker configurations that require correction.
Double-Tapped Breakers
A breaker connection involving more than one conductor is not automatically unsafe in every circumstance; the equipment must be evaluated to determine whether the breaker is listed and designed for that configuration.
A blanket statement that every “double tap” requires a panel replacement is therefore misleading.
Lack of Available Circuit Capacity
A panel may have no suitable space for a new dedicated circuit. The electrician can determine whether a panel modification, different equipment configuration, or larger panel is appropriate.
Service Capacity Limitations
A panel can be in good physical condition while the service capacity is insufficient for a home’s planned electrical demand.
That’s when a service upgrade may become part of the discussion.
Should You Upgrade Your Panel Before Installing an EV Charger?
Not necessarily.
This is another decision that should be based on the home’s actual electrical capacity.
A licensed electrician can evaluate the existing service, calculate the home’s demand, and determine whether the EV charger can be added without increasing service capacity.
Possible solutions may include installing the charger on an existing-capacity configuration, using load management, or upgrading the panel/service.
Planning an EV charger and panel work together can prevent unnecessary construction and help ensure the electrical system is designed around both current and future loads.
What About Solar, Batteries, or a Heat Pump?
Electrification projects can change the home’s electrical requirements.
Solar and battery installations involve their own electrical equipment and interconnection considerations. Heat pumps, electric water heaters, induction ranges, and EV chargers can also add significant loads.
That doesn’t mean homeowners should automatically upgrade their panels before adopting electrification.
The appropriate approach is to evaluate the complete electrical picture.
Burbank Water and Power publishes electric-service requirements and coordinates service-related projects where utility infrastructure is affected.
Does Burbank Require a Permit for a Panel Upgrade?
Electrical panel and service work is subject to Burbank’s permitting requirements.
The City states that permits are required for most electrical work and provides electrical permit applications and inspections through its Building & Safety Division.
Its current electrical fee schedule explicitly lists panelboards and electrical service as permit categories. For a service upgrade, Burbank Water and Power coordination may also be required. The City specifically notes that an electrical service upgrade requires a BWP meter spot.
Why Permits and Inspection Matter
Permits aren’t simply paperwork.
They provide a formal process for reviewing electrical work and verifying that the completed installation complies with the applicable requirements.
Burbank currently enforces the 2025 California Building Standards Code, including the 2025 California Electrical Code, with local amendments effective January 1, 2026.
Homeowners should keep copies of completed permits and inspection documentation after a major electrical project.
Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Increase Home Value?
A panel upgrade should not be marketed as a guaranteed increase in home value.
Its practical benefits are more concrete.
An upgraded electrical system can:
- Address identified electrical deficiencies
- Provide capacity for appropriate new loads
- Improve the condition of older electrical equipment
- Make future electrical additions easier to plan
- Provide documentation of permitted electrical work
During a home sale, an outdated electrical system can become a point for additional inspection or negotiation. A documented upgrade can help demonstrate that identified electrical issues have been addressed.
The financial effect will depend on the property, market, buyer, and scope of the work.
When Should a Burbank Homeowner Call an Electrician?
Consider scheduling an electrical assessment when:
- Breakers trip repeatedly
- Lights flicker or dim noticeably
- The panel shows visible damage
- You’re adding an EV charger
- You’re installing major HVAC equipment
- You’re remodeling a kitchen
- You’re adding an ADU
- You’re adding substantial electrical loads
- You don’t know the age or condition of the electrical panel
- An inspection has identified electrical deficiencies
ESFI recommends electrical inspection for older homes and for homes that have undergone major renovations or received major new appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, depending on the home’s calculated electrical demand. A 100-amp service is not automatically inadequate simply because the home is older.
Not necessarily. Breaker trips can result from overloads, short circuits, ground faults, appliances, wiring issues, or defective breakers. The cause should be diagnosed first.
Possibly. It depends on the existing load and the charger’s requirements. A load calculation can determine whether the charger can be added without increasing service capacity.
No. A panel can potentially be replaced while maintaining the same service capacity. A service upgrade changes the capacity or configuration of the electrical service and may require utility coordination.
Electrical work is subject to Burbank’s permitting requirements. The City specifically lists panelboards and electrical service within its electrical permit structure.
Yes, when the project affects the electrical service. Burbank states that an electrical service upgrade requires a BWP meter spot.
It can be worth evaluating the panel before the remodel, especially if the project adds major electrical appliances or new circuits. The correct solution should be based on the home’s calculated electrical demand.
The cost depends on the existing service, panel condition, desired capacity, circuit count, location, utility requirements, and additional electrical work. An onsite assessment is necessary for an accurate estimate.
Professional Electrical Panel Upgrades in Burbank
An electrical panel should not be considered “too small” simply because it is old or has a particular amp rating.
The more useful question is whether the existing electrical service and equipment can safely and appropriately support the home’s actual and planned electrical loads.
If you’re experiencing repeated breaker trips, flickering lights, limited circuit capacity, or you’re preparing to install an EV charger, HVAC system, addition, or other major electrical equipment, an electrical assessment can determine whether you actually need a panel upgrade, service upgrade, additional circuits, load management, or another solution.
Volta Electric provides electrical panel upgrades and residential electrical services in Burbank and the surrounding San Fernando Valley. The company’s services include panel upgrades, electrical troubleshooting, EV charger installation, generator hookups, wiring and rewiring, outlets and GFCI work, and other electrical services.
