YOUR RESIDENTIAL SERVICE COMPANY • ELECTRICIAN • FIREFIGHTER OWNED • LICENSE & INSURED
YOUR RESIDENTIAL SERVICE COMPANY • ELECTRICIAN • FIREFIGHTER OWNED • LICENSE & INSURED
![[HERO] Is Your Electrical Panel a Fire Hazard? What Howell Homeowners Need to Know](https://cdn.marblism.com/1re6b3ueEc4.webp)
Your electrical panel is probably the last thing on your mind when you're going about your day in Howell. It sits there in your basement or utility room, quietly doing its job. But here's the thing, that gray metal box is the heart of your home's electrical system. And when it starts to fail, the consequences can be serious.
We're not trying to scare you. But as a firefighter-owned electrical company, we've seen firsthand what happens when electrical panels go bad. House fires, damaged property, and worse. The good news? Most electrical panel problems come with warning signs. You just need to know what to look for.
Let's break down everything Howell homeowners need to know about electrical panel safety, fire hazards, and when it's time to consider an electrical panel upgrade.
Think of your electrical panel as a traffic controller for all the electricity flowing into your home. Power comes in from the utility lines, and your panel distributes it to different circuits throughout your house, your kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom, garage, you name it.
More importantly, your panel is designed to protect you. Those circuit breakers aren't just switches. They're safety devices that automatically shut off power when something goes wrong, like an overloaded circuit or a short. This prevents excessive voltage from traveling through your wires and potentially starting a fire.
When your panel is working correctly, it's your first line of defense against electrical fires and shock hazards. When it's not? That's when problems start.
Here's where things get important. Your electrical panel will usually tell you when something's wrong, if you know what to look for. Here are the red flags every Howell homeowner should watch for:
This is the big one. If you smell burning plastic near your electrical panel or see any scorch marks, discoloration, or melting around the box, stop what you're doing. This is an emergency.
Turn off your main breaker immediately if it's safe to do so, and call a licensed electrician right away. Don't turn anything back on until a professional has assessed the situation. This isn't a "wait and see" kind of problem.
Do your lights dim or flicker when you turn on the microwave? How about when the AC kicks on or someone plugs in a hairdryer? If high-power appliances are affecting lights in other parts of your house, your panel might not be distributing power correctly.
This could mean your old wiring can't handle the voltage load, or your panel itself is struggling. Either way, it's worth getting checked out.
Circuit breakers are supposed to trip occasionally, that's their job. But if you're resetting the same breaker every week (or every day), something's wrong. It could be an overloaded circuit, faulty wiring, or a failing breaker that needs replacement.
And if a breaker won't reset at all? That's a definite sign you need an electrician in Howell, MI to take a look.
Take a look at your electrical panel. See any rust, corrosion, or moisture? That's bad news. Rust can compromise the integrity of your panel and expose wires, creating a serious fire and shock hazard.
Your electrical panel should be cool to the touch. If the panel door feels warm or hot, that indicates something is overheating inside. This needs immediate professional attention.
Here's a fact that surprises a lot of homeowners: electrical panels typically last 25 to 40 years. If your Howell home was built before the 1990s and still has its original panel, it might be living on borrowed time.
But age isn't the only factor. Here are some specific things that make older panels more dangerous:
If your panel has screw-in fuses instead of flip switches (circuit breakers), you're working with seriously outdated equipment. Fuse boxes were standard decades ago, but they don't offer the same protection as modern breakers. Plus, people often replace fuses with the wrong amperage, which creates fire hazards.
Some electrical panels manufactured in the mid-20th century have been linked to higher fire risks. Brands like Federal Pacific, Zinsco, and Pushmatic panels are known to have defective breakers that may not trip when they should. If you have one of these, an electrical panel upgrade should be high on your priority list.
Older homes were built for a different era. Back then, families didn't have central AC, multiple TVs, computers, gaming systems, electric vehicle chargers, and smart home devices all running at once. A 60-amp or 100-amp panel that was fine in 1975 might be dangerously overworked in 2026.
So when does it make sense to invest in an electrical panel upgrade? Here are the most common scenarios:
Your panel is over 25 years old. Even if it seems fine, older panels have worn components that may not protect you when it counts.
You're adding major appliances. Installing a hot tub, EV charger, or upgrading to a larger AC unit? Your current panel might not have the capacity.
You're renovating or adding square footage. More rooms mean more circuits. An upgrade ensures your panel can handle the increased load safely.
You're experiencing any of the warning signs above. Flickering lights, tripping breakers, burning smells, these aren't things to ignore.
Your insurance company requires it. Some insurers won't cover homes with outdated or recalled electrical panels. An upgrade could save you headaches down the road.
If you've never been through this process, here's what to expect. A licensed electrician will:
The whole process typically takes a day, though it can vary depending on your home's specific situation. Yes, you'll be without power for part of it, but the peace of mind is worth the temporary inconvenience.
Look, we get it: electrical work isn't cheap, and you want to make sure you're hiring someone you can trust. Here's why homeowners across Howell and Livingston County choose us:
We're firefighter-owned. We've seen what electrical fires do to families and homes. That's why we take safety seriously: not just as electricians, but as first responders who've witnessed the consequences of cutting corners.
We're fully licensed and insured. You'll never have to worry about liability or subpar work. We do things by the book, every time.
We offer $50 video consultations. Not sure if you actually need an upgrade? We can do a virtual walkthrough to assess your situation before anyone comes to your home. It's a convenient way to get expert advice without the commitment.
We honor those who serve. Military members and first responders receive discounts on our services. It's our way of saying thanks.
Electrical panel problems don't fix themselves. They get worse. And in the worst-case scenario, they start fires.
If your Howell home is showing any warning signs: or if you just can't remember the last time a professional looked at your panel: it's time to get it checked out. A quick inspection could save you thousands in damage, or even save your home.
Ready to talk to a licensed electrician in Howell, MI? Contact Husch Electric today to schedule an inspection or book a $50 video consultation. We'll give you honest answers and help you figure out if an electrical panel upgrade is the right move for your home.
Your family's safety is worth it.
