Flickering lights might be more than just a loose bulb! Here's how to know if your home actually needs a 200 amp upgrade.
A customer called me once about flickering lights. Annoying, right? Probably a loose bulb. Maybe a bad switch. I've seen it a hundred times.
Then I opened the electrical panel.
Water was dripping from the service entrance cable inside the panel. I went outside to check the cable and the jacket was completely gone. Just bare conductors hanging there, fully exposed to the elements. No protection whatsoever. One of the worst service conditions I've ever seen in 20 years of doing this work.
The customer thought they had a flickering light problem. They actually had a miracle on their hands.
I tell that story because most homeowners have no idea what's going on inside their electrical panel. And that's completely fine, that's my job. But there are signs your home is trying to tell you something, and if you know what to look for, you can get ahead of it before it becomes a much bigger and more expensive problem.
Here's what to watch for.
Your Breakers Trip Constantly
A breaker that trips occasionally is doing its job. A breaker that trips every time you run the microwave and the dishwasher at the same time is telling you your panel is overwhelmed.
If you're resetting breakers regularly or you've learned to live around your electrical system, that's not normal. That's a sign your panel can't keep up with your actual lifestyle.
Your Panel Is More Than 25 to 30 Years Old
Older panels were designed for older homes. In the 1980s, a typical household didn't have multiple flat screen TVs, gaming systems, home offices, EV chargers, and high efficiency HVAC systems all running at once.
If your panel is original to the house and your house is more than 30 years old, there's a good chance it's undersized for the way you actually live today.
You Have a 100 Amp Service
100 amp service used to be the standard. It is no longer enough for most modern homes. If you open your main breaker and it says 100A, it's worth having a conversation about whether an upgrade makes sense for your situation.
You Want to Add an EV Charger
This is the number one reason I'm doing 200 amp upgrades right now. Level 2 EV chargers require a dedicated 240V circuit and a panel that has the capacity to support it. Many older panels simply don't. If you're buying an electric vehicle and your home has an older panel, plan for an upgrade.
You're Renovating or Adding Square Footage
Finishing a basement, adding a kitchen, putting on an addition, installing central air, these all add electrical load. Before you start any major renovation, have your panel evaluated. Finding out your panel can't support the new addition after the walls are already framed is not a fun conversation.
You're Planning to Sell Your Home
Undersized or outdated panels are one of the most common red flags that come up in home inspections. Buyers notice. Inspectors flag it every time. Upgrading before you list can remove a common negotiating point and in many cases adds more value than it costs.
You Notice Flickering Lights
Yes, flickering lights can be a simple fix. But they can also be a symptom of something much bigger happening at the panel level. If lights flicker consistently, especially when large appliances kick on, get it looked at. Please don't wait until there's water dripping inside your panel.
What To Do Next
If any of these signs sound familiar, the best first step is a simple panel evaluation. We'll take a look, tell you exactly what you have, and give you an honest assessment of whether an upgrade makes sense or whether you've got more time.
No pressure, no scare tactics. Just a straight answer from a licensed Master Electrician who's seen some things.
Call us at (610) 565-3519 or book online at weinstein-electric.com.
Quick FAQs
How do I know if I have 100 or 200 amp service?
Look at your main breaker. It will be labeled 100A or 200A. If you're not sure, give us a call.
Is a panel upgrade dangerous to ignore?
It depends on the condition. Some older panels are fine for years. Others, like the one with water dripping through bare conductors, are urgent. A quick evaluation tells you where you stand.
How much does a 200 amp upgrade cost in Delaware County?
Between $3,400 and $4,300 for most standard residential installations. Check out our full breakdown here. “How Much Does a 200 Amp Service Upgrade Cost in Delaware County?
Do you serve my area?
We serve Media, Broomall, Havertown, Springfield, Newtown Square, West Chester, Malvern, Bryn Mawr, and communities throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and the Main Line.
Weinstein Electric serves Media, Broomall, Havertown, Springfield, Newtown Square, West Chester, Malvern, Bryn Mawr, and communities throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and the Main Line.