Henco Plumbing Services is proud to serve Vancouver and communities across Oregon and Washington with trusted plumbing, HVAC, and electrical solutions. Most homeowners rarely think about their electrical panel—until something goes wrong. But that gray box in your garage, basement, or utility room is the heart of your home’s electrical system. If it’s outdated or overloaded, it can lead to power outages, flickering lights, or even fire hazards.
As homes across the Pacific Northwest become increasingly powered by technology, ensuring your electrical panel is modern, safe, and sufficient is more important than ever. If you’re unsure whether your system is up to code—or if you’ve noticed strange electrical behavior—it may be time for a professional inspection or panel upgrade from Henco Plumbing Services.
Why Your Electrical Panel Is So Important
Your electrical panel (also known as a breaker box or service panel) distributes electricity from the utility line throughout your home. It regulates how much current flows to each circuit and protects against overloads by tripping breakers when too much power is drawn.
Over time, as homes add appliances, smart devices, and EV chargers, older panels often can’t keep up. Many Pacific Northwest homes—especially those built before the 1990s—still rely on panels rated for 100 amps or less, while modern homes often need 200 amps or more to operate safely and efficiently.
A properly functioning panel ensures consistent power, prevents electrical fires, and protects expensive electronics from damage.
Signs It’s Time to Upgrade or Replace Your Electrical Panel
1. Frequently Tripping Breakers
If your breakers trip often, that’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a warning. It means your system is overloaded or your breakers are wearing out. Repeated tripping can also indicate undersized circuits or deteriorating wiring.
Tip: Never replace a breaker with a higher-rated one just to “solve” tripping. This creates a fire risk and violates electrical code. Instead, schedule a professional inspection.
2. Flickering or Dimming Lights
If lights dim when you turn on appliances—like a vacuum, hair dryer, or microwave—it suggests the panel can’t handle the load. This problem is especially common in older homes in Portland and Vancouver neighborhoods where original wiring is still in use.
Solution: A panel upgrade will balance power distribution and eliminate voltage fluctuations.
3. Burning Smell or Scorch Marks
Any burning odor, discoloration, or melted plastic around your panel or outlets is a serious red flag. These symptoms often indicate arcing, where electricity jumps between connections, generating dangerous heat.
Immediate action: Turn off power to the affected area and call Henco Plumbing Services right away. Electrical fires can start silently and spread quickly.
4. Your Home Still Has a Fuse Box
If your home has an old fuse box instead of a circuit breaker panel, it’s time for an upgrade. Fuses were once standard, but they’re not designed to meet today’s electrical demands. Fuse boxes can overheat, pose shock risks, and make it harder to add modern appliances safely.
5. You’ve Added Major Electrical Loads
Have you recently remodeled, added a new HVAC system, installed a hot tub, or bought an electric vehicle? These upgrades significantly increase your power needs. If your panel isn’t equipped to handle the extra demand, you’ll experience more frequent issues or even circuit damage.
Recommendation: Before any major home upgrade, have Henco’s licensed electricians evaluate your panel’s capacity and make adjustments if necessary.
6. Rust or Corrosion Inside the Panel
Moisture is a common issue in the Pacific Northwest, and it can sneak into your electrical system. If you see rust, corrosion, or water stains inside or around your panel, that’s a safety hazard. Moisture and electricity don’t mix—it’s crucial to address this immediately.
7. The Panel Is More Than 25 Years Old
Even if it seems fine, an older panel may not meet current safety standards. Outdated brands like Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) or Zinsco have a history of failing to trip during overloads, leading to fire hazards. If your home still has one of these, replacement is highly recommended.
What an Electrical Panel Upgrade Includes
When you hire Henco Plumbing Services for an upgrade, you’re not just getting a new breaker box—you’re getting peace of mind. Our licensed electricians will:
- Assess your current electrical capacity
- Remove the old or unsafe panel
- Install a new 200-amp (or higher) breaker panel
- Update grounding and bonding systems
- Label all circuits for clarity and safety
- Ensure compliance with Oregon and Washington building codes
We coordinate with local permitting offices—like Clark County and Multnomah County—to ensure your installation passes inspection and meets all safety standards.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel
Upgrading your panel isn’t just about safety—it’s an investment in your home’s performance and value.
1. Improved Safety
New panels are designed to handle higher electrical loads and provide better protection against overloads, arcing, and short circuits.
2. Increased Home Value
If you plan to sell your home, a modern electrical panel is a major selling point. Buyers are often wary of older systems due to insurance and inspection concerns.
3. More Power for Modern Living
With upgraded capacity, you can confidently install smart thermostats, EV chargers, and high-efficiency HVAC systems—without tripping breakers or worrying about surges.
4. Lower Insurance Risk
Insurance companies often flag outdated panels as safety risks. A new installation can help you qualify for better coverage rates.
Why Electrical Safety Matters in the Pacific Northwest
From heavy rain to power surges during winter storms, homes in Oregon and Washington experience unique electrical stresses. Moisture, fluctuating temperatures, and frequent power outages all put pressure on aging systems. That’s why regional codes require licensed professionals for all major electrical work—and why Henco’s electricians stay current on every update to state safety standards.
We’ve upgraded panels in everything from century-old Portland homes to modern smart homes in Vancouver, helping homeowners avoid hazards and stay powered year-round.
Keep Your Electrical System Safe and Reliable
If you’re experiencing power issues or suspect your panel may be outdated, don’t wait until something goes wrong. A proactive inspection from Henco Plumbing Services can uncover hidden risks before they cause damage.
Need an electrical panel upgrade or safety inspection? Call Henco Plumbing Services in Vancouver today.
We offer flat-rate pricing, same-day service, and licensed electricians who take pride in keeping your home safe and up to code.
Trusted Electrical Experts in Oregon and Washington
From Eugene to Olympia, Henco Plumbing Services provides comprehensive electrical solutions, from panel upgrades and rewiring to lighting, outlets, and generator installation. Our commitment to craftsmanship, honesty, and customer satisfaction has made us a trusted partner for homeowners across the Northwest.
Keep your home safe and powered — schedule your electrical panel inspection with Henco Plumbing Services today.
