Is It Time to Replace Your Electrical Panel? Why 25 Years Is the Tipping Point

Brought to you by Onda Electric | Victoria, BC

If your home's electrical panel is over 25 years old, now is the time to seriously consider a replacement. In Victoria, where many houses were built decades ago, outdated electrical panels are surprisingly common—and they can quietly become a significant safety risk. At Onda Electric, we help Victoria homeowners modernize their electrical systems and protect their property by replacing aging, overloaded panels before they fail.

Why Your Electrical Panel Is More Important Than You Think

The electrical panel, often called the breaker box or service panel, is the heart of your home's power distribution. It takes electricity from the utility and sends it to different circuits throughout your house. It also regulates power flow and protects by tripping breakers in case of a short circuit, overload, or fault.

But just like your roof or furnace, your electrical panel has a lifespan—and when it reaches the 25–30 year mark, it's time to think about a replacement.

What Happens After 25 Years?

After 25 years, electrical panels begin to degrade. Connections can loosen, internal components wear down, and the panel's capacity may no longer meet the demands of modern households. Even if everything appears to be working on the surface, older panels are more prone to:

  • Tripped breakers, especially under higher loads

  • Buzzing or crackling sounds from the panel

  • Corrosion or rust, especially in damp Victoria basements

  • Overheating or a warm panel cover

  • Lights that flicker or dim when appliances turn on

These are not just annoyances—they're warning signs. An old panel can spark fires or cause major electrical failures in worst-case scenarios. At Onda Electric, we often encounter panels in Victoria homes that haven't been touched since the 1980s or earlier, many of which are far past their safe operating window.

Victoria's Aging Housing Stock = Increased Risk

Victoria is known for its charming character homes and older properties—but these often come with outdated electrical infrastructure. If your home has undergone renovations or added additional rooms without a panel upgrade, your system may be working far beyond its original capacity.

We've also seen many panels in Victoria installed with aluminum wiring, ungrounded circuits, or even recalled components like Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels. These are known fire hazards and should be replaced immediately.

That's where Onda Electric comes in. As Victoria's trusted residential electricians, we specialize in safe, efficient panel replacements designed to bring your home up to today's standards.

What's Involved in a Panel Replacement?

At Onda Electric, we make the panel replacement process seamless. Here's what you can expect when you hire us in Victoria:

Initial Inspection

We start by assessing your existing panel, reviewing your power usage, and identifying any safety issues. We'll determine if you need a simple panel upgrade or if a complete service upgrade (moving from 100amp to 200amp or even 400amp) makes sense.

Permit & Coordination with BC Hydro

All panel replacements in Victoria require a permit. We handle this for you and work directly with BC Hydro to coordinate temporary power shutoffs during the upgrade.

Safe Removal & Professional Installation

Our licensed electricians will disconnect and remove your old panel, install a modern circuit breaker panel, and ensure all wiring is safe, labelled, and code-compliant.

Final Testing & Inspection

We test every circuit, verify grounding, and ensure everything runs smoothly before completing the job. You'll be left with a safer, cleaner, and more capable electrical system.

The Benefits of a Modern Electrical Panel

Replacing your panel doesn't just solve current problems—it prepares your home for the future. With a new panel from Onda Electric, you'll get:

  • Improved safety and reduced fire risk

  • Support for modern appliances, heat pumps, EV chargers, and more

  • Fewer outages or breaker trips

  • Increased home value and smoother resale process

  • Compliance with the current BC electrical code

Whether planning to renovate, sell your home, or want peace of mind, replacing your panel at the 25-year mark is a wise, proactive investment.

Why Choose Onda Electric?

As one of Victoria's leading electrical contractors, Onda Electric has built a reputation for quality work, honest communication, and unmatched customer care. Our team of licensed, insured electricians treats your home like their own, showing up on time, working cleanly, and explaining every step of the process.

We've completed hundreds of panel replacements across Victoria and surrounding areas—from older bungalows in Fernwood to waterfront homes in Oak Bay. No matter your home’s type or age, we’ll ensure your new panel is installed to the highest standards.

Please don't Wait Until It's Too Late

Many homeowners delay panel replacement until something goes seriously wrong—like a breaker that won't reset, or a burnt smell from the wall. But you don't want to wait for that moment.

If your panel is more than 25 years old, it's time to call in the professionals. Even if you're not experiencing obvious issues, a quick inspection can tell you if you're due for an upgrade.

Book Your Panel Replacement in Victoria Today

At Onda Electric, we help you stay safe, up to code, and ready for the future. Whether you need a basic panel upgrade or a complete electrical overhaul, our team in Victoria is prepared to help.

Contact Onda Electric today to book your panel assessment or learn more about our replacement services. Your home—and your peace of mind—are worth it.