Every three to five years for a modern panel, and immediately if you notice warm breakers, buzzing, rust, or frequent trips. Panels from known-defective manufacturers should be assessed regardless of symptoms.
A panel inspection is a visual and thermal check of the service equipment: connections are tightened to spec, breakers are exercised, and signs of overheating or moisture are documented.
Older panels deserve a shorter interval. Certain 1960s–80s brands have documented failure modes where breakers fail to trip under fault — an inspection identifies them by model, not by symptom.
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Check the age
Find the panel’s manufacturer and install date; both are usually on the door label.
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Log the symptoms
Note tripping breakers, dimming lights, and any warmth or sound at the panel.
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Book the inspection
A licensed electrician documents the findings and gives you a written condition report.