When Should You Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?

admin • 2 July 2025
A person is working on an electrical box with a screwdriver.

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s power system. It distributes electricity to your lights, appliances, and outlets. But if your panel is outdated or overloaded, it can pose a serious fire hazard—and may not support the power demands of today’s modern home.


At Landmark Electric, we upgrade panels every week across Troy, Royal Oak, Sterling Heights, and the Metro Detroit area to help homeowners stay safe, compliant, and ready for future needs.


1. Your Home Still Has a Fuse Box

If you’re still using a fuse box, your electrical system is long overdue for an upgrade. Fuses are outdated, can be unsafe, and are not designed to handle today’s energy use—especially with appliances like EV chargers, air conditioners, and high-powered kitchen equipment.


2. Circuit Breakers Trip Frequently

If your breakers trip often, especially when running appliances like microwaves, vacuums, or space heaters, it may mean your panel is overloaded or failing.


Frequent tripping is a sign of:

  • Inadequate amperage (often 60–100 amps in older homes)
  • Loose wiring or outdated circuit breakers
  • Overloaded circuits from high-energy use


3. Burning Smells, Buzzing, or Warm Panels

Any of the following are signs of immediate concern:

  • A burning smell from the panel or outlets
  • A warm-to-the-touch panel or breakers
  • Buzzing or humming sounds


These could indicate loose connections, arcing, or breaker failure—all of which are electrical fire risks.


4. Is My Electrical Panel Out of Date?

Many homeowners don’t know how to tell if their electrical panel is still safe. If your home was built before 1995, or you don’t know the last time your panel was inspected, it may be due for replacement.

Special Warning: Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Panels

If your panel says “Federal Pacific Electric” or “FPE Stab-Lok,” contact us immediately. These panels were commonly installed from the 1950s to the 1950s–1980s and are now considered dangerous and defective.


The hazards of FPE panels:

  • Breakers may fail to trip, even during a short circuit
  • Higher risk of electrical fires
  • No longer UL-listed or considered code-compliant
  • Often rejected by insurance companies


If you have an FPE or Zinsco panel, Landmark Electric strongly recommends upgrading as soon as possible for your safety.


5. Renovating? New Appliances? You May Need More Power

Installing a hot tub, EV charger, new HVAC system, or finishing your basement? If your panel doesn’t have the capacity to support these upgrades, you’ll need a panel replacement or service upgrade (typically to 200 amps).


6. Your Panel Is Over 25 Years Old

Even if your panel is functioning, age alone is a concern. Panels older than 25–30 years often lack:

  • Proper grounding
  • GFCI/AFCI protection
  • Capacity for modern electrical loads
  • Internal parts that meet today’s safety standards

What’s Included in a Professional Panel Upgrade?

At Landmark Electric, we offer full-service panel replacements that include:

  • Removal of your outdated panel or fuse box
  • Installation of a new breaker panel (typically 100–200 amp service)
  • Code-compliant wiring, labeling, grounding, and bonding
  • Inspection and testing for safety and performance


We handle all required permits and ensure the work meets or exceeds Michigan electrical codes.

We Proudly Install Square D Panels and Equipment

As a proud installer of Square D brand electrical equipment, Landmark Electric uses only the most reliable, industry-trusted components. Square D panels and breakers are known for

  • Long-lasting performance
  • High safety ratings
  • UL certification
  • Compatibility with smart home systems


When you choose Landmark Electric, you’re getting the best equipment installed by licensed professionals—built to last for decades.

Why Choose Landmark Electric?

  • Licensed and insured electricians based in Troy, MI
  • Specialists in panel upgrades, rewiring, and home power systems
  • Trusted across Sterling Heights, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and nearby areas
  • Transparent, upfront pricing
  • Clean, professional work backed by a satisfaction guarantee

Schedule Your Panel Inspection Today

Protect your home and your family. If you’re not sure whether your panel is outdated—or you know you’re ready to upgrade—we’re here to help.


Call 586-405-0227.

Book online at www.call-landmark.com.

Serving Troy, Royal Oak, and surrounding Michigan communities

A kitchen with gray cabinets and stainless steel appliances

5 Kitchen Lighting Ideas That Add Style and Efficiency

by admin • 2 July 2025
Your kitchen is more than just a place to cook—it’s where families gather, meals are shared, and memories are made. But poor lighting can make even the nicest kitchen feel dull, dated, or inefficient. At Landmark Electric, we help homeowners across Troy, Michigan, and the surrounding Metro Detroit area upgrade their kitchen lighting for both style and energy savings. Here are five modern kitchen lighting ideas that can elevate your space and reduce your energy bill. 1. Under-Cabinet Lighting: Function Meets Flair Under-cabinet LED lights are one of the most popular upgrades we install. They illuminate countertops, reduce shadows, and make food prep easier—all while adding a sleek, high-end touch to your kitchen aesthetic. Why we love it: Energy-efficient LED strips or puck lights Motion sensor or smart switch options Great for task lighting and evening ambiance Pro tip: Choose warm white LEDs for a cozy glow or cool white for a modern, crisp look. 2. Pendant Lights Over Islands and Counters Pendant lighting creates a stylish focal point while providing essential task lighting over kitchen islands, breakfast bars, or dining nooks. This is your chance to showcase personality—from vintage Edison bulbs to modern industrial fixtures. Why we love it: • Adds dimension and character • Works with dimmers for adjustable brightness • Easy to pair with recessed or ambient lighting 3. Smart Lighting Systems for Full Control Imagine controlling all your kitchen lights from your phone, voice assistant, or wall panel. With smart LED lighting, you can automate brightness, color temperature, and even set schedules—ideal for both energy savings and convenience. Why we love it: Works with Alexa, Google Home, or mobile apps Dimmable and programmable settings Save on your electricity bill by reducing waste Popular installations: Wi-Fi dimmers, smart under-cabinet lights, and multi-zone lighting systems 4. Layered Lighting = Balanced Brightness Professional kitchen lighting isn’t about one light source—it’s about layering. The perfect kitchen setup includes Ambient lighting (overall brightness) Task lighting (over counters, islands) Accent lighting (under cabinets, toe-kicks, or shelves) This layered approach ensures every part of your kitchen is functional and beautiful—no dark corners or harsh overhead glare. 5. Recessed Lighting for a Clean, Modern Look Also known as can lights or pot lights, recessed lighting provides smooth, even coverage without visual clutter. It’s ideal for kitchens with low ceilings or a minimalist design. Why we love it: Energy-efficient LED recessed fixtures Sleek and subtle ceiling finish Works perfectly with smart dimmers Bonus: We can install wet-rated recessed lights in kitchens with high humidity or near sinks.
A person is working on an electrical box in a house.

7 Common Home Wiring Issues and How to Spot Them

by admin • 2 July 2025
From flickering lights to buzzing outlets, electrical problems can be more than just annoying—they can pose serious safety risks. At Landmark Electric, we’ve repaired thousands of home wiring issues across Troy, Royal Oak, Sterling Heights, and the greater Metro Detroit area. Here are the most common problems we see and how to recognize the warning signs before they become dangerous. 1. Flickering or Dimming Lights If your lights flicker or dim when appliances turn on, it could signal a loose connection, an overloaded circuit, or an aging electrical panel. This is one of the most common calls we receive across Oakland and Macomb counties. When to call: If the flickering is frequent or affects multiple rooms, contact a licensed electrician immediately. 2. Warm or Discolored Outlets Outlets that are warm to the touch, scorched, or discolored may indicate overheating or faulty wiring behind the wall—a serious fire hazard. When to call: Right away. This is a major red flag and should be inspected by a professional ASAP. 3. Buzzing Sounds or Burning Smells If you hear a buzzing noise from a switch or smell burning plastic, shut off power to that area and call an electrician. These issues are often caused by arcing or loose wire connections inside your walls. 4. Frequently Tripping Breakers Are your circuit breakers tripping often—especially when using appliances like microwaves or space heaters? This could be due to overloaded circuits, outdated wiring, or a faulty breaker. Tip: Modern homes require more amperage. If you live in an older home in Troy, MI, your panel may need an upgrade. 5. Two-Prong (Ungrounded) Outlets Older homes built before the 1960s may still have two-pronged outlets. These are not grounded and offer limited protection against shocks or surges—especially around water sources like kitchens and bathrooms. Solution: We recommend upgrading to GFCI-protected, grounded outlets for your safety. 6. Extension Cord Overuse If you’re using extension cords or power strips daily, it’s likely a sign that your home doesn’t have enough outlets or circuits. This overuse can strain your system and increase fire risk. Tip: Our team can safely install additional circuits and outlets where you need them most. 7. Aluminum Wiring (Older Homes) Homes built in the 1960s and 70s may contain aluminum wiring, which expands and contracts, causing loose connections over time. It can increase the risk of arcing and electrical fires. Solution: Have a licensed electrician inspect your wiring. We offer safe rewiring and aluminum-to-copper retrofits.