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ZINSCO & FEDERAL PACIFIC HAZARDS
If your home was built or wired between the 1950s and 1980s, it may still be equipped with an outdated electrical panel brand such as Zinsco or Federal Pacific Electric (FPE). These panels were once popular across the United States but are now considered serious fire and safety hazards.
ZINSCO
Zinsco Electrical Panels
Zinsco panels, also known under the names Sylvania or Zinsmeyer, were widely installed in the mid-20th century. Over time, electricians and inspectors have found that:
• The breakers can melt or fuse to the bus bar, making it impossible to shut them off during an overload.
• The breakers may fail to trip, even when the circuit is overloaded or shorted, increasing the risk of electrical fires.
• Internal corrosion and arcing are common, often hidden behind the panel cover.
Zinsco panels are no longer produced and do not meet today’s safety standards. Even panels that seem to function properly can fail during a critical fault.
FEDERAL PACIFIC
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Panels
Federal Pacific (FPE) panels with Stab-Lok breakers are among the most notorious in the electrical industry. Decades of independent testing and field reports show that:
• Up to 60% of breakers may not trip during an overload or short circuit.
• Breakers may appear “off” but still conduct power, putting homeowners at risk.
• Wiring may overheat without triggering a breaker, which can lead to electrical fires.
A U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) investigation found that FPE panels violate UL (Underwriters Laboratories) standards. Yet, many of these panels remain in homes today, quietly posing a threat.
What Should You Do?
If your home has a Zinsco or FPE panel, we strongly recommend a professional electrical inspection. Replacing these outdated panels with modern, code-compliant equipment is one of the most effective ways to protect your home and family.
👉 Contact us today to schedule a safety evaluation or panel upgrade. Don’t wait for a failure to happen—prevent the risk of fire, shock, or property damage.