If your home or building still has a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) or Zinsco panel, you may be at risk of more than just an electrical hazard—you could also be facing insurance denial or policy cancellation.
These outdated panels are a known safety concern in the electrical industry, and now insurance companies are taking notice. Here’s what every property owner should understand.
What Are Federal Pacific and Zinsco Panels?
Both panel brands were widely used in homes and buildings from the 1950s to the 1980s. At the time, they met code. Today, they are known for critical electrical failure risks.
- Federal Pacific Panels: Use Stab-Lok breakers that have been shown to fail during overloads or short circuits, making them a known fire hazard.
- Zinsco Panels: Are prone to breaker overheating, arcing, and failure to trip, and in some cases, breakers fuse to the bus bar and stop working entirely.
Why Insurance Companies Are Flagging These Panels
Many insurers refuse to write or renew policies for properties that still have these panels installed. Here’s why:
- High Fire Risk: Breakers may not trip during an electrical fault.
- No UL Listing: They’re no longer approved for modern safety standards.
- Documented Failures: Studies show FPE breakers fail up to 60% of the time in lab testing.
- Denied Claims: If a fire occurs and your panel is found to be the cause, your claim may be denied.
Insurers may require a panel replacement before binding or renewing coverage, or they may add costly exclusions and higher deductibles.
How This Affects You as a Property Owner
If you’re buying, selling, or refinancing a property, the electrical panel will likely come up in:
- Home inspections
- Insurance underwriting
- Real estate transactions
Inaction can result in higher premiums, policy non-renewal, or being forced to replace the panel under a tight deadline.
What Should You Do?
If you have an FPE or Zinsco panel:
- Has it been inspected by a licensed electrician?
- Get a quote for a full panel replacement
- Replace it with a UL-listed, modern panel compliant with current NEC standards
- Notify your insurance carrier and provide documentation of the replacement
Why Replace an Electrical Panel Before It’s Too Late?
Outdated electrical panels like Federal Pacific and Zinsco don’t just increase the risk of fires—they can also affect your ability to sell your home, secure financing, or meet local electrical code compliance. If you’re remodeling, upgrading appliances, or installing an EV charger, your panel may not support modern power loads.
Replacing your electrical panel is a smart investment that improves:
- Home safety
- Energy efficiency
- Property value
- Insurance eligibility
Don’t wait for an emergency. If you’re in the Washington DC metro area, Northern Virginia, or Maryland, contact our team at Precise Building Services for a fast, code-compliant electrical panel replacement.
What’s Involved in a Panel Upgrade?
At Precise Building Services, we provide:
- Same-day replacement (in most cases)
- Permit filing and utility coordination
- AFCI/GFCI breakers per code
- Clean install with labeled circuits
- Documentation for insurance
Final Word
Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels aren’t just outdated—they’re a liability. Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your home, your investment, and your insurance policy.
If you’re not sure what type of panel you have, give us a call. We’ll inspect it and walk you through your options—no pressure, just safety first.
Need help identifying your panel? Schedule a free electrical panel assessment with one of our licensed professionals.
Call us at (202) 827-2214 or contact us online for fast, friendly service.
