What Makes an Electrical Panel Dangerous?
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 dangerous electrical 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.
Fire Hazards Linked to Federal Pacific and Zinsco Panels
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 considered unsafe electrical panels because of their critical failure risks.
- Federal Pacific Panels
Use Stab-Lok breakers that have been shown to fail during overloads or short circuits, making them a well-documented fire hazard electrical panel.
- 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. Some models are among the top answers for which Zinsco panels are unsafe.
Why Insurers Flag Unsafe Electrical 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.
Which Electrical Panels Are Uninsurable
Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels are most commonly flagged as uninsurable by major insurance carriers due to their history of failures and fire risks. Some older brands with similar issues may also be included—always check with your insurer.
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.
How to Replace a Dangerous Electrical Panel Safely
If you have an FPE or Zinsco panel:
- Have it inspected by a licensed electrician
- Get a quote for a full electrical panel upgrade
- Replace it with a UL-listed, modern panel compliant with current NEC standards
- Notify your insurance carrier and provide documentation of the 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 Words
Protecting Your Home and Insurance Policy
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 notice urgent issues, contact our emergency electrical service.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the bad electrical panels?
Bad electrical panels include Federal Pacific Electric (FPE), Zinsco, and some older brands known for frequent breaker failures, fire risks, and lack of safety certifications.
Why are these panels dangerous?
These panels are dangerous because their breakers may fail to trip during electrical faults, increasing the risk of fire, shock, and property damage.
What brand of electrical panels are uninsurable?
Federal Pacific and Zinsco electrical panels are often uninsurable due to their history of safety failures and high fire hazard rates. Some insurers may also exclude other outdated brands.
What to do if you have one of these panels?
If you have a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel, schedule an electrical safety inspection with a licensed electrician and schedule a replacement with a modern, UL-listed, code-compliant panel.
How long does it take an electrician to replace an electrical panel?
Most electrical panel replacements take 4 to 8 hours, depending on the panel type, building complexity, and permitting requirements.
