Federal Pacific & Zinsco Panels: Why They're a Fire Risk (Replacement Guide)
If your home was built or updated roughly between the 1950s and the 1980s, there's a real chance it has a Federal Pacific (FPE) Stab-Lok or a Zinsco panel. Both
If your home was built or updated roughly between the 1950s and the 1980s, there's a real chance it has a Federal Pacific (FPE) Stab-Lok or a Zinsco panel. Both brands are linked to a serious, well-documented problem: breakers that can fail to trip during an overload or short — the exact moment they're supposed to protect you. Here's how to identify them and what to do.
Why these panels are different
A breaker's whole job is to trip and cut power when a circuit faults. Independent testing and decades of field experience have shown that a meaningful share of FPE Stab-Lok and Zinsco breakers can fail to trip under fault conditions, or can be damaged internally in ways that aren't visible. A breaker that doesn't trip lets a wire keep heating — which is how a fault becomes a fire.
| Brand | How to spot it | Main concern |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Pacific (FPE) | "Federal Pacific Electric" label; breakers branded "Stab-Lok"; often red strip across breaker handles | Breakers may fail to trip on overload/short; some won't shut off even when switched |
| Zinsco (also GTE-Sylvania) | "Zinsco" or "Magnetrip" markings; distinctive colorful breaker handles (blue, green, red) | Breakers can melt to the bus and fail to trip; bus damage is common |
How to check your panel
Open the panel cover door (just the outer door — never remove the inner deadfront cover yourself) and look for the brand name on the label or the breakers. Note any red handle strips (FPE) or multicolored handles (Zinsco). If you're not sure, take a photo and we'll identify it for you.
Do not start swapping breakers or poking inside one of these panels. The bus connections in FPE and Zinsco panels can be damaged or arc when disturbed. If you suspect you have one, leave it closed and have it evaluated by a licensed electrician.
Repair or replace?
For these two brands specifically, the consensus answer is replacement, not repair. You can't reliably make an FPE or Zinsco panel safe by changing individual breakers, because the breakers and the bus are the problem. Replacing the panel with a modern one from a trusted brand — Square D, Eaton, or Siemens — restores reliable overcurrent protection and usually adds capacity for today's loads.
What replacement involves
A panel replacement is typically a one-day job: we pull a permit, coordinate the utility disconnect, install the new panel, breakers and grounding, label everything, and arrange inspection. If you're upgrading anyway, it's a natural time to move to 200-amp service. See our dedicated Federal Pacific replacement and Zinsco replacement pages for more.
Related guides
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Call (843) 595-9236 Open 24 hours · Licensed & insuredFrequently asked questions
How do I know if I have a Federal Pacific panel?
Look for a "Federal Pacific Electric" label and breakers marked "Stab-Lok," often with a red strip across the handles. Send us a photo if you're unsure and we'll identify it.
Are Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels illegal?
They're not banned, but they're widely recognized as unsafe and many electricians and inspectors recommend replacement. Some insurers won't cover homes that have them.
Can't I just replace the bad breakers?
Not reliably — the issue is with the breakers and the bus design themselves, so swapping individual breakers doesn't make these panels safe. Replacement is the recommended fix.
How much does it cost to replace one of these panels?
It depends on the service size, condition of the service entrance and any corrections needed. We give a firm quote after a load calculation. Call (843) 595-9236.