This is a “Part 2” to a blog post we previously published entitled “When Should A Homeowner Consider Replacing Their Electrical Panel”. After posting that blog post, we’ve been asked by callers to further explain the common issues with those panels, so we thought this would be a good place to do so and to expand the list to include a couple of additional electrical panels with known issues.
Homeowners with these panels are advised to have them inspected or replaced by a licensed electrician (shameless plug: such as the licensed, bonded and insured electricians at Fast Electrical Services Co).
Commonly Recalled or Problematic Electrical Panels:
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok Panels
These panels, popular from the 1950s to 1980s, have been linked to circuit breakers failing to trip during overloads, increasing fire risk. While not officially recalled by any agency of the U.S. government, many electrical inspectors and fire departments recommend replacement because of many reported failures. Of course, some of these can be age-related failures, but problems seem to abound with these panels in particular
Zinsco Panels
Manufactured mainly in the 1960s-1980s, Zinsco panels can suffer from breakers overheating and fuses not functioning properly. They tend to corrode and that corrosion can cause breakers to fail to trip. Again, not officially recalled but widely considered hazardous by most electricians, including us.
Challenger Panels
Panels with Challenger breakers, often manufactured by Federal Pacific or Zinsco after acquisitions, may have similar issues with failure to trip. These are the same panels as above under a different brand name, but usually manufactured at the same time in the same manufacturing facilities. Again, no official recall, but safety concerns are noted.
GTE/Sylvania Load Centers
Certain models have had recalls due to defective breakers. Call us if you have a GTE/Sylvania and we can take a look. Not all of these panels are considered bad. Some model numbers and eras of model numbers have had issues.
Pushmatic Panels (by Challenger)
Overheating and failure-to-trip issues have been widely reported. Both are serious concerns and can represent a fire hazard. We are not a fan of these panels.
What Should Homeowners Do?
If you have a panel from these brands, particularly an older panel, contact us to have us come by and inspect it. In addition to the physical condition of the panel, we can identify dangerous conditions resulting from the use of the panel, such as worn breakers, overheating or corrosion. We’ll make a recommendation, and you can choose whether or not you want the panel replaced.
We touched on it in our previous article but it’s important to keep in mind that a panel replacement may save you money in the long run with your homeowner’s insurance. Replacement can significantly improve electrical safety and reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock.
How to Identify Your Electrical Panel
It’s very easy. Simply open your panel and look at the label inside the panel door. Note the brand (manufacturer), model number and date. If it’s one of the panels listed above, contact us for an inspection.
