Federal Pacific and Zinsco Electrical Panels: Safety Risks and the Need for Replacement

Why Are Federal Pacific and Zinsco Electrical Panels Dangerous?

The most concerning issue with Federal Pacific and Zinsco electrical panels is their faulty breakers, which are notorious for failing to trip during excessive power loads. Here’s why this is dangerous:

• Breakers Fail to Trip Under Overload: Breakers are designed to trip (shut off the electrical flow) when too much power is being drawn, preventing overheating and fires. Unfortunately, the breakers in these older panels often fail to trip when they should, allowing dangerous amounts of electricity to flow through the circuits. The resulting heat buildup can lead to melted wires, sparks, and potentially electrical fires.
• Breakers Fail to Turn Off Internally: Even if the breaker seems to be in the tripped position, it may still be conducting electricity internally. This can result in overheating or failure to completely shut off power during a fault or overload, creating a serious risk to your home or business.
• Potential Fire Hazard: Heat caused by excessive electrical loads in a faulty panel can become a fire hazard. The internal failure of the breaker to function properly exacerbates the risk, increasing the chances of an electrical fire.

The Hidden Danger: It’s Impossible to Tell by Visual Inspection

One of the most troubling aspects of Federal Pacific and Zinsco Electrical Panels is that it’s impossible to tell if they are defective just by looking at them. Even if your panel has been functioning properly for years, it does not guarantee that it will continue to operate safely. Breaker failure can occur at any time, without warning, and potentially cause irreversible damage or fire.

Aftermarket Breakers: A Partial Solution

While some manufacturers have produced aftermarket breakers designed to fit these panels, replacing a faulty breaker does not necessarily solve all the issues. These replacement breakers may not fully address the underlying design flaws of the panels, and they still carry a degree of risk. The only complete solution is replacing the entire electrical panel with a modern, code-compliant system that meets the latest safety standards.

Insurance Concerns: Protect Your Property

Due to the well-documented risks of Federal Pacific and Zinsco electrical panels, the insurance industry is increasingly aware of their potential fire hazards. In fact, some insurance providers have started refusing to write policies for homes that still have these types of panels installed. This means that if you own a property with one of these panels, you may face challenges in securing home insurance coverage or may have to pay higher premiums.