Replace a Federal Pacific or Zinsco Electrical Panel

If you own a home built between the 1950s and 1980s, there is a strong possibility that your electrical panel could be one of the most problematic types in residential history: a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) or Zinsco panel.

These outdated circuit breaker panels are well known in the electrical industry for their safety concerns.

In this article, we will explain why these panel boxes are hazardous, how to identify them, when to replace them, and what it may cost to upgrade.

If you are in Colorado and believe you have one of these panels, The Electricians can help assess and replace it with a modern, safe electrical system.

In short, you need to replace it as soon as possible.

What Is a Federal Pacific or Zinsco Panel?

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) and Zinsco were once common circuit breaker panel manufacturers. However, both brands have been discontinued because of critical safety defects. Their breakers are known to fail to trip during overloads or short circuits, which can result in overheating and serious fire risks.

The Main Problems:

• Federal Pacific Panels: Research has shown that FPE Stab-Lok breakers may fail to trip in up to 60% of overload conditions. These FPE circuits are considered unreliable and unsafe.
• Zinsco Panels: Zinsco breakers have been known to fuse to the bus bar, rendering them non-functional.
• Outdated Design: Both types of panels lack the safety features required by the current National Electric Code.

How to Tell If You Have One

You do not need to be a licensed electrician to perform a basic visual inspection. Open your panel box door and look for the manufacturer name. If you find:

• “Federal Pacific Electric,” “FPE,” or “Stab-Lok”
• “Zinsco” or “GTE-Sylvania”

…you should schedule a professional inspection promptly. If there is uncertainty, feel free to send a photo to us at The Electricians. We will help identify it for free.

Why You Should Replace These Panels (Even If They Appear to Work)

It may seem like everything is functioning properly, but these panels present a significant risk. Their failure to protect your home is not a matter of if, but when.

Reasons to replace include:

• Fire Risk: Defective breakers can cause electrical fires.
• Insurance Challenges: Many insurance providers will not cover homes with FPE or Zinsco panels.
• Resale Obstacles: These panels are frequently flagged by home inspectors during real estate transactions.
• Increased Electrical Demand: Modern homes require significantly more power than homes built in past decades.

When Should You Replace a Federal Pacific or Zinsco Panel?

In short: as soon as possible.

You should prioritize replacement if any of the following apply:

• You are upgrading your kitchen, HVAC system, or adding major appliances such as an EV charger or hot tub.
• You have experienced breaker trips or flickering lights.
• There are visible scorch marks, buzzing sounds, or burning smells near the panel.
• Your insurance provider expresses concern about the panel.

Even if none of these conditions are present, replacing the panel is a wise preventive investment.

Cost to Replace a Federal Pacific or Zinsco Electrical Panel

Many homeowners wonder about the expense involved in this upgrade.

How much does it cost to replace a Federal Pacific electrical panel?

In the Denver metro area, the cost to replace a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel usually ranges from $2,000 to $4,500, depending on:

• Panel size (100 amp vs 200 amp)
• Location and accessibility
• Whether a full service upgrade is necessary
• Permit and code compliance requirements to meet the latest National Electric Code

Some properties may require a service mast upgrade or meter relocation, which can increase the total cost.

Will homeowners insurance cover it?

In some cases, yes. If the panel is flagged during an inspection and an upgrade is required to maintain coverage, certain insurance companies may assist with costs. Others may require the panel to be replaced before providing coverage.

Rebates and Financing in Colorado

If you are replacing your panel in conjunction with a smart panel upgrade or electric vehicle charger installation, you may qualify for rebates or tax incentives. More information can be found in our guide to EV charger rebates in Colorado.

We also offer financing plans to make the process more affordable.

What to Expect During Replacement

Our panel replacement process typically includes the following steps:

1. Assessment & Quote: Our team inspects your existing system and provides a detailed estimate.
2. Permitting: We handle all required permitting with the local authority.
3. Scheduling: Coordination with your utility company if necessary.
4. Installation Day: We safely remove the old panel, install the new one, and reconnect circuits.
5. Inspection: A final inspection is completed by the city or county.

Total power downtime generally ranges between 4 to 8 hours.

Why Choose The Electricians?

We are a licensed, insured, and highly experienced electrical contractor serving the Denver metro area and down to Colorado Springs. Our technicians are specifically trained to replace hazardous panels and ensure compliance with all local codes.

Our services include:

• Transparent recommendations and no-pressure consultations
• Decades of experience with FPE and Zinsco panel systems
• Upgrades to smart panels, EV-ready systems, and whole-home surge protection

We are committed to safety, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.

FAQs About Replacing Federal Pacific and Zinsco Panels

Q: Can I just replace the breakers instead of the whole panel?

A: Replacing breakers alone does not resolve the inherent safety issues. The entire panel design is problematic.

Q: Is it illegal to keep an FPE or Zinsco panel?

A: While not illegal, it is strongly discouraged. Most professionals consider these panels obsolete and unsafe.

Q: Will this upgrade increase my home’s value?

A: Yes. Upgrading eliminates a major safety concern and makes your home more attractive to buyers.

Q: Can I perform a panel replacement myself?

A: No. This work must be done by a licensed electrician and permitted by the local building authority.

Ready to Replace Your Panel?

If your home still uses a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel, replacing it is a critical step toward improving safety and meeting modern standards.

Contact The Electricians today for a free panel inspection and customized quote. We proudly serve Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and the front range area.