Federal Pacific, Zinsco & Sylvania Panel Replacement
Federal Pacific, Zinsco, and Sylvania panels have documented failure rates that put your home at risk. Don't wait for a fault — replace your hazardous panel today.
Why Federal Pacific, Zinsco & Sylvania Panels Must Be Replaced
Installed in millions of Southern California homes from the 1950s through the late 1980s, these panels carry major manufacturing defects that grow more dangerous over time:
🚨 Failed Trip Tests
Federal Pacific Stab-Lok breakers fail to trip in up to 25% of overload tests per independent laboratory testing, leaving home wiring vulnerable to overheating.
🔥 Welded Breakers to Bus Bar
Zinsco and Sylvania breakers fuse directly to the aluminum bus bar during a short circuit. The breaker cannot trip, creating an immediate fire hazard.
📋 Insurance Denials
Federal Pacific, Zinsco, and Sylvania panels are explicitly blacklisted by major insurance carriers, preventing policy issuance or renewals.
📉 Real Estate Escrow Flags
Home inspectors flag these panels immediately during home purchases, requiring full replacement before escrow can close.
Is a Sylvania Panel the Same as a Zinsco Panel?
Yes. GTE Sylvania purchased Zinsco Electrical Products in 1973 and manufactured the exact same design under the Sylvania and GTE Sylvania brand names throughout the 1970s and 1980s. If your electrical panel has a metal badge labeled "SYLVANIA", it contains the identical internal bus bar design and breaker mechanisms as a classic Zinsco panel.
- Color-Coded Breaker Handles: Distinctive bright red, green, black, or blue breaker handles mounted vertically or horizontally.
- Aluminum Bus Bar Pitting: Breaker connection clips loosen over time, causing severe arcing, overheating, and metal degradation.
- Bus Bar Fusion: Extreme heat causes the breaker clip to melt directly onto the bus bar, rendering the breaker permanently open or welded closed so it cannot trip during an electrical fault.
Real Los Angeles Sylvania Zinsco main service panel with color-coded breaker handles prior to replacement by AMY Electric.
How We Replace Your Hazardous Panel
Identify & Assess
We identify your panel brand, assess the condition, and perform a thermal scan to find hot spots and failure points.
Permits & Coordination
We pull the electrical permit and coordinate with LADWP for service disconnect and restoration.
Panel Removal & Install
We remove the hazardous panel, install a modern 200A breaker panel, and reconnect all circuits with new breakers.
Inspection & Sign-Off
LADBS inspects the installation. You receive a signed permit and certificate for insurance and home sale documentation.
Hazardous Panel Replacement FAQ
Are Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels dangerous? +
Yes. Both brands have well-documented failure modes. Federal Pacific Stab-Lok breakers fail to trip in up to 25% of overload tests. Zinsco breakers can weld to the bus bar during a fault, preventing them from ever tripping. Both are considered fire hazards.
How much does it cost to replace a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel? +
Replacement typically runs $2,500-$5,000 depending on the panel size, meter base condition, and whether you need a service entrance upgrade. We provide a free on-site estimate.
Will my insurance company require replacement? +
Many insurance companies will not write new policies or will cancel existing coverage if a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel is present. Replacement resolves these requirements.
Can I just replace the breakers instead of the whole panel? +
Unfortunately, no. Federal Pacific and Zinsco breakers are proprietary and no longer manufactured to safety standards. The bus bar design itself is the problem. The only safe solution is to replace the entire panel.
How do I know if I have a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel? +
Check the panel door for the brand name. Federal Pacific panels are labeled 'Stab-Lok' (1950s-1980s). Zinsco panels were installed from the 1970s through the 1990s. We'll identify it during your free inspection.
Get Your Free Hazard Assessment
We'll identify your panel brand, assess the risk, and provide a written replacement estimate — no obligation.
Call (818) 302-5614