If your home still has a Federal Pacific (FPE) Stab-Lok or Zinsco panel, replacing it is one of the most important electrical upgrades you can make.
Call (727) 476-7079 for a panel replacement quote
Why these panels are a concern
Both brands were common in homes built from the 1950s through the 1980s, which describes a lot of Pinellas County. Over the years they’ve built a reputation among electricians and home inspectors for problems:
- Federal Pacific Stab-Lok: breakers that may fail to trip under overload or short-circuit conditions, and breakers that fit loosely in the bus
- Zinsco (and Sylvania-Zinsco): breakers that can fuse to the aluminum bus bar, melt, or fail to trip
Many Florida insurers ask about panel brand during 4-point inspections, and some won’t write or renew a policy until an FPE or Zinsco panel is replaced.
How to tell what you have
Open the panel door (don’t remove the cover) and look for a label: “Federal Pacific Electric,” “FPE,” “Stab-Lok,” “Zinsco” or “Sylvania.” FPE breakers often have red-tipped handles. Zinsco breakers are often multicolored. Not sure? Email a photo to mark@keywestlights.com.
Our replacement
- New panel: Good (ABB) or Best (Siemens, 10-year warranty)
- Whole-house surge protection included
- Grounding and bonding corrected to current code
- Permit and inspection handled
- Every circuit tested and labeled
- If your service is undersized, we’ll quote a service upgrade at the same time
FAQ
Is my FPE or Zinsco panel going to fail tomorrow? Not necessarily, but you can’t tell by looking whether its breakers will trip when they need to. That’s the problem. We recommend replacing these panels rather than repairing them.
Can I just replace the breakers? Replacement breakers for these panels are limited, and new breakers don’t fix a worn or damaged bus. Panel replacement is the reliable fix.
How long does replacement take? Typically one day, plus the building department inspection.
Will this satisfy my insurance company? A permitted panel replacement is usually what insurers ask for. Ask your agent what documentation they need. We can provide the permit record and an invoice.
Replace that panel. Call (727) 476-7079.
Related: Panel Upgrades · Rewiring · Service Upgrades