09/15/2025
I’ve run into a lot of Federal Pacific (FPE) and Zinsco electrical panels lately, and I just want to put this out there for friends and family: if your home still has one of these, it’s worth looking into replacing it.
These panels were installed a lot in the 60s–80s, but over the years they’ve developed a pretty bad track record. The main issue is that the breakers inside don’t always trip when they should. That means if there’s a short or overload, instead of cutting power like a normal breaker, they can keep feeding electricity into the problem—sometimes leading to overheating, melted wires, or worse.
It doesn’t mean your house is unsafe right this second. Many people have lived with them for decades. But the risk is higher compared to modern panels, and most electricians (and even insurance companies) recommend upgrading when possible.
If you’re not sure what kind of panel you have, it’s worth taking a peek at the label inside the panel door. If you see “Federal Pacific” or “Zinsco,” at least you’ll know what you’re dealing with.
Not trying to scare anyone—just passing along what I’ve seen in the field so you can make an informed choice. Sometimes peace of mind is worth the update.
Here’s a good before and after reference!
