Panel Upgrades
Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels show up in a lot of older Southern California homes. Here's why electricians flag them, and what replacing one involves.
Licensed · Bonded · Insured · CA Lic. C-1098584
October 12, 2026
Yes, most electricians recommend replacing a Federal Pacific (FPE) Stab-Lok or Zinsco electrical panel, because these panels have a long, widely reported history of breakers that may fail to trip during an overload or short circuit. A breaker that doesn't trip can let wiring overheat, which is a fire risk. Both brands were installed in many Southern California homes from the 1950s through the 1980s and are no longer manufactured. Replacement means a new panel, new breakers, a permit and an inspection.
_Last updated: October 2026_
If you aren't sure, don't remove the panel cover yourself. A licensed electrician can identify it safely during an electrical safety inspection.
With FPE Stab-Lok, the concern is breakers that may not trip when they should. Zinsco panels are known for breakers that can melt onto the bus bar, the metal strip that carries power through the panel, especially as connections loosen with age. Either problem can mean a circuit keeps carrying current when it should have shut off. Home inspectors routinely flag both brands, and some insurers ask about them by name.
Heat adds stress. Antelope Valley summers regularly reach the high 90s°F, and San Fernando Valley heat waves can top 100°F. Long AC run times put sustained load on panels and connections. A panel that's decades old and already questionable is not the place to test that.
See our electrical panel upgrade service and the warning signs your home needs a panel upgrade.
B&M Electrical Services has replaced older panels across the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita and the San Fernando Valley for 30+ years as a licensed California contractor (C-1098584).
Our Services
Licensed lighting installation, panel upgrades, EV charger installation, new circuits & wiring, and troubleshooting & repairs for homes and businesses across the Antelope Valley and greater LA County.
Where We Work
Dispatched from Acton, CA, serving homes and businesses across the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita and greater Los Angeles County.
Trusted By Homeowners
Brandon Rojas
I had a great experience with this electrical service. The team showed up on time, worked efficiently, and finished the job faster than I expected while still doing everything the right way. The price was very fair compared to other quotes I received, which made the whole experience even better because the quality of work was still top-notch. I also want to give a shout out to Barrett for being pr…
Loren Gibson
B&M has done a couple jobs for me in the past year, very pleased with the work. Fast, efficient, fair pricing and the work is always really clean. Definitely a returning customer.
Travis Steinbock
Barrett came out and gave me a good price on the work. They replaced my electrical panel and installed a disconnect for my AC unit. Then the next day, had a guy come out to patch up the wall and paint when the stucco dried. He also had the number of an AC technician for me to call to move a thermostat wire. Overall, great work and very communicative throughout the process.