Did you know your electrical panel could be a serious fire hazard? Not only that, those outdated and recalled panels can prevent you from getting the home insurance you need. But don’t worry, we’ve got the lowdown on how to identify if you’ve got one of these bad boys and what to do about it.
First, let’s talk about the culprits. These panels go by a few different names – electrical panels, load centers, or breaker panels. They’re the service boxes that distribute electricity to all the circuits in your home. But if they fail to operate correctly, they can send too much electrical current through a circuit and cause a fire or power outage. In the case of a power outage, make sure you check out our guide to surviving 72 hours without electricity.
Problematic Electrical Panels
Here are the notorious panels you need to watch out for: The Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panels, Zinsco panels (also known as GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panels), Challenger panels made by Challenger Electrical Equipment Corp or Eaton/Cutler Hammer, Split Bus panels, Fuse Boxes, and Pushmatic panels are all considered out of date or have been involved in an electrical panel recall.
The FPE panels were widely used from the 1950s through the 1990s, but the Stab-Lok panels can fail to trip when a circuit is overloaded, which can cause the system to overheat and potentially ignite a fire. Zinsco panels, popular in the 1970s, have several design flaws that make them a serious fire hazard. Challenger panels, installed in hundreds of thousands of homes in the 1980s and early 1990s, were recalled in 1988 due to a mechanical component that can detach, leading to overheating, melting, and fire. Split Bus panels gained popularity in the 1950s, but were quickly recognized as safety hazards due to being overloaded with no main breaker to shut the panel off. Similarly, fuse boxes are now considered fire hazards as they are unable to handle the energy demands of modern homes. Pushmatic panels, popular from 1950 through 1980, are now considered outdated and should be replaced.
Is My Electrical Panel a Fire Hazard?
But how do you know if you’ve got one of these problematic panels? Look for the manufacturer’s name on the panel door, the manufacturer’s label (often found on the inside of the panel door), or any information stickers that may be present. The FPE panels may have “Federal Pacific Electric” or “FPE” stamped into the metal cover, breakers with a red stripe on each switch, or an information sticker on the inside that reads “Federal Pacific Electric,” “Federal Pioneer FPE,” or “Stab-lock.” Zinsco panels may have bright red, blue, or green tabs on the individual breakers, but they can also have black breakers. Challenger panels may have “Challenger” stamped on the handle or door, circuits with yellow buttons and the word “test” on one side, or Challenger parts may be present in other electrical panels, including those made by GTE Slyvania and Zinsco. Pushmatic panels have rectangular buttons that activate and deactivate circuits, unlike most panels that have right to left switches.
So, what should you do if you’ve got one of these electrical panels in your home? Work with a licensed electrician to replace it as soon as possible. Do not attempt to remove the panel yourself! Electrical panels should only be maintained by professionals. Always do your research when buying electrical panels, and make sure you choose the right fit for you.
Remember, if you know you have a problematic circuit panel and fail to disclose this to your insurance provider, a fire claim could be denied. So, be sure to check your panel and keep your insurance provider in the loop about any necessary changes to ensure your home insurance is valid.