Electrical Panels in Older SoCal Homes: Zinsco, Federal Pacific, and Safety

The San Fernando Valley is full of charming mid-century ranch homes and sprawling 1970s estates. We love the architecture of these eras, but as home inspectors, we know they often hide a specific fire hazard in the garage or on the side of the house: The Electrical Panel.

If you are buying a home built between 1950 and 1980 in Woodland Hills, Calabasas, or West Hills, there is a high probability it contains a “recall” panel. Here is what you need to know about the two most notorious brands: Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) and Zinsco.

The Problem: Breakers That Don’t Break

The job of a circuit breaker is simple: if too much electricity flows through the wire (overheating it), the breaker snaps off to cut the power and prevent a fire.

The problem with FPE and Zinsco panels is that they often fail to trip. They can jam in the “ON” position even when the circuit is overloading and melting the wires inside your walls. To make matters worse, they can appear to be off but still conduct electricity, posing a shock hazard to anyone working on them.

1. Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok

Era: 1950s – 1980s
How to Spot It: Look for the “Stab-Lok” label on the panel door. The breakers often have distinctive red tips on the switch handles.

The Risk: Studies suggest that FPE Stab-Lok breakers may have a failure rate of up to 25% or higher. They are responsible for thousands of electrical fires annually in the US. Most insurance carriers will not write a new policy on a home with an FPE panel.

2. Zinsco (and Sylvania/GTE)

Era: Mid-1960s – Mid-1970s
How to Spot It: These are very common in the Valley. The breakers are often colorful (blue, green, red, pink) and thin. The “Zinsco” logo is usually stamped on the panel, though some were rebranded as Sylvania.

The Risk: The design flaw here involves the connection between the breaker and the “bus bar” (the main metal strip providing power). The breakers tend to corrode and arc, effectively welding themselves to the bus bar. Once welded, they will never trip.

What If Your Dream Home Has One?

Finding a Zinsco or FPE panel is not a reason to cancel the sale, but it is a reason to ask for a credit.

Replacing an electrical panel is a standard job for a licensed electrician. In the Calabasas area, a panel upgrade typically costs between $2,500 and $4,000, depending on the service size (100 Amp vs. 200 Amp) and location.

Our Advice: Treat this as a safety upgrade, just like replacing bald tires on a car. It needs to be done, preferably before you move in.

We Check the “Dead Front”

During a CIS Home Inspection, we remove the safety cover (the “dead front”) of the panel to inspect the wiring inside—something most buyers never do. We identify the brand, check for signs of scorching or arcing, and give you the hard facts you need to negotiate a safe electrical system.

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