Is Your Home’s Electrical Panel a Hidden Hazard?

If your home was built between the 1950s and 1980s, it may still have its original electrical panel — and a few brands from that era are now considered fire hazards.

Zinsco (also sold as GTE-Sylvania) and Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panels are the big two. The concern is that their breakers can fail to trip during an overload or short circuit, which can lead to overheating and fire. Electricians, home inspectors, and insurers routinely flag them.

Not sure what’s in your panel? Have it inspected — and if you have one of these, replacing it is the only way to make your home safe.