Downey Homeowners: How to tell If You Have a Federal Pacific or Zinsco Panel

If your Downey home was built or last rewired between the 1950s and the 1980s, it is worth knowing whether your panel is a Federal Pacific or Zinsco model. Both come up often in inspection reports and insurance reviews.

Federal Pacific Electric's Stab-Lok breakers have been the subject of testing that found some failed to trip as designed. Zinsco panels, also sold as GTE-Sylvania or Sylvania, have a design concern where breakers can overheat and bond to the bus bar. Neither company makes these panels anymore. That does not mean every panel is about to fail, but a breaker that cannot trip has stopped doing its one job.

Signs you may have one include:

• "Federal Pacific Electric," "FPE," or "Stab-Lok" on the panel or breakers
• Orange breaker handles
• "Zinsco," "GTE-Sylvania," or "Sylvania" on the panel
• Multicolored breaker handles in red, green, blue, or yellow

Do not remove the panel cover or flip breakers to test them. If you are buying a home or renewing a policy, ask your insurance carrier in writing whether the panel affects coverage. California does not have a law requiring these panels to be replaced, and Saiyan's guide to FPE and Zinsco panels and insurance covers what to ask.

Saiyan Electric performs electrical safety inspections and FPE and Zinsco panel replacements for Downey homeowners, as well as in nearby Bellflower, Lakewood, Norwalk, and South Gate. Main panel upgrades carry a 7-year warranty under Saiyan Electric's approved warranty terms. Homeowners can take $100 off any electrical panel replacement with code PANEL; not valid with any other offers, limit one coupon per customer.

Call (310) 780-0191 or visit saiyanelectric.com to find out what kind of panel your Downey home has.

Saiyan Electric Contact
Phone: (310) 780-0191
Website: https://saiyanelectric.com
Email: info@saiyanelectric.com
Address: 9702 Washburn Rd, Downey, CA 90241