Federal Pacific and Zinsco panel replacement in Dallas
Replace Federal Pacific Stab-Lok, Zinsco and other problem panels before they fail.
Short answer: Federal Pacific Stab-Lok and Zinsco panels have a long record of breakers that fail to trip and bus connections that overheat. Many Dallas homes from the 1960s and 1970s still have them. Replacing the panel removes the risk and usually satisfies the insurer.
Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok panels were installed in millions of homes between the 1950s and 1980s. Independent testing found that many of their breakers did not trip on overload. Zinsco and some Sylvania-Zinsco panels have breakers that can fuse to an aluminum bus bar. Neither problem shows from the outside.
We identify the panel, show you the label, and replace the whole panel with new breakers, grounding and surge protection. Many insurers and buyers now ask for this before closing.
FPE & Zinsco Panel Replacement: signs to watch for
- Your panel label reads Federal Pacific, FPE, Stab-Lok or Zinsco
- Breakers have red or blue-and-white handles in a narrow row
- An insurance company or home inspector flagged the panel
- Breakers trip unpredictably or never trip at all
- The panel is original to a 1960s or 1970s house
How we handle it
- Identify the panel make and photograph the label for your records
- Permit and Oncor scheduling for the change-out
- Replace with a new panel, breakers, grounding and surge protection
- Inspection, labeling, and paperwork for your insurer
Typical FPE or Zinsco change-out
Includes permit and a new panel; meter base work is extra if needed.
Replace or wait?
If you have a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok or Zinsco panel, our advice is to plan its replacement rather than wait for a failure, especially before a summer of heavy AC load. If budget forces a wait, avoid adding new loads, keep the panel cover on, and have breakers tested. Replacement is usually a one-day job.
What moves the price
- Meter base condition
- Number of circuits to transfer
- Whether aluminum branch wiring is present
FPE & Zinsco Panel Replacement in Dallas homes
Neighborhoods built out in the 1960s and 1970s, like Lake Highlands, White Rock Valley, Casa View and much of Far North Dallas, are where we find these panels most. If you just bought one of those houses and the inspection report mentions Federal Pacific, call before the summer load season.
Questions people ask us
How do I know if I have a Federal Pacific panel?
Look at the label inside the panel door for Federal Pacific, FPE or Stab-Lok. The breakers are often thin with red tips. Send us a photo if you are unsure.
Will my insurance cover replacing it?
Usually not as a claim, but some insurers require it to write or renew a policy. We provide documents showing it was replaced.
Can I just replace the FPE breakers?
Replacement breakers do not fix the bus connection problems. Replacing the panel is the fix we recommend.
Related services
Lights out, breaker tripping, or a burning smell?
Call now. A person answers around the clock and we send the nearest NTX electrician who can safely take the job.