Is Your Electrical Panel a Fire Risk?

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. Every circuit in your house runs through it. And if your panel is outdated, damaged, or made by certain manufacturers, it could be a serious fire hazard.

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Panels — FPE Stab-Lok panels were installed in millions of homes from the 1950s through the 1980s. Independent testing has shown that their breakers can fail to trip during an overload or short circuit — the exact situation they’re designed to protect against. When a breaker doesn’t trip, wires overheat and fires start.

Zinsco/Sylvania Panels — Zinsco panels (sometimes branded as Sylvania or GTE-Sylvania) have a similar problem: breakers that melt to the bus bar and can’t be tripped even manually. These panels were common in homes built in the 1970s and 1980s.

Warning Signs Your Panel Needs Attention — Breakers that trip frequently or won’t reset. A burning smell near the panel. Visible rust, corrosion, or scorch marks. Breakers that feel hot to the touch. Flickering lights when appliances turn on. Double-tapped breakers (two wires on one breaker).

Modern Load Demands — Even if your panel isn’t a Federal Pacific or Zinsco, it may be undersized for modern electrical loads. Homes built before 2000 often have 100-amp or 150-amp panels. Today’s homes with electric vehicles, heat pumps, hot tubs, and home offices may need 200-amp or even 320-amp service.

The NEC Code Factor — The National Electrical Code is updated every three years. Older panels may lack AFCI protection (required in bedrooms since 2002 and most rooms since 2014), GFCI protection in required locations, or whole-home surge protection. While you’re not required to upgrade to current code, doing so significantly improves safety.

What a Panel Upgrade Involves — A typical panel upgrade in Utah takes one day and includes: removing the old panel, installing a new 200-amp panel with modern breakers, adding AFCI/GFCI protection where required, verifying all connections, and coordinating with Rocky Mountain Power for the meter disconnect.

If your home was built before 1990, or you’re not sure what kind of panel you have, start with our free electrical guide or schedule a safety inspection. We’ll identify any risks and give you a clear, no-pressure assessment.