Many Broward County homes built in the 1960s through the 1980s still have their original electrical panels. Two brands from that era — Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) and Zinsco — come up again and again in home inspections. Here's what homeowners should know.
Why these panels raise concerns
Federal Pacific (Stab-Lok) panels and breakers have been the subject of independent testing and long-standing industry concern about breakers that may not trip reliably when a circuit is overloaded or shorted. A breaker that doesn't trip can allow wiring to overheat.
Zinsco panels (also sold under the Sylvania name) are known for breakers that can overheat and, in some cases, fuse to the bus bar — meaning the breaker may not shut off when it should.
Other older brands, such as some Challenger and Murray equipment, are also frequently flagged. Age alone is a factor: breakers and bus bars wear out, connections loosen, and South Florida humidity accelerates corrosion.
How to tell what you have
- Look for the brand name on the panel door or the label inside it.
- FPE panels often show "Federal Pacific" or "Stab-Lok"; Zinsco breakers often have distinctive colored handles.
- If you're not sure, a licensed electrician can identify the equipment in a few minutes.
Please don't remove the panel cover yourself — the parts behind it are energized.
Insurance and home sales in Florida
Many Florida insurance companies review the electrical panel during 4-point inspections, and some flag or decline coverage for homes with FPE or Zinsco panels until the panel is replaced. These panels also commonly come up during home-sale inspections.
Warning signs — whatever the brand
- Breakers that trip frequently, or never trip at all
- Warm or buzzing breakers or panel cover
- Rust, scorch marks or a burning smell
- Lights that dim when large appliances start
What replacement involves
- Evaluation and load calculation to size the new panel — often an opportunity to move from 100A to 200A service, or up to 400A for larger homes.
- Permit filed with your city (or Broward County for unincorporated areas).
- Utility coordination if the service or meter needs to change.
- Installation, circuit labeling, testing, and optional whole-home surge protection.
- Final inspection by the building department.
Most replacements are completed in one to two days once permits are approved. Learn about our panel upgrade services or call 754-289-8993 to schedule an evaluation.
Safety note: this guide is general information, not a substitute for an on-site evaluation. Electrical work should be performed by a licensed electrician.
