Hazardous Electrical Panels

Electrical panels are a crucial component of any home’s electrical system, but not all panels are created equal. Some electrical panels are hazardous due to age or design flaws. These hazardous electrical panels can cause fires, electric shock, and other serious hazards. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common hazardous electrical panels found in homes and how to identify and address them.

1. Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Panels were widely installed in homes between the 1950s and 1980s. However, they are known to have faulty breakers that can fail to trip, causing electrical fires. In fact, FPE panels have been found to be responsible for over 2,800 electrical fires in the US. If your home has an FPE panel, it’s recommended to replace it immediately.
2. Zinsco (or Sylvania) Panels were also popular in the 1950s and 1960s, but they have a design flaw that can cause the breakers to overheat and melt, creating a fire hazard. In addition, Zinsco panels are no longer manufactured, making it difficult to find replacement parts. If your home has a Zinsco panel, it’s recommended to replace it with a newer, safer panel.
3. Pushmatic Panels were commonly installed in homes in the 1960s and 1970s. However, they are known to have issues with the breakers, which can become stuck or fail to trip, causing electrical fires. In addition, Pushmatic panels are no longer manufactured, making it difficult to find replacement parts. If your home has a Pushmatic panel, it’s recommended to replace it with a newer, safer panel.
4. Challenger Panels were widely installed in homes in the 1980s and early 1990s. However, they have been found to have several design flaws, including loose connections that can cause overheating and fires. In addition, Challenger panels are no longer manufactured, making it difficult to find replacement parts. If your home has a Challenger panel, it’s recommended to replace it with a newer, safer panel.
5. Split-Bus Electrical Panels Split-bus electrical panels were popular in homes built between the 1950s and 1970s. They have a unique design that allows the homeowner to turn off some circuits while leaving others on. However, split-bus panels can be dangerous because they often lack a main breaker, making it difficult to shut off all power to the house in an emergency. If your home has a split-bus panel, it’s recommended to replace it with a newer, safer panel that has a main breaker.

In conclusion, hazardous electrical panels in homes can pose a serious danger to homeowners. It’s important to identify and address these panels to prevent electrical fires, electric shock, and other hazards. If you suspect that your home has a hazardous electrical panel, it’s recommended to contact a licensed electrician to inspect your panel and recommend a replacement. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take action today to protect yourself and your family.