Some types of electric panels that have been commonly used in residential and commercial construction have been shown to be prone to failure. Failure of these circuit breakers and panels may lead to unsafe conditions, which include electrical shock and fire.
Many home owner’s insurance providers will not insure property that have these panels installed, regardless of whether there have ever been any problems with a specific installed panel.
Following are some of the names that these panels have been sold under:
-Federal Pacific Electric (FPE)
-Stab-lock
-Sylvania
-Zinsco
-GTE
-Challenger
If any of these panels are installed in a property that we inspect, we always issue the following warning:
A breaker panel of questionable quality was noted. There is conflicting information on the safety and reliability of this equipment, and most electricians consider this equipment to be a safety and fire hazard. Recommend evaluation by a qualified electrician familiar with this equipment prior to the end of the inspection period and repair or replace as needed.