Dangerous Electrical Panel Brands

Outdated panels, particularly those designed decades ago, are not designed to handle the electricity needs of modern households. Today, homes use far more electricity than in the past due to an increased number of electrical devices, appliances, and technology. If your electrical panel is outdated, it may not provide adequate protection for your home or its occupants, creating an increased risk of fire or electrocution. Here's why:

  1. Overloaded Circuits: Older panels were designed for a time when the average home used less electricity. The electrical demands of modern appliances—such as air conditioners, washing machines, large kitchen appliances, and entertainment systems—are often too much for these panels to handle. This can cause circuits to become overloaded, resulting in overheating and potentially sparking a fire.

  2. Faulty Components: Many older panels contain components that degrade over time or are inherently defective. This can lead to a failure to properly interrupt electrical flow when necessary, posing a fire risk.

  3. Lack of Safety Features: Modern panels come with advanced safety features such as ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), which provide an extra layer of safety by preventing shocks and minimizing the risk of electrical fires. These features are often absent in outdated electrical panels, increasing the risk of accidents.

6 High-Risk Electrical Panels You Shouldn't Ignore

Certain brands of electrical panels are notorious for being unsafe, often due to design flaws, poor manufacturing quality, or failures to meet current safety standards. Here are some brands you should be aware of:

1. Challenger Panels: Challenger electrical panels were installed in homes primarily in the 1980s and early 1990s. Unfortunately, these panels are known for having issues with overheating, particularly in the bus bars where breakers connect. Overheating can lead to arcing, which poses a fire hazard. Due to these risks, many insurance companies are reluctant to insure homes with Challenger panels.

2. Gould (ITE-Siemens) Panels: Gould panels may appear reliable but have a hidden danger: their circuit breakers have been reported to fail to trip during an overcurrent situation. Circuit breakers are designed to "trip" or shut off the flow of electricity in the event of an electrical fault, such as a short circuit or overload. When a breaker fails to trip, the risk of overheating and fire increases significantly.

3. T&B (Thomas & Betts) Panels: Thomas & Betts panels have also been found to have performance issues, particularly with their reliability during overcurrent conditions. Similar to Gould, if a breaker fails to function properly, it can allow wires to overheat, which poses a serious fire risk.

4. Zinsco Panels: Zinsco panels were popular in homes built from the 1950s through the 1970s. One of the most alarming issues with Zinsco panels is that the breakers can melt to the bus bar, rendering them incapable of tripping when needed. This can lead to dangerous scenarios where electrical faults are left unchecked, significantly increasing the risk of electrical fire. Zinsco panels also have a history of internal arcing, which can further degrade the panel's ability to function properly.

5. Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Panels: Federal Pacific Electric panels are some of the most infamous in the electrical industry due to the well-documented problems with their "Stab-Lok" breakers. In fact, tests have shown that FPE breakers may fail to trip up to 60% of the time when an overload or short circuit occurs. This failure to trip poses an extreme fire hazard and has resulted in numerous home fires. FPE panels are widely recognized as dangerous, and many insurance companies will refuse coverage until they are replaced.

6. Sylvania Panels: Sylvania panels are very similar to Zinsco panels, as they essentially used the same components under a different brand name. Consequently, Sylvania panels have similar reliability issues, with breakers often failing to trip during overcurrent events, leading to a heightened fire risk.

Why Insurance Companies Deny Coverage for These Panels

Due to the documented safety risks associated with these panels, many home insurance companies are reluctant or outright refuse to insure homes that still have them. Insurers are well aware of the increased probability of electrical fires and other issues associated with these panels, and they may require homeowners to replace them before issuing or renewing a policy. The replacement of these outdated panels not only enhances the safety of your home but also ensures that you remain insurable.

Warning Signs of Electrical Panel Issues

If your home is equipped with one of these outdated panels, there are several warning signs that indicate it might be time for a replacement. Be on the lookout for the following:

  • Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips: If you notice that your circuit breakers are constantly tripping, this could be a sign that your electrical panel is struggling to handle the electrical load.

  • Burn Marks or Scorching: Visible signs of burn marks, scorching, or melting around the panel are clear indications that something is seriously wrong.

  • Burning Smell or Odd Noises: Any unusual smells, such as burning plastic, or strange noises like buzzing coming from the panel, can signal an electrical problem.

  • Fuses Instead of Breakers: If your panel uses fuses rather than circuit breakers, it's outdated and not equipped to handle the demands of a modern home.

What You Should Do if You Have an Outdated Panel

If your home has an outdated or dangerous electrical panel, it's crucial to address the issue as soon as possible. Replacing the panel with a modern, code-compliant electrical panel installed by a licensed electrician is the best way to ensure your home’s safety. A new panel not only provides better protection for your home and its occupants but also gives you the capacity to handle today's electricity needs without constantly tripping breakers or risking a fire.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel:

  • Increased Home Safety: New panels are designed with modern safety features that significantly reduce the risk of fire and other hazards.

  • Higher Capacity: A modern panel can handle a greater electrical load, ensuring that your home’s electrical system keeps up with your needs.

  • Compliance with Electrical Code: Updating your panel ensures your home meets current electrical codes, which is essential when selling your property or getting insured.

  • Improved Reliability: You'll enjoy greater peace of mind knowing that your electrical system is reliable and less prone to issues.

Call Alokin Electric for a Professional Panel Inspection

Replacing an electrical panel is not a DIY project; it requires extensive knowledge of electrical systems and adherence to local codes. Trust a licensed electrician from Alokin Electric to safely and correctly replace your outdated panel, ensuring your home is protected against electrical hazards. If you’re in McDonald, Newton, Jasper, Lawrence, Barry, Stone, Christian, Greene, or Taney counties, or in cities like Joplin, Webb City, Carthage, Neosho, Monett, Shell Knob, Branson, Nixa, Ozark, Republic, Springfield, and surrounding areas, contact Alokin Electric today. Our licensed electricians will inspect your current panel and provide an exact quote for any necessary upgrades—keeping your family and property safe.