Welcome to the home of EV charger installations and EV chargers in Orange County. We provide every type of home EV charger install.
A common question when determining the suitability of a home for an EV charger installation, as well as the installation cost, is the condition, age, power, and name of the panel manufacturer.
The Federal Pacific panels are notorious. They have a vintage look, and both these panels and Zinsco panels are seldom repaired or refurbished. Federal Pacific panels are particularly problematic.
A common question when determining the suitability of a home for an EV charger installation, as well as the installation cost, is the condition, age, power, and name of the panel manufacturer.
The Federal Pacific panels are notorious. They have a vintage look, and both these panels and Zinsco panels are seldom repaired or refurbished. Federal Pacific panels are particularly problematic.
Problems with Federal Pacific Electrical Panels
Federal Pacific panels present several serious issues that homeowners should be aware of:
- They are 50+ years old and were still being installed in the early 1980s.
- The breakers don’t always trip when shorted, creating a high danger. If the breaker does not trip, it is extremely dangerous.
- Similar to the Zinsco, the bus bar design uses a pressure-loaded wedge, causing breakers to often fall out of the slot due to the weakness of the bus bar connections.
- Older versions have a stab lock design that can be unreliable.
Failure to replace the panel will often result in a red tag upon inspection. We recommend always replacing the panel before it fails rather than waiting until the panel starts heating up or lights start flickering. The quality of the residential electrical system is driven by the quality of the connections, and Federal panels have many weak spots in these areas.
Siemens and Square D panels are good panel upgrade recommendations for homeowners looking to replace their Federal Pacific panels.
How to Identify a Federal Pacific Electrical Panel
Here are examples of Federal Pacific Electrical Panels to help you identify the key markers of this problematic electrical panel. You will see the following characteristics:
1. Panel Markings and Labels
Typically, you’ll notice very old-style yellow/white writing on the inside of the panel, indicating its age and manufacturer.
2. Stab-Lok Identification
Look for the words “Stab-Lok panel” written in red and white on the panel cover or inside the panel.
3. FPE Logo
A distinctive red and white logo with the initials FPE on it is a clear indicator of a Federal Pacific panel.
4. Breaker Characteristics
The breakers often have a red tip, which is a signature feature of Federal Pacific circuit breakers.
Visual Examples of Federal Pacific Electrical Panels
Below are some examples and images of Federal Pacific Electrical Panels to help you identify these potentially dangerous panels in your home:
- The panel exterior often features the FPE logo and Stab-Lok branding
- Interior components show the distinct arrangement of breakers with red tips
- The bus bar design is visibly different from modern, safer electrical panels
- Older panels may show signs of wear, corrosion, or overheating
Why Replacement is Important for EV Charger Installation
When installing an EV charger, your electrical panel needs to be safe and capable of handling the additional load. Federal Pacific panels present multiple risks:
- They may not safely handle the increased electrical load from an EV charger
- The risk of fire increases with higher power demands
- Breaker failure could damage your expensive EV charging equipment
- Insurance companies may deny claims if a fire occurs due to a known problematic panel
Next Steps for Homeowners
If you’ve identified a Federal Pacific panel in your home and are considering an EV charger installation, we recommend:
- Schedule a professional electrical inspection
- Budget for a panel replacement before proceeding with EV charger installation
- Consider upgrading to a higher-capacity panel to accommodate future electrical needs
- Choose quality replacement panels from manufacturers like Siemens or Square D
Contact our team of certified electricians to discuss your panel replacement and EV charger installation needs. We serve all of Orange County and can provide a comprehensive assessment of your electrical system to ensure safe and efficient EV charging at home.
