When considering a 200amp service upgrade, swapping out a panel, or a brand new electrical panel, ask these questions to determine which might be best for your home and situation.
- What type of panel do you have?
- Brand of panel
- Made by Zinsco for FPE (Federal Pacific Electric)
- Is a pushmatic panel
- Brand of panel
- What do you see for the future of your home?
- Are you planning to remodel or add on to the house?
- What year was your home built?
- 1970’s
- 1980’s to 1990’s
- Less than ten years old
- Older than 1970
- Does my house have a main panel or a fuse box?
- Will I be adding a hot tub, Jacuzzi, or swimming pool with heater?
The Electrical Circuit Breaker Panel
The Heart of a Home’s Electric System
The home’s electrical system operates like a human being’s body. Circuits and wires carry electricity throughout the home like veins and arteries carry blood to organs and limbs. Just as blood keeps the body alive, electricity keeps televisions on, computers powered, and refrigerators running.
Blood cannot travel throughout a body unless its heart is pumping, and electricity cannot travel throughout a home unless the electrical panel is operating properly. The panel is the heart of an entire home’s electrical system. Without a properly functioning panel, nothing electrical in a home will work.
People’s hearts can develop problems due to age, diet, and genetic reasons. Panels also can develop problems. Today, there are two brands of panels that may have major manufacturing and/or design flaws that potentially put homeowners at risk—Federal Pacific Electric panels and certain Zinsco panels. There are also millions of people today who have panels that are more than 40 years old and may no longer protect their homes from overcurrents and short circuits.
This site will provide you vital information on each of these panels and explain how you can protect your home and loved ones from any possible shock or fire hazard.