Cost guide
Federal Pacific or Zinsco Panel: Replace It? (2026)
Market ranges and code facts reviewed .
Yes, in most cases: HomeGuide recommends replacing Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels, and that is what VoltGen Energy tells Los Angeles homeowners too, after a look at the panel and the service. The CPSC's 1983 release found that FPE Stab-Lok breakers failed certain UL calibration tests, but the available data did not establish a serious risk of injury, and the agency made no safety determination. HomeGuide's December 2024 national figures put a same-size panel replacement at $1,287 to $1,707 (Los Angeles runs about 15 to 20 percent higher), while Los Angeles-area contractor cost guides reviewed September 2026 put a local 100 A to 200 A service upgrade at $2,500 to $4,500.
Should I replace a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel?
Replacement is the usual recommendation, but the reason should be explained without treating a brand label as proof of an imminent failure. Ask your contractor to confirm the panel type, inspect its condition and explain the proposed scope.
HomeGuide's December 2024 guide says owners of Federal Pacific Electric panels should probably replace them and places Zinsco panels in the same category. That is HomeGuide's recommendation, not a government finding about every panel bearing either name.
The CPSC's 1983 release concerned Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok residential circuit breakers. It reported that testing confirmed failures of certain UL calibration requirements. It also said the available data did not establish that the breakers posed a serious risk of injury to consumers, and it closed the matter without determining their safety. So the release is neither a clean bill of health nor proof that these panels cause fires.
The CPSC release covers Federal Pacific breakers only. It says nothing about Zinsco panels, and there has been no federal recall of either brand.
If a breaker trips, the CPSC's consumer advice is to investigate the cause rather than simply reset it. A replacement discussion should also distinguish the condition of the panel from any separate problems with circuits or appliances.
How can I tell which panel I have?
Look for the brand on the panel door label or an accessible label inside the door, but do not remove the panel cover yourself. Federal Pacific panels may show "Federal Pacific Electric," "FPE" or "Stab-Lok." Zinsco panels carry the Zinsco name.
Old labels can fade or disappear. If you cannot read the label, have an electrical contractor confirm the panel rather than guessing from its appearance. A clear photo of the exterior and any safely visible label can help start the estimate conversation.
HomeGuide lists a warm panel, breakers that trip when an appliance runs, smells at the panel, flickering or dimming lights, and buzzing or crackling as signs to call an electrician. These are general warning signs for any panel, not proof of a particular FPE or Zinsco defect. Do not wait for one of these signs before asking about an identified older panel.
How much does replacement cost in Los Angeles?
The biggest pricing distinction is a same-size panel replacement versus a service upgrade that also involves utility coordination and service work. National panel-only figures are not directly comparable with a complete Los Angeles service upgrade.
| Scenario | Typical market range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Same-size breaker box replacement | $1,287 to $1,707 | HomeGuide, national, December 2024; LA runs about 15 to 20 percent higher |
| Replacement with a new 100 A panel | $1,200 to $1,600 | HomeGuide, national, December 2024; LA runs about 15 to 20 percent higher |
| Replacement with a new 200 A panel | $1,800 to $2,500 | HomeGuide, national, December 2024; LA runs about 15 to 20 percent higher |
| Upgrade from 100 A to 200 A, panel swap only | $1,300 to $1,600 | HomeGuide, national, December 2024; LA runs about 15 to 20 percent higher |
| Los Angeles 100 A to 200 A service upgrade | $2,500 to $4,500 | Los Angeles-area contractor cost guides, reviewed September 2026 |
| Los Angeles upgrade, installed and permitted (one local guide) | $2,900 to $5,100 | Los Angeles-area contractor cost guides, reviewed September 2026 |
| Los Angeles panel relocation, underground service or 400 A work | $5,100 to $11,400 or more | Los Angeles-area contractor cost guides, reviewed September 2026 |
| LADBS permit allowance within local totals | $200 to $450 | Los Angeles-area contractor cost guides, reviewed September 2026 |
| LADWP or SCE disconnect and reconnect allowance within local totals | $300 to $600 | Los Angeles-area contractor cost guides, reviewed September 2026 |
These are typical market ranges, not our prices.
The national rows describe different scopes, not items to add together. The Los Angeles figures are higher because they include service work, permits and utility coordination.
The permit and utility amounts are allowances described in the local guides, not official fee schedules. Ask whether those costs are already included before adding them to a proposal total.
For an older house, ask what changes the price: keeping or moving the panel, retaining or upgrading the service, overhead or underground work, access, and any separately proposed wiring repairs. Replacing a panel does not mean the quote includes rewiring the house.
Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood, Malibu and the Palisades usually price higher than these ranges because of access, parking, traffic and hillside logistics. Compare the actual work described, not just the total at the bottom.
What permits and code review does replacement need?
Panel replacement is permitted work, with the building department and utility involved in different parts of the process. Inside the City of Los Angeles, including Studio City, the permit authority is LADBS. Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena have their own Building and Safety departments.
The serving utility, LADWP, BWP, GWP, PWP or SCE, disconnects and reconnects service. Ask the contractor who arranges that coordination and how the inspection fits into the work plan. A contractor's availability does not by itself confirm the utility's schedule.
Ask what the new installation needs under the California Electrical Code, based on the NEC, and which requirements are included in the proposal. Do not assume that an existing panel location or service arrangement can remain unchanged simply because it has been there for years. Your inspector has the final say.
Can I just swap breakers, and what should the quote explain?
Ask your electrical contractor whether replacement breakers are an option for your particular panel and what they recommend. Most contractors recommend replacing the whole panel. A breaker-only proposal should explain what it addresses and what remains outside its scope.
For a full replacement, request a written scope that answers these questions:
- Is this a same-size replacement or a service upgrade?
- Will the panel stay in its current location?
- Are permits, inspection coordination and utility arrangements included?
- Is any service equipment or wiring work included beyond the panel?
- Are wall repairs, cleanup and finish work included or excluded?
- What conditions could require a revised price?
If a remodel includes additional electrical demand, ask the contractor to evaluate that plan before choosing the replacement size. Do not assume that replacing an older brand automatically requires a larger service, or that a larger panel alone resolves every wiring issue.
Frequently asked questions
Will my panel affect homeowners insurance?
Insurers set their own rules about older panels, so ask your agent before you buy or renew. Give the agent the confirmed panel brand and any inspection findings. Ask what documentation they want rather than assuming the brand automatically decides eligibility.
Do I have to disclose the panel when selling?
California's Transfer Disclosure Statement, under Civil Code 1102.6, asks whether sellers know of significant defects or malfunctions in "Electrical Systems." A buyer's inspector will usually note the panel brand. Talk to your real estate agent about the disclosure and any known findings or proposed repairs.
How long does replacement take?
HomeGuide says electrical panel replacement typically takes 8 to 10 hours of work. Utility scheduling for a disconnect can add days to the overall process. Ask for the expected work schedule and outage plan separately, since labor time is not a promise about the full scheduling window.
Is a Pasadena rebate available?
Pasadena Water and Power offers a panel upgrade rebate with conditions, and Burbank Water and Power offers a panel incentive alongside its electrification rebates. Our rebate guide lists the amounts and conditions. Confirm eligibility before relying on it in your budget. Do not assume a same-size replacement qualifies simply because the old panel is Federal Pacific or Zinsco.
Getting an estimate
VoltGen Energy serves Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Studio City and Los Angeles. Share safely taken panel photos, your remodel plans and any inspection report when you request a quote.
Review our panel upgrades, electrical panel upgrade cost guide and old home rewiring pages to compare scopes. For potential incentives, see rebates for panel upgrades and home electrification.
VoltGen Energy operates under Akopi Builders, CSLB #1112420. Electrical work is performed by licensed C-10 electrical contractors.
Want a written estimate?
Call with your address and what you want done. The estimate follows a walk-through, before any work starts.