If your home has a Federal Pacific (FPE), Zinsco, or Challenger electrical panel, it's worth replacing — even if it seems to work. These panels have a documented tendency to fail to trip during an overload, which is why home inspectors and insurers flag them. Replacement with a modern 200-amp panel typically runs $3,000 to $5,000.
A circuit breaker has one job: cut power when a circuit draws too much current. The problem with these older panels is that the breaker may not cut power when it should — letting wiring overheat behind your walls. That's a latent fire risk that doesn't show up until something goes wrong.
If you're flagged on a home inspection or by your insurer, you can get a replacement estimate fast — our calculator gives a real range for your ZIP.
How to identify your panel
- Federal Pacific (FPE): often labeled "FPE" or "Stab-Lok" on the panel face.
- Zinsco: sometimes branded GTE-Sylvania; known for colorful breaker handles.
- Challenger: labeled "Challenger," with concerns similar to FPE.
Not sure what you have? A licensed electrician can identify it in minutes — and we'll tell you honestly whether it's a replace-now situation or something you can plan for.
Why now is a good time
If you're going to replace the panel anyway, doing it as part of a 200-amp upgradegives you capacity for an EV charger, heat pump, or ADU at the same time — and in SCE territory, pairing it with an EV charger can unlock up to $4,200 back through Charge Ready Home.
Get a replacement estimate
Real range for your ZIP in two minutes — then we confirm on a free on-site assessment.
Estimate my panel replacement →Related: Electrical panel upgrades, 200-amp panel upgrade cost, and the SCE $4,200 rebate. Safeway Construction — Lic. #1066117, 5.0 stars on Google.