Both brands have breakers that can fail to trip. Here is how to tell if you have one, and why the fix is the panel, not the breakers.
Three causes cover almost every call we get for this.
Label says Federal Pacific Electric, FPE, or Stab-Lok. Red-tipped breaker handles in a narrow pattern.
Label says Zinsco, GTE-Sylvania or Sylvania-Zinsco. Brightly colored breaker handles; aluminum bus bars that corrode.
Several carriers decline new policies or require replacement. Inspectors list them as a safety item at sale.
Takes a minute, costs nothing, fixes it more often than you would think.
Open the panel door (not the cover) and read the label. FPE / Stab-Lok or Zinsco / Sylvania means you have one.
Still happening? That's our job.
A Stab-Lok breaker can be failed internally and still show ON — you cannot tell from outside.
Online or by phone. A technician reaches out within 1 business hour.
Traced to the box or device it lives in. Exact price before any work, you approve it first.
Right parts, tested under load, next connection checked so it does not come back.
Yes, they are considered a hazard. Federal Pacific Electric "Stab-Lok" panels (installed roughly 1950–1990) and Zinsco or GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco panels (1960s–1970s) have a documented history of breakers failing to trip under overload or short circuit, which means the wire can overheat with no protection. Many Washington insurers and home inspectors flag both at sale or renewal. Replacement breakers inherit the same design, so the recognized fix is replacing the panel — a one-day permitted job.
We can, but we will not recommend it. Replacement Stab-Lok breakers have the same design and bus connection. Replacing the panel removes the hazard.
Usually one day, including the utility disconnect and reconnect. Power is off for most of that day.
We look at the panel, the service and the grounding, then give you an exact price before any work starts.
Policies vary. Some carriers will not write a new policy on an FPE or Zinsco panel. Check with your agent, and keep the permit record when you replace it.
Licensed electricians across South King and Pierce County. Exact price before any work starts.