Hot or discolored breakers
Heat is a sign of a failing connection. Don't wait for the next storm or heat wave.
Unsafe panel replacement
Federal Pacific Panel Replacement in Marlboro, NJ with Same-Day Panel Checks
Did a home inspector or your insurance company flag a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok or Zinsco panel? You're not alone. Many homes around Marlboro still have one. If you are searching for FPE panel replacement near me, our licensed electricians can confirm what you have and replace it with new, listed equipment.
We can identify your panel the same day and give you a clear plan. If a breaker is hot, buzzing or smells burnt, call our 24 hour line now.
- FPE & Zinsco experts
- Full panel swap
- Permit & inspection
- Papers for buyers & insurers
The problem
Why Federal Pacific and Zinsco Panels Are a Concern
Most panels quietly do their job for decades. These two brands have a long track record of breakers that may not protect you when you need it most.
Federal Pacific Stab-Lok
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels with Stab-Lok breakers were installed in millions of homes from the 1950s into the 1980s. Independent testing found that many of these breakers may fail to trip when a circuit is overloaded or shorted. A breaker that doesn't trip lets wires overheat inside your walls.
Replacement breakers made to fit these panels don't fix the core issue. Experts recommend replacing the whole panel.
Zinsco and Sylvania-Zinsco
Zinsco panels were common in homes built from the 1960s to the 1970s. Over time, their breakers can loosen or fuse to the metal bus bar. When that happens, the breaker may look fine but can't shut the power off.
Zinsco stopped making these panels decades ago, so proper parts are hard to find. A full replacement is the safe fix.
Check your panel
How to Tell If You Have a Federal Pacific or Zinsco Panel
Here is a simple, safe way to check what's in your basement or garage.
You can often spot these panels in a minute, without touching anything inside. Open the panel door and look for:
- The words Federal Pacific Electric, FPE or Stab-Lok on the door, label or breakers
- The name Zinsco or Sylvania on the label
- Thin breakers with colored handles that look different from modern ones
- A panel that looks original to a home built before the mid-1980s
Never remove the panel cover
The cover protects you from live parts. If the label is worn or missing, take a photo of the door and breakers and send it to us, or have us check it in person.
Not FPE or Zinsco but still old or crowded? See our electrical panel upgrade page.
A New Jersey story
Why New Jersey Inspectors Know This Panel So Well
The best-known case against Federal Pacific was decided right here in New Jersey.
The New Jersey class action
A class action against Federal Pacific Electric was heard in the Superior Court of New Jersey in Middlesex County. In 2002, the court found that FPE had violated the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act because it sold breakers that didn't meet the testing standards printed on their labels.
The case settled in 2005. Original New Jersey owners of these panels could claim a small payment that did not come close to covering a new panel.
What it means for you today
Because of this case, New Jersey home inspectors, buyers and insurance companies are very aware of FPE panels. Many will:
- Flag the panel in a home inspection report
- Ask for replacement before closing
- Decline or raise rates on a homeowners policy until it's replaced
Replacing the panel ahead of time puts you in control of timing and contractor choice.
How we replace it
Our Federal Pacific Panel Replacement Process
A clean, complete swap, usually finished in one working day.
Confirm the panel
We identify the brand and model, check the wiring and grounding, and look for heat damage.
Plan the right size
We run a load calculation. Many owners move to 200 amps at the same time to make room for future needs.
Permit and scheduling
We pull the permit with Marlboro's Construction Division and arrange a JCP&L shutdown if the service is upgraded.
Swap the full panel
The old panel and every breaker come out. A new Square D, Eaton or Siemens panel goes in with new breakers.
Test, label, inspect
Every circuit is tested and labeled. After inspection, you get records to share with your insurer or buyer.
Real estate
Buying or Selling a Marlboro Home with an FPE Panel?
If you are selling
An FPE or Zinsco panel is one of the most common items on Marlboro inspection reports. Replacing it before you list removes a surprise from the buyer's report and can keep your closing on schedule.
If you are buying
We can look at the panel during your inspection window and explain the work in plain words, so you know what you're agreeing to before the contingency period ends.
Paperwork you get from us
- Permit and passed inspection record
- Photos of the new panel
- A typed circuit directory
Pair it with a full electrical safety inspection for a complete picture of the home.
Signs of danger
When an Old Panel Becomes an Emergency
If you see any of these, call us now. We answer 24 hours a day.
Burning smell or buzzing
Turn off the main breaker if you can do it safely, then call our 24 hour emergency electrician.
Breaker won't switch off
A breaker that won't move or won't cut power should be treated as unsafe right away.
Helpful guides
Read Before You Book
Plain-English answers to the questions homeowners ask us most.
Brands & service areas
Brands We Service and Towns We Cover
Panels We Install as Replacements
Your old FPE or Zinsco panel is replaced with new, UL listed equipment from these brands.
View All BrandsServing Marlboro and Nearby Towns
We replace Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels across Marlboro and these nearby towns.
View All Service AreasQuestions
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I replace the whole panel or just the Stab-Lok breakers?
We recommend replacing the whole panel. Testing has shown that many Stab-Lok breakers may not trip during an overload or short, and swapping breakers leaves the old bus and design in place. The full story is in our guide: Is a Federal Pacific Panel Dangerous?
Can I just replace the breakers in my FPE panel?
We don't recommend it. Replacement breakers made for these panels still rely on the old design and bus bars. A full panel replacement is the safe, long-term fix.
Will home inspectors flag my Federal Pacific panel when I sell?
Very often, yes. Home inspectors commonly call out Federal Pacific panels, and a New Jersey court found in 2002 that FPE violated the state Consumer Fraud Act. Replacing the panel before you list removes the issue from the buyer's report.
Will my insurance company make me replace an FPE or Zinsco panel?
Some insurers ask for replacement before they write or renew a policy. Call your agent to check your policy. We can provide permit records once the work is done.
How long does an FPE panel replacement take?
Most replacements are done in one working day. If we also upgrade to 200 amp service, JCP&L must disconnect and reconnect power, which can add some time.
How do I know if I have a Zinsco panel?
Look for the name Zinsco or Sylvania on the panel door or label. If you can't tell, send us a photo or schedule a same-day panel check.
Should I replace an FPE panel before selling my home?
Often, yes. It's one of the most common items on New Jersey inspection reports, and fixing it first can help your sale go smoothly.
Replace Your Federal Pacific Panel with Confidence
Get a same-day panel check and a clear replacement plan from a licensed Marlboro electrician. Emergency help is available 24 hours a day.
(732) 419-5195