Many Bakersfield homes built decades ago still have a Zinsco or Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panel. These brands have a long history of concerns from electricians and inspectors, and homeowners often find out about theirs during a sale, a refinance, or an insurance review.
Read are Zinsco panels legal in California, Federal Pacific panel replacement cost in Bakersfield, or see our panel upgrades page.
Our licensed electricians will look at your panel, tell you plainly what we see, and give you a written quote. If replacement makes sense, we handle the permit, the inspection, and the PG&E coordination.
How to tell if you have one
Open the panel door (do not remove the cover) and look at the label and breakers. Common signs:
- The label says Zinsco, Sylvania Zinsco, Federal Pacific, or FPE
- Breakers marked Stab-Lok, often with red or orange tips on the handles
- Thin, colorful breaker handles (common on Zinsco)
- A home inspection report that names the panel brand as a concern
Why these panels get flagged
The concern with both brands is that some breakers may not trip when they should, and that breakers can lose a solid connection to the panel bus over time. A loose connection makes heat. We also see melted or burned bus bars in older Zinsco panels.
Insurers and home inspectors know these names. Some insurers ask about them, and buyers often ask for them to be replaced. Rules vary by company, so check with your insurer or agent about your policy.
What replacement includes
A typical replacement includes a new panel sized for your home, new breakers, checking and tightening every circuit connection, grounding and bonding brought up to current requirements, a city or county permit and inspection, and coordination with PG&E to disconnect and reconnect service.
Many people use the replacement as a chance to plan for an EV charger, more AC, or a future remodel. We can look at a 200 amp service if that fits your plans, but we only recommend it if you need it.
Selling or buying a home with one of these panels
If a report flagged the panel, we can inspect it, give you a written quote, and document the work once it is done so you have paperwork for the buyer, seller, or insurer.