The 4 Outdated Electrical Panels in the Pacific Northwest—and Why You Should Replace Them


If you own a home in the Pacific Northwest—especially in areas like Tacoma, Seattle, or Portland—there’s a chance your electrical panel could be a hidden fire hazard. Many homes built between the 1950s and 1980s still rely on outdated panels that have been linked to electrical failures, overheating, and even house fires. Below, we’ll explore four of the most notorious panels still found in homes today, explain why they’re dangerous, and show you what to look for.




1. Zinsco (Also Labeled GTE-Sylvania or Zinsco-Sylvania)

Zinsco panels were widely installed in homes from the 1960s through the 1970s. While they may look fine on the surface, their internal components often fail silently. The unique bus bar design can deteriorate over time, causing breakers to lose contact or weld themselves to the panel. This means a breaker may appear "off" but still conduct electricity, posing a serious fire risk. Testing has shown that up to 32% of Zinsco breakers fail to trip under overload conditions. 

2. Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) with Stab-Lok Breakers

Federal Pacific panels, especially those with Stab-Lok breakers, are among the most infamous in the electrical industry.These panels were installed in millions of homes across the U.S. from the 1950s to the 1980s. The primary issue is that Stab-Lok breakers often fail to trip during overloads or short circuits, allowing excessive current to flow and increasing the risk of fire. Despite being UL-listed at the time, subsequent investigations revealed that FPE falsified testing data to obtain that certification. 




3. Sylvania (Zinsco Rebranded)

After acquiring Zinsco in the 1970s, GTE-Sylvania continued producing panels under the Sylvania name. Although the branding changed, the underlying design—and its associated problems—remained the same. These panels suffer from the same issues as Zinsco panels, including breaker failures and bus bar degradation. Homeowners often overlook the risks because the Sylvania name doesn't carry the same notoriety, but the dangers are identical. 




4. ITE Pushmatic (Also Labeled Bulldog)

Pushmatic panels, produced by ITE and sometimes branded as Bulldog, were popular in the mid-20th century. These panels feature a unique push-button breaker design that lacks the mechanical trip indicators found in modern breakers.Over time, the breakers can become stiff or fail to reset properly. Additionally, replacement parts are scarce, making maintenance difficult. While not as hazardous as Zinsco or FPE panels, Pushmatic panels are outdated and may not meet current safety standards.


Is Your Panel on This List?

If your home has one of these panels, it's crucial to consult a licensed electrician for an inspection. Replacing an outdated panel not only enhances safety but can also improve your home's electrical capacity, accommodating modern appliances and technology. Don't wait for a failure to occur—proactive replacement is the best course of action. Homeowners insurers may also deny coverage or require replacement before insuring a home with any of these. 


If you're in the Tacoma area and concerned about your electrical panel, I’m happy to connect you with a list of licensed electricians that regularly replace these outdated panels. Call me at (206) 643-8845. Protect your home and family by ensuring your electrical system meets current safety standards.


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Location: Tacoma, WA, USA

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