Short answerMany home inspectors recommend evaluation or replacement of Federal Pacific Stab Lok and Zinsco panels because of long standing concerns that some breakers may not trip reliably. Some insurers ask about them. A licensed electrician should evaluate the panel. Replacing a 100 to 150 amp panel runs about $1,400 to $2,400 in Southern Indiana.
How do I know if I have one?
Look at the label inside the panel door. Federal Pacific Electric panels often say "Stab Lok." Zinsco panels, and some sold under the Sylvania name, have breakers in distinctive colors. Both were common in houses built from the 1950s through the 1980s. Your inspector will name it in the report.
What is the real risk?
The concern is that some breakers in these panels may not shut off power when they should during an overload or short. Not every panel has a problem, and plenty still work. But a breaker is a safety device, and you cannot see whether it will work until it needs to. That is why most inspectors recommend a licensed electrician's evaluation, and many recommend replacement.
Will it affect insurance or the loan?
Some insurance companies ask about panel brand and may require replacement or charge more. Policies vary by company, so call your agent. FHA, VA, and USDA appraisers look for electrical hazards; a panel with visible problems can become a required repair.
What does it cost to fix?
| Item | Planning estimate |
|---|---|
| Panel replacement, 100 to 150 amp | $1,400 to $2,400 |
| New 200 amp service | $1,900 to $2,600 |
Wardmark Property Operations pricing, June 2026. Permit and utility coordination may add cost. Other contractors may price differently.
If you are selling
Replacing the panel before listing usually costs less than the credit a buyer will ask for, and it removes a line that worries buyers and insurers. At minimum, get an electrician's letter on its condition. Disclose what you know.
If you are buying
Treat it as a negotiation item, not a reason to panic. Get an electrician's evaluation and an insurance answer during your inspection period, then ask for replacement or a credit. What to ask the seller to fix.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Federal Pacific panel illegal?
No. Existing panels are not illegal to own. The concern is reliability of some breakers, which is why replacement is commonly recommended.
Can I just replace the breakers?
Ask a licensed electrician. In many cases replacing the whole panel is the recommended fix.
Will a buyer's lender require replacement?
Not automatically. The appraiser looks for visible hazards. Insurance requirements are the more common driver.
Keep reading
Want to know what a buyer's inspector may find before they do?
Book a free pre listing condition walk. I walk the house with you, point out what inspectors and FHA, VA, and USDA appraisers tend to flag, and give you planning ranges so you can decide what to fix, credit, price in, or disclose.
Book a condition walkOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email john@yourpropertynegotiator.com.
The condition walk is a REALTOR® and contractor evaluation, not a home inspection, and it does not replace one. If you have already signed a listing agreement with another agent, please take these questions to your agent.
Looking at a house and not sure what you are getting into?
Ask for a free Before You Offer review. Send me the listing. I look over the photos, the seller's disclosure, and recent sales, then flag likely condition issues and planning cost ranges before you write an offer.
Request a Before You Offer reviewOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email john@yourpropertynegotiator.com.
The Before You Offer review is a REALTOR® and contractor review of the listing, not a home inspection. It is for buyers who are not already working with an agent. If you have an agent, please bring these questions to your agent.
Written by John Long, REALTOR®, 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate. Working contractor who has priced hundreds of home inspection repair requests. Former labor relations negotiator for a major manufacturer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran.
John Long, REALTOR® · 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate · (812) 525-5489 · yourpropertynegotiator.com
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional home inspection, and not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice. Ask a real estate attorney about contracts and disclosure, a CPA about taxes, your lender about loan rules, and a licensed inspector or tradesperson about your house. Nothing here guarantees a sale price, net proceeds, repair cost, payment, timeline, appraisal, inspection result, or loan approval. Cost figures are planning estimates, not bids. I own Wardmark Property Operations LLC, a contracting company. You are always free to use any contractor you choose.