• Why Replacing Zinsco and FPE Panels Is Critical for Safety and Insurance Compliance

Multi-Family and Single-Family Property Owners: Don’t Ignore This Hidden Fire Hazard

If your property still relies on outdated Zinsco or Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels, you could be at risk of serious electrical hazards, higher insurance premiums, or even policy cancellation. Insurance companies are increasingly refusing to cover properties with these panels due to their known fire risks, faulty circuit breakers, and outdated wiring technology.

At Wheelhouse Construction Electric Division, we specialize in upgrading unsafe electrical systems for both multi-family and single-family properties. Whether you own a large apartment complex or a single-family rental, now is the time to address these hazards before it’s too late.

Why Are Insurance Companies Requiring Panel Replacements?

1. Circuit Breaker Failures

The main job of a circuit breaker is to cut power when a circuit becomes overloaded or shorted—preventing overheating and fires. However, in Zinsco and FPE panels, breakers often fail to trip, leaving wires dangerously energized even in hazardous conditions. This can lead to electrical fires that spread rapidly.

2. Overheating and Fire Risk

  • These panels were designed decades ago for much lower electrical loads than what modern homes and apartments require.
  • Many internal components melt or deteriorate, leading to excessive heat buildup, arcing, and potential electrical fires.
  • Aluminum bus bars in Zinsco panels can corrode and lose their ability to conduct electricity safely, further increasing the risk of failure.

2. Overheating and Fire Risk

The main job of a circuit breaker is to cut power when a circuit becomes overloaded or shorted—preventing overheating and fires. However, in Zinsco and FPE panels, breakers often fail to trip, leaving wires dangerously energized even in hazardous conditions. This can lead to electrical fires that spread rapidly.

Multi-Family Buildings: Why You Need to Upgrade Now

If you manage a multi-family property with Zinsco or FPE panels, the risk isn’t just personal—it affects every resident in your building.

Key Issues for Multi-Family Owners & Property Managers

  • Insurance companies may drop or refuse to renew your policy, putting your entire investment at risk.
  • Outdated panels can overheat and cause fires that spread across multiple units, leading to massive liability issues.
  • Frequent power failures, flickering lights, and tripping breakers can create complaints from tenants and increase maintenance costs.
  • Updating electrical panels increases property value and makes it more attractive to tenants and buyers.

🚨 Don’t wait until disaster strikes—Wheelhouse Construction Electric Division can handle full electrical panel upgrades for multi-family properties with minimal disruption to residents.

Single-Family Homes: Panel Replacement and Aluminum Wiring Solutions

If you own or manage single-family homes, panel replacement isn’t the only issue. Many older homes (especially those built between 1960–1980) also have aluminum wiring, which presents additional fire hazards.

Problems with Aluminum Wiring

  • Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper, causing loose connections over time.
  • These loose connections can overheat and cause electrical fires.
  • Many switches, outlets, and fixtures aren’t rated for aluminum wiring, leading to potential arcing and fire risks.

How We Solve the Problem

  • Panel Replacement – We remove unsafe Zinsco or FPE panels and upgrade them to modern, high-capacity panels.
  • Pig-Tailing All Branch Circuits – To ensure safety, we connect all switches, receptacles, and ceiling fixtures with copper pigtails, making them safer and compliant with modern electrical codes.
  • Complete Rewiring for Aluminum Homes – If your home has aluminum wiring, we can completely rewire it with copper, eliminating fire hazards and bringing your home up to code.
Construction Contractors

Why Work with Wheelhouse Construction Electric Division?

  • ✔ Expert Electricians – We specialize in multi-family and single-family electrical upgrades.
    ✔ Insurance Compliance – We ensure your new panel meets all safety codes, reducing your risk of coverage denial.
    ✔ Minimal Disruption – We work efficiently to replace panels and rewire homes with minimal impact on residents or tenants.
    ✔ Increased Property Value – Updating your electrical system makes your property safer, more marketable, and easier to insure.

    🚨 Don’t wait for an electrical failure or fire—schedule an inspection today! Contact Wheelhouse Construction Electric Division to ensure your home or multi-family property is safe and up to code.

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