Recalled Electrical Panel Safety Notice in Orangevale, CA
At Pi Electric & Solar, safety is at the heart of everything we do. As electricians serving Orangevale, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, and the greater Sacramento Valley, we’ve seen firsthand the risks that outdated or recalled electrical panels pose to families and businesses. If your home was built between the 1950s and 1990s, there’s a real chance it may contain one of several recalled panels — including Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok, Zinsco/GTE-Sylvania, Challenger, or Pushmatic. All of these panels are tied to dangerous failures that can lead to overheating, electrical fires, and major safety hazards.
We’ve created this page to help our neighbors in Orangevale and beyond understand these risks, recognize potential warning signs, and know what steps to take if you suspect your home has one of these panels.
Why Old Electrical Panels Are a Serious Concern
Orangevale, Carmichael, and Citrus Heights are full of mid-century homes, ranch-style properties, and newer developments. Many of those older homes still rely on panels installed decades ago. While these panels may have “worked fine” for years, the truth is today’s modern electrical demands — from computers and large appliances to EV chargers and HVAC systems, as well as multiple appliances running at one time — put far more strain on these panels than they were ever designed to handle.
When outdated or recalled panels fail to trip during a surge, they can allow wires to overheat, sparking fires or causing severe damage. That’s why replacing these panels isn’t just an upgrade — it’s a crucial safety step.
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok Panels
If your home was built between 1950 and 1990, it may have a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panel. These breakers are now considered one of the most hazardous types of electrical equipment still found in homes. Studies show one in four Stab-Lok panels is defective, and a New Jersey court even ruled that they failed to meet safety standards.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission never issued a formal recall due to budget issues, but experts estimate these panels are linked to about 2,800 house fires each year. If you see “Federal Pacific” or “Stab-Lok” on your panel, replacement is strongly recommended.f
Zinsco / GTE-Sylvania Panels
Zinsco panels, later sold under names like GTE-Sylvania, Sylvania-Zinsco, or GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco, were popular in the 1970s, especially in western states like California. Unfortunately, they are notorious for dangerous design flaws.
Zinsco breakers may look like they’re turned off but still conduct electricity, creating a serious shock or fire hazard. Other issues include overheated bus bars, breakers that fuse in place, and colorful red, green, or blue breaker tabs (though they may also be black). If you’re unsure whether your home has one of these, it’s best to have a licensed electrician inspect it.
Challenger Panels
Challenger panels were common in new construction during the 1980s and 1990s. They often overheat, melt, or fail to trip when overloaded — putting homes at serious risk of fire.
You may have a Challenger panel if you see the name stamped on the panel door or label, or if your breakers feature yellow “test” buttons. Challenger components were also used in some Zinsco and GTE-Sylvania panels, so it’s worth having your system checked even if your home doesn’t clearly display the Challenger name.
Pushmatic Panels
Pushmatic panels were widely used from the 1950s to the 1980s. While they weren’t considered a hazard when installed, they’re now outdated and difficult to service. Unlike most panels with switch-style breakers, Pushmatic panels use push-button style breakers, which can wear out and stick over time. Their age alone makes them a candidate for replacement, since they don’t meet modern electrical safety standards.
How to Tell If You Have a Recalled Panel
The first step is checking the manufacturer’s label inside your panel door. Look for names such as:
- Federal Pacific Electric (FPE)
- Stab-Lok
- Zinsco
- GTE-Sylvania or Sylvania-Zinsco
- Challenger
- Pushmatic
If you see any of these names, or if your panel has unusual colored breaker tabs or push-button style breakers, call an electrician right away. Even if it “seems fine,” the risk is that it may fail when you need it most.
What We Do to Keep Orangevale Homes Safe
At Pi Electric & Solar, we specialize in electrical panel replacements and upgrades. Our licensed electricians inspect, remove, and replace recalled panels with modern, code-compliant systems designed to handle today’s power demands. Here’s how we help:
- Inspect your existing panel and identify potential recalls
- Provide clear, honest recommendations for replacement
- Safely remove outdated panels and install new, reliable ones
- Handle all permitting and code compliance
- Offer 24/7 emergency service for overheating, sparking, or failed panels
We also prepare homes for the future by installing panels capable of supporting EV chargers, solar systems, and smart home technology.
Why Replacing Recalled Panels Matters
Electrical fires remain one of the leading causes of home damage in California. Many of these are linked directly to outdated panels. In Orangevale, where hot, dry summers already increase fire danger, homeowners can’t afford to ignore these risks. Replacing your panel ensures your family is safe and that your home is equipped to handle everything from air conditioning to holiday lights with confidence.
Serving Orangevale & Surrounding Areas
From the neighborhoods around Greenback Lane to the tree-lined streets of Fair Oaks and Granite Bay, we’ve helped countless Sacramento Valley families protect their homes with modernized electrical systems. We understand the unique needs of local homeowners, many of whom live in houses built when these panels were standard.
Protect Your Home with a Panel Upgrade
If your home has a Federal Pacific, Zinsco, Challenger, or Pushmatic panel, now is the time to act. At Pi Electric & Solar, we take your safety seriously and are here to guide you through inspection and replacement.
Don’t wait until a hidden defect turns into a fire hazard. Let our team give you the peace of mind of knowing your electrical system is modern, reliable, and designed to protect. Whether you’re in Orangevale, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, or the greater Sacramento area, we’ll make sure your home’s power system is ready for the future.