Why Zinsco and Federal Pacific Panels Should Be Replaced
Slavek Pelka • March 31, 2026

Why Zinsco and Federal Pacific Panels Should Be Replaced

When you own rental property as an investment, several factors can affect your liability. One significant consideration involves your building’s electrical system. A flaw in Zinsco and Federal Pacific panels can raise the risk of a fire or electrical hazard.


Learn how you can protect your tenants and assets with a Zinsco and Federal Pacific electrical panel replacement for Buffalo, Illinois multifamily buildings.


Federal Pacific Electrical Panel Hazards

If the circuits in your building begin to overheat, the corresponding breaker is supposed to trip. The breaker shuts off service to the circuits to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.


Federal Pacific panels have a 60% failure rate. This means the breakers won’t trip 60% of the time, allowing overheating to occur. Your tenants may not notice a problem until the circuits get hot enough to start a fire.


Zinsco Fire Hazards

Zinsco panels have a similar problem with overheating. In addition, the breakers can melt due to extreme heat. As the material cools, it melds with the metal bus bar. Once this happens, moving the breaker to the off position won’t turn off the flow of power.


Insurance and Safety Concerns

You can protect your tenants by scheduling a Zinsco and Federal Pacific electrical panel replacement for Chicago multifamily buildings. Switching to a safer system will also protect your building against potential fires.


It’s also important to know that these panels will affect your insurance coverage. Many insurance companies won’t offer coverage for a building with Zinsco or Federal Pacific electrical panels.


Even if you can find coverage, you might face a higher premium or other restrictions. Your current insurance provider can refuse to renew your policy until you replace the defective panels.


Schedule Your Zinsco and Federal Pacific Electrical Panel Replacement for Chicago Multifamily Buildings

When you partner with Klees Electric, Inc., we’ll help you protect your home or investment property by delivering reliable electrical services. We provide inspections, repairs, and new system installation services to meet all of your electrical needs. 


If you have components with potentially hazardous flaws, we’ll help you choose and install a safer alternative. Contact us to schedule service today!

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