Discontinued Electrical Panels and Insurance Issues: What Property Owners Need to Know

Many homeowners and property owners are surprised to learn that some electrical panels installed decades ago are no longer accepted by insurance companies. While these panels may still be supplying power, their internal design and documented failure history can create serious safety and liability concerns. In many cases, insurance providers will either deny coverage, require panel replacement, or issue cancellation notices until the electrical system is upgraded.

Understanding which panels are considered high risk and what steps to take next can help you avoid coverage issues, delays, and unnecessary stress.

Why Certain Electrical Panels Are No Longer Accepted

Electrical panels are designed to protect a building by safely distributing power and shutting off circuits when a problem occurs. Over time, some panel manufacturers produced designs that did not perform reliably under real-world conditions. As failures became more documented, insurance carriers began flagging these panels as unacceptable risks.

Insurance companies base these decisions on claims data, fire investigations, and third-party safety reports. Even if a panel appears to be working, it may not provide adequate protection during an overload, short circuit, or fault condition.

Common Electrical Panels Insurance Companies Flag

Some of the most commonly identified panels include:

Zinsco Panels Zinsco panels are known for breaker failures where the breaker may not trip when overloaded. In some cases, breakers can weld themselves to the bus bar, allowing dangerous overheating without shutting off power.

Federal Pacific Electric Panels (FPE / Stab-Lok) Federal Pacific panels have a long history of breakers failing to trip under fault conditions. This failure defeats the primary purpose of a circuit breaker and significantly increases fire risk. Many insurance companies require immediate replacement.

Bulldog Pushmatic Panels While not always outright banned, Bulldog panels are frequently flagged due to age, discontinued parts, and limited serviceability. Some insurers may allow them temporarily but often require replacement during policy renewal or property transactions.

Other Obsolete or Modified Panels Panels that have been heavily modified, damaged, improperly repaired, or installed with non-matching breakers can also raise insurance concerns. In some cases, even panels from reputable manufacturers may be flagged if they are outdated or no longer supported.

How Insurance Inspections Trigger Panel Replacement

Insurance inspections often occur during policy renewals, new policy issuance, property sales, or claims investigations. Inspectors may document the electrical panel type, brand, condition, and signs of overheating or modification.

If a panel is flagged, insurers may issue:

• A requirement letter demanding replacement within a set timeframe

• A conditional policy with higher premiums

• A notice of cancellation if upgrades are not completed

These deadlines can be tight, which is why working with an experienced electrical contractor is critical.

Why Panel Replacement Is More Than Swapping a Box

Replacing an electrical panel is not just removing one panel and installing another. Many upgrades involve coordination with the local utility, inspection agencies, and sometimes meter or service changes.

A proper panel upgrade may include:

• Evaluating the existing electrical service and capacity

• Coordinating temporary power shutoffs with the utility provider

• Upgrading service equipment to meet current electrical codes

• Installing new panels, breakers, grounding, and bonding

• Correcting unsafe wiring or deficiencies discovered during inspection

• Scheduling and passing final inspections

In older homes and multi-family or commercial buildings, additional challenges such as outdated wiring methods or undersized services are common.

How Slazik Electric Helps With Panel Upgrades and Insurance Requirements

Slazik Electric works with homeowners, property managers, and business owners to resolve insurance-driven electrical issues efficiently and correctly. Their team understands how insurance requirements intersect with electrical code compliance and utility coordination.

Services include:

• Evaluating existing electrical panels and services

• Identifying insurance-related risks and compliance issues

• Coordinating with utility providers for service disconnects and reconnections

• Performing panel replacements and service upgrades

• Addressing inspection corrections and documentation needs

• Ensuring work meets current safety and electrical standards

Handling the process properly helps reduce delays, prevents reinspection issues, and ensures your property remains insurable.

Do Not Wait for an Insurance Notice

Many property owners only discover panel issues after receiving an insurance notice. Proactively addressing outdated electrical equipment can help avoid last-minute repairs, rushed timelines, and coverage interruptions.

If your home or building has an older electrical panel, especially one known to be discontinued or flagged by insurers, having it evaluated sooner rather than later can save time and reduce risk.

Discontinued electrical panels are more than an inconvenience. They represent real safety concerns and potential insurance obstacles. While these panels may have functioned for years, modern electrical standards and insurance requirements demand safer, more reliable systems.

Upgrading an electrical panel is an investment in safety, compliance, and long-term reliability. Working with an experienced electrical contractor who understands both technical requirements and utility coordination makes the process far smoother.

If you suspect your property has an outdated or insurance-flagged electrical panel, having it professionally evaluated is the first step toward protecting your property and maintaining coverage.