At Pacific Coast Home Services (PCHS), your safety is our top priority. Recent changes in insurance policies are affecting homeowners and property managers, particularly regarding outdated electrical panels. If you haven’t received a notice from your insurance provider yet, you may soon.
Many insurers are now requiring the replacement of specific electrical panels due to fire hazards and electrocution risks. These panels have been known to fail under load conditions, leading to electrical fires, property damage, and even personal injury.
Electrical Panels That Are No Longer Insurable
The following brands have been identified as unsafe and uninsurable due to manufacturing defects and safety concerns:
✅ Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panels
✅ Zinsco (GTE Sylvania-Zinsco) panels
✅ Challenger panels (manufactured by Challenger Electrical Equipment Corp or Eaton/Cutler-Hammer)
✅ Pushmatic/Bulldog panels
These panels are no longer UL Listed, meaning they do not meet National Electrical Code (NEC) safety requirements. If your home or building has one of these panels, it’s time to take action.
Why Are These Panels Being Phased Out?
These outdated panels pose serious risks, including:
⚡ Failure to trip during overload conditions, increasing fire risk
⚡ Breaker lock-up, preventing power from being safely disconnected
⚡ Internal arcing and overheating, which can lead to electrical fires
⚡ Shock hazards due to faulty components
What This Means for Homeowners and Property Managers
If your property has one of these panels, you may need to:
✔️ Replace the panel to maintain or renew your insurance coverage
✔️ Schedule an inspection with a licensed electrical contractor to verify compliance
✔️ Upgrade to a modern, code-compliant panel for safety and peace of mind
At PCHS, we ensure full compliance with NEC 408.3(A)(2), which mandates proper panel labeling, circuit protection, and safe load handling.
What to Do If You Receive a Compliance Notice
1️⃣ Contact a Licensed Electrical Contractor – PCHS is fully licensed (C-10) and specializes in panel replacements and insurance compliance.
2️⃣ Get a Panel Inspection – Our team will assess your panel and determine if it falls under the unsafe categories.
3️⃣ Receive a Detailed Report – If your panel meets current standards, we’ll provide documentation to confirm its safety.
4️⃣ Upgrade & Stay Compliant – If a replacement is necessary, we’ll handle the entire process, including permits, panel upgrades, and inspections.
Why Choose Pacific Coast Home Services?
🏡 Licensed & Insured – We hold a C-10 electrical license with full liability and workers’ compensation coverage.
⚡ Experienced Electricians – Our team has extensive experience with panel replacements for homes and multi-unit properties.
📜 NEC Code Compliance – Our work fully complies with NEC standards and local building codes.
🔧 Minimal Disruption – We ensure smooth coordination with insurance companies, city inspectors, and PG&E.
✅ Warranty Protection – We offer a one-year warranty on all panel replacements.
Protect Your Home, Reduce Risk, and Stay Insured
Upgrading your electrical panel isn’t just about insurance compliance—it’s about protecting your property and everyone in it. A new, modern panel can:
✔️ Lower your insurance premiums
✔️ Increase your home’s value
✔️ Improve safety by reducing fire and electrocution risks
If you’ve received a compliance letter or want to schedule a panel inspection, don’t wait! Contact Pacific Coast Home Services today—we’re here to help you navigate these changes and keep your electrical system safe, reliable, and fully compliant.
📞 Call us today to schedule your inspection!
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