Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I have to upgrade my panel if I’m out of breaker space?

A. Even if your panel appears to be full more space can be made by using what's called a tandem breaker to double up breakers each space. If your panel already has already exhausted this method a sub panel can be installed to add extra circuits as needed.

Q. Our home inspector recommended we replace our Federal Pacific panel even though we’ve never had an issue with it. Why?

A. Federal Pacific panels are no longer in production because they were notorious for catching fire due to being poorly built. Some insurance companies will even require they be replaced before approving the house to be insured.

Q. When you change my old fuse panel to a new circuit breaker panel will all of the fuses next to the main panel be removed too?

A. Yes, all circuits that were previously protected by fuses will now be protected by a breaker instead.

Articles about panel upgrades and when to know you need one

https://safeelectricllc.net/2021/10/26/when-is-it-time-to-upgrade-your-electrical-panel/ https://www.theelectricconnection.com/panel-needs-upgraded/ https://safeandsoundelectric.com/2021/03/17/the-hazards-of-federal-pacific-electrical-panels/#:~:text=Investigations%20indicate%20that%20Federal%20Pacific,one%20dozen%20deaths%20each%20year. https://www.tappselectric.com/the-dangers-of-federal-pacific-and-zinsco-electrical-panels/#:~:text=The%20Hazards%20of%20Zinsco%20Electrical%20Panels&text=By%20the%20time%20these%20panels,as%20well%20as%20electrical%20shock.