Unsafe Electrical Panels in Portland & Beaverton Homes: FPE, Zinsco, Pushmatic & Split-Bus Explained
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Panels
How to Spot Them
• Brand name “Federal Pacific” or “Stab-Lok” on the panel cover or breakers
• Often installed in homes from the 1950s–1980s
The Problem
• Breakers frequently fail to trip during an overload or short circuit
• Risk of overheating, arcing, and fire
• Multiple independent studies confirm dangerous failure rates
Insurance Impact
Many insurers refuse coverage or charge higher premiums if an FPE panel is present.
Zinsco Panels
How to Spot Them
• “Zinsco” or “Sylvania-Zinsco” labeled on the breakers
• Colorful (often red, blue, or green) breaker handles
• Tall, narrow breakers with a distinctive look
The Problem
• Breakers can overheat and melt to the bus bar
• Internal arcing can continue even with the breaker “off”
• High fire risk and known failure history
Insurance Impact
Like FPE, Zinsco panels are often flagged by insurers as uninsurable.
Pushmatic Panels
How to Spot Them
• Brand name “Pushmatic” on the cover
• Instead of toggle breakers, you push a square button in and out
• Common in homes from the 1950s–1960s
The Problem
• Breakers can become stiff and hard to reset
• No main breaker — difficult to shut off power quickly
• Outdated design with no support or replacement parts
Insurance Impact
Pushmatic panels are not always blacklisted, but their age and lack of replacement parts make them unsafe and impractical to maintain.
Split-Bus Panels
How to Spot Them
• No single main breaker at the top
• Instead, the top section feeds major appliances (oven, dryer, AC)
• The lower section is fed through one of those breakers, creating a “split” system
The Problem
• No single shutoff for the entire home
• Homeowners often overload circuits because there’s limited breaker space
• Outdated design not compliant with modern safety standards
Insurance Impact
While not as infamous as FPE/Zinsco, most insurers still flag split-bus panels as obsolete and
unsafe.
Why These Panels Are Dangerous
• Breakers fail to trip = fire risk
• Outdated designs = not code compliant
• Insurance issues = denied coverage or higher rates
Even if your panel seems to work fine, hidden failures may be waiting until the worst possible
moment.
What to Do if You Have One
At Smiley Electric, our process is simple:
1. Inspection – We confirm the brand, model, and condition of your panel.
2. Load Calculation – We determine if you need just a new panel or a full service upgrade.
3. We install a modern, UL-listed panel (typically Square D Homeline or Siemens) with new breakers, proper grounding, and clear labeling, ensuring it is compliant with all Oregon state and local codes.
4. Utility & Permit Coordination – We handle the paperwork and inspections with Portland/
Beaverton authorities and your utility company.
The Bottom Line
If your home has an FPE, Zinsco, Pushmatic, or Split-Bus panel, replacement isn’t optional —
it’s a safety upgrade that protects your family and investment.
📞 Call Smiley Electric today for a panel inspection and replacement quote. We proudly serve
Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Cedar Hills, and the entire westside metro area.