Many Glendora, CA, homeowners aren’t aware that outdated electrical panels can void their home insurance. The experienced team at Accurate Electric, Plumbing, Heating, and Air has some helpful information on why your electrical panel is important for your home insurance, what’s involved in an electrical panel upgrade, and more.
Why Your Electrical Panel Matters to Your Home Insurance Policy
There‘s a connection between electrical panels and insurance issues, including coverage concerns and even claims denials.
The link between electrical safety and insurance coverage
Most home insurance companies are concerned about the relationship between outdated electrical panels, wiring, and fires, and they may request a panel inspection. An outdated panel increases the risk of a short that may result in a devastating house fire. If the cause of the fire is due to the aged panel, it may lead to your claim being denied.
Home inspection red flags and insurance denials
If you’re getting new home insurance or renewing your existing policy, home inspectors and insurance underwriters may examine your electrical panel. In most cases, they’re looking for old knob-and-tube wiring or breakers with amperage that doesn’t support your home’s demand. Some homes fail inspection due to older panels that have been linked to fire hazards, corrosion, damaged breakers, or improperly rated (sized) breakers.
Electrical Panels Commonly Flagged or Denied by Insurance
Certain non-insurable electrical panels are commonly flagged or denied by home insurance companies.
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) stab-lok panels
Federal Pacific Electric panels, also known as FPE panels, were commonly used in homes during the 1940s and 1950s. They got their “stab-lok” nickname because the breakers would “stab” into slots and “lock” into place. Although these panels were affordable, the breakers had a high failure rate and often failed to trip even when an electrical issue occurred, leading to overload and house fires. FPE defends its panels to this day, but a New Jersey court ruled in 2005 that the company was guilty of fraud. There have been various other legal and insurance claim issues associated with these panels over the years.
Zinsco (Sylvania) panels
Zinsco (or Zinsco-Sylvania) panels were commonly installed until the mid-1970s. However, major flaws were discovered that halted production, including panel failure during power transmission due to bus bars being vulnerable to corrosion and overheating. This melted the bus bars as power continued to surge, causing a serious fire risk. Almost all electricians and insurers recommend that homeowners with this brand get an electrical panel replacement as soon as possible.
Challenger, Trumbull, and Pushmatic panels
Brands like Challenger, Trumbull, and Pushmatic are examples of older, riskier panels that are less common but still pose a danger to homeowners and their safety. Challenger panels have loose wires and often fail to trip, while Trumbull panels can overload without tripping. Pushmatic panels have components prone to failure, which can cause arcing and overheating.
How To Know if Your Panel Is Outdated or Unsafe
It’s important to determine whether your panel is outdated or unsafe to ensure it meets current home insurance electrical panel requirements.
Signs you may have a problematic electrical panel
You can inspect your electrical panel on your own. Start by determining the panel’s age and brand to make sure it’s not a non-insurable panel. Look for stickers, raised lettering, or a logo on the back of the panel door or above the breakers to identify the brand. If you’re experiencing frequent tripped breakers, you see burn marks, or you hear odd buzzing sounds, your panel needs attention from an experienced electrician.
When to call an electrician for a panel inspection
If you’re unsure about the status of your panel and are planning to buy, sell, refinance, or update your home insurance, contact Accurate for a professional panel inspection. It’s also a good idea to get a thorough inspection if you’ve recently had any electrical issues. While a licensed electrician can’t confirm if your panel is insurable, they can provide a thorough report that includes its general age, brand, and condition.
Benefits of Replacing Your Electrical Panel
Aside from peace of mind, there are several benefits of replacing and upgrading your electrical panel.
Insurance, safety, and code compliance
Upgrading your electrical panel increases your chances of your home insurance claim being approved or your policy being renewed. If you fail to replace an outdated panel, your insurance policy may be canceled, your rates might increase, or future claims could be denied.
California has state and local codes regarding panel upgrades. A skilled electrician can ensure everything is done to code, providing better protection against future electrical fires. Plus, you’ll increase the resale value of your home.
Electrical performance and future upgrades
Upgrading your panel improves your home’s overall electrical performance. An upgraded panel also accommodates future upgrades for EV chargers, solar batteries, and modern appliances. It also prepares your home for smart home integration.
Our Electrical Panel Replacement Services
The experts at Accurate Electric, Plumbing, Heating, and Air provide expert panel replacement services for your Glendora home.
Licensed electricians serving Glendora & Rancho Cucamonga
Our fully licensed electricians serve customers in Glendora, Rancho Cucamonga, and the surrounding areas. We offer electrical panel inspections, safety evaluations, and full replacements. Our work is completed to the California state electrical code, so you have peace of mind. Ask about our Advantage Plan to help you avoid unexpected problems and take advantage of our coupons and special offers to save money.
What to expect from a panel upgrade
When you schedule a panel upgrade with Accurate, we start with a comprehensive on-site inspection and provide an accurate estimate. Next, we’ll handle obtaining the proper permits and perform a pre-installation inspection. Finally, we remove your old panel and install the new one, giving you a professional upgrade that includes a warranty.
Contact Accurate Electric for Your Electrical Panel Upgrade
Don’t let an outdated electrical panel affect your home insurance. The experienced professionals at Accurate Electric, Plumbing, Heating, and Air are available to upgrade the panel in your Southern California area home. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly should I replace an outdated or recalled panel?
If your electrical panel is outdated or recalled, have it replaced as soon as possible. The sooner you replace it, the safer you’ll be, and your home insurance will remain active and up to date.
Do I need a permit to upgrade my electrical panel?
Yes, you’ll need a permit to upgrade your electrical panel. When you schedule your panel upgrade with Accurate Electric, we’ll handle the permit process for you and make sure everything is done safely and up to code.
Can a home inspection uncover uninsurable panels?
A basic home inspection may reveal that you have an outdated panel, but it can’t confirm whether the panel is uninsurable. An inspection from a licensed electrician is the best way to confirm that your panel is outdated, damaged, or facing other serious issues.
