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Federal Pacific & Zinsco Panel Replacement in NYC

Federal Pacific (FPE) Stab-Lok and Zinsco panels are two of the panel brands home inspectors and insurers flag most. NGM Electric has replaced or retrofitted hundreds of them in Brooklyn and Manhattan brownstones, co-ops and multifamily buildings.

We inspect the panel, explain what we find, and recommend either a full replacement or a UL-listed retrofit kit. Every job is filed under an NYC DOB electrical permit, license #4876.

Typically $1,200 to $2,500
Full replacement or UL-listed retrofit kit
DOB permit and inspection included

Call (718) 304-5045 Ask our assistant

Available any time

Not sure what panel you have?

Describe it, or what the door and breakers say, and NGM's assistant will explain your options and set up a callback from an electrician.

Ask our assistant Request Estimate

Heat, a burning smell or scorch marks at the panel? Call us right away. If there is smoke or fire, call 911 first.

Federal Pacific (FPE)

How to spot a Federal Pacific panel

"Federal Pacific Electric" or "FPE" on the door or label
Breakers marked "Stab-Lok"
Installed from the 1950s through the 1980s

Some Stab-Lok breakers can fail to trip during an overload or short circuit. That is why these panels are flagged.

Zinsco

How to spot a Zinsco panel

"Zinsco" or "Sylvania" on the door or label
Often brightly colored breakers
Installed from the 1950s through the 1970s

Zinsco breakers can fail to trip, and over time a breaker can overheat and fuse to the bus bar so it cannot cut power to the circuit.

Your options

Replacement or retrofit

We assess the panel, the wiring and your planned loads first, then recommend the option that fits.

Full panel replacement

A new, code-compliant panel with new breakers and a labeled circuit directory, with AFCI, GFCI and surge protection where required or requested. Works for any Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel.

UL-listed retrofit kit

Where a kit is made for your specific panel and the enclosure and wiring are sound, we replace the interior and breakers and keep the enclosure in the wall, which can mean less wall and plaster repair.

Not just new breakers

We don't swap individual Stab-Lok breakers, because the original bus and enclosure would stay in service. We fix the panel as a whole.

What it costs

Typical price

Federal Pacific and Zinsco panel replacements and retrofits typically run $1,200 to $2,500. Where a job falls in that range depends on whether we install a new panel or a retrofit kit, and on the size of the panel.

This is a typical range, not a quote. We give you a firm price in writing after we see the panel. If you also need more capacity, we can combine the work with a service upgrade.

How it works

From inspection to sign-off

We inspect the panel on a service call
You get a written estimate
We file the DOB electrical permit under license #4876
We install the new panel or retrofit kit
DOB inspection, coordinated by us

FAQ

Federal Pacific and Zinsco questions

Are Federal Pacific panels dangerous?

Independent testing has found that some Federal Pacific Stab-Lok breakers can fail to trip during an overload or short circuit, which is the one job a breaker has. That is why home inspectors and insurers often flag these panels. If you notice heat, a burning smell or scorch marks at the panel, call an electrician right away.

How much does Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel replacement cost in NYC?

At NGM Electric, Federal Pacific and Zinsco panel replacements and retrofits typically run $1,200 to $2,500, depending on whether a new panel or a UL-listed retrofit kit is installed and on the size of the panel. This is a typical range, not a quote; NGM gives a firm price after seeing the panel.

Can you just replace the Stab-Lok breakers?

NGM does not just swap Stab-Lok breakers, because the original bus and enclosure stay in service. The panel is assessed as a whole and NGM recommends either a full replacement or a UL-listed retrofit kit where one exists for that panel.

What is a panel retrofit kit?

A UL-listed retrofit kit replaces the panel's interior and breakers while keeping the existing enclosure in the wall. It can mean less wall repair, which helps with original plaster and finished walls. Kits are not available for every panel, and the enclosure and wiring must be in good condition.

How do I know if I have a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel?

Federal Pacific panels usually say "Federal Pacific Electric" or "FPE" on the door or label, and the breakers say "Stab-Lok". Zinsco panels usually say "Zinsco" or "Sylvania", and the breakers are often brightly colored.

Do I need a permit to replace a panel in NYC?

Yes. Panel replacement in New York City requires an electrical permit filed by a licensed electrician. NGM Electric files it with the Department of Buildings under license #4876 and schedules the inspection.

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Get your panel checked

Licensed and insured, NYC DOB Electrical Firm #4876, serving Brooklyn and Manhattan since 2011.

Call (718) 304-5045 Request Estimate