You May Have to Replace Your Breaker Panel when Selling Your Home

One thing I have learned in my 10+ years in the real estate business

is that I never stop learning and everyday I am educated on a number of topics.  This week my education was on the Federal Pacific breaker panel.  Last week the buyer of one of my customers homes for sale had his 4 point inspection.  The inspector noted the breaker panel as being a Sylvania brand breaker panel. The really nice gentlemen buying the home was unable to obtain homeowners insurance because of this panel.  I had never heard of this before so I did a little research and there seems to be more brands that are an issue other than the Sylvania one in my customers home.  This "material defect" halted the transaction until the defect could be cured.  The home that had this Sylvania breaker panel was built in 1982. I also discovered one in a home built in 1974. 

This is what I found in my research and there may be more information that what I have found.  The Federal Pacific brand breaker panel has been deemed unsafe as a fire hazard.  The Federal Pacific breaker panel uses a Stab Lock(R) breaker which has had the unsettling habit of not turning off the current even in cases where the toggle switch (wall switch, light switch) was in the off position.  The result was a constant current when the breaker should have shut off the current and the result was fire or fire like melting of outlets and wiring. What I can see is that the Federal Pacific breaker panel, the Zinsco brand breaker panel and the Sylvania brand breaker panel all used this Stab Lock(R) breaker.  Due to the unique design of the breaker, you cannot just replace the breaker.  You need to replace the entire breaker panel.  In New Port Richey Florida where I predominantly sell homes, this upgrade can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $1,800 depending on other factors (as told to me by my electrician).   The home where I first discovered this issue has been upgraded to a new breaker panel and the cost was $1,000. 

I urge you to do your own research and not to rely on my findings of these 3 particular  brand breaker panels.  I was told that most every insurance agent can provide you with a list of the breaker panel brands that you will need to upgrade in order to sell your home.  I would suggest checking the list and doing the upgrade regardless.  Links to pertinent articles on the subject are included in this blog post and I would ask that you click on them and research this topic further.  One thing is for sure. I have started to look at my potential customers breaker panels to see if they are Federal Pacific, Zinsco, Sylvania or have those Stab Lock(R) breakers. 

If you or someone you know is interested in selling a home in New Port Richey or Trinity Florida please contact me with any questions or concerns you have and I will do my best to get you the most accurate answers. 
I am not a licensed electrician or home inspector. I recommend you seek the advice of a listened professional for all of you electrical repairs.

written by Michael J. Gallo