Pacific Electric Panels (often referred to as Pacific or Federal Pacific Electric panels) were once widely installed in homes and commercial properties across the United States from the 1950s through the 1980s. At the time, they were considered reliable and cost-effective. Unfortunately, over the years, these panels have revealed a dangerous flaw: they are prone to failure and present a serious fire hazard.

You may think, “If it’s lasted this long, is it really a problem?” The answer is yes. In fact, if your insurance company knew you had a Pacific Electric panel, they could deny coverage or even drop your policy.

Why Pacific Electric Panels Are a Fire Hazard

The most serious issue with these panels is that circuit breakers often fail to trip when they should. Breakers are designed to shut off electricity in the event of an overload or short circuit, preventing overheating, sparks, and potential fires. In Pacific panels, testing and real-world evidence have shown that:

• Breakers may stick in the “on” position even during dangerous overloads.
• Some breakers appear to shut off but actually continue to carry current.
• The bus bars inside the panel are prone to arcing and overheating, increasing the risk of fire.

This failure rate is far higher than with other brands, making Pacific Electric panels one of the most notorious electrical hazards still in homes today.

How Common Are They?

These panels were installed extensively for decades, particularly in residential developments during the housing booms of the mid-20th century. Millions of homes across the U.S. still have them today, especially in houses that haven’t had major electrical upgrades.

Why Replacement Is Necessary

Beyond the fire hazards, homes with Pacific Electric Panels are also missing critical modern protections:

• GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection – protects against shock hazards in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors.
• AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection – detects dangerous arc faults that can lead to electrical fires.
• Surge protection – defends your home’s sensitive electronics from damaging power surges.

These safety technologies became standard long after Pacific Electric Panels stopped being installed.

Fast, Safe, and Modern Replacement

The good news is that replacing your panel doesn’t need to be a hassle. At Allstar Electrical, we can often replace an outdated panel in a single day, bringing your home up to modern safety standards and giving you peace of mind.

Don’t wait until your panel becomes the cause of a preventable fire. Protect your home, your family, and your insurance coverage by scheduling a replacement today.