Free photo check · Reply within 24 hrs
Service Sam Electric C10 · LIC #1125961
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Free · No Obligation

Is your panel a Zinsco or Federal Pacific?

Text a photo to Sam. We'll identify it and tell you if it's a fire risk — within 24 hours, free, from a licensed C10 electrician in Glendale.

Your cost$0
Response time< 24 hrs
30-second action

Text a photo directly to Sam

Tap the button, snap a photo of your panel, and hit send. You'll get a real answer from a licensed electrician — often within hours.

Text a Photo to Sam (818) 934-2824 Opens your phone's messages app with Sam's number ready. No app to download. No account to create.

Why this matters

Between 1950 and 1980, millions of California homes were built with electrical panels manufactured by Federal Pacific (FPE / Stab-Lok), Zinsco (often labeled GTE-Sylvania), and Challenger. These panels have documented histories of breakers failing to trip during overcurrent conditions — a failure mode that can cause electrical fires inside the wall cavity before anyone notices.

Most California home insurers now decline or non-renew policies on homes with these panels. If you have one, you likely have three reasons to care: fire risk, insurance coverage, and resale value.

What to photograph

Safety note: Do not remove any panel covers. The photos we need are of the panel door (inside & outside) and the face of the breakers with the dead-front cover in place. If the panel is in a garage or closet, make sure you have enough light to get a clear shot.

How it works

  1. You text a photo to (818) 934-2824 from your phone.
  2. Sam identifies the panel — he's looked at thousands.
  3. You get a written reply within 24 hours with a plain-English answer: safe, borderline, or needs attention.
  4. If action is needed, you get a no-obligation quote. If it's fine, you get a "you're good" — and that's it.
or

Prefer email? We'll reach out.

Fill this out and Sam will contact you within 24 hours by email or phone to coordinate photos.

Or just call: (818) 934-2824
By submitting, you agree to be contacted by Service Sam Electric about your panel. No spam, no list-selling, no robo-calls.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my panel is a Zinsco or Federal Pacific?
The manufacturer name is almost always printed on the inside of the panel door, on a label near the main breaker, or stamped on the metal near the top. Zinsco panels often say "Zinsco" or "GTE-Sylvania" with colorful breaker handles (red, yellow, blue). Federal Pacific panels are labeled "FPE" or "Stab-Lok" and have thin plastic breakers. If you're not sure, text us a photo — we'll tell you within 24 hours.
Is this really free?
Yes. Texting a photo to Sam and getting an identification from a licensed electrician costs nothing. If we find that you have a panel we'd recommend replacing, we'll send you a no-obligation quote. You're not on the hook for anything.
Do I have to text the photo? Can I email it instead?
Either works. Text is faster — most homeowners get an answer within a few hours. If you prefer email, fill out the form above and Sam will reach out by email or phone to coordinate.
Why should I care about an old panel?
Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels were manufactured between roughly 1950 and 1980. Both have documented histories of breakers failing to trip during overcurrent conditions, which can cause electrical fires. Most California home insurers now decline to write or renew policies on homes with these panels. Replacing a known-defective panel reduces fire risk and keeps your insurance policy intact.
How long does a panel replacement take if I need one?
A typical 100A → 200A residential panel swap is completed in one business day. The power is off for about 4–6 hours during the swap. Permit pulling and city inspection are included. Starting from $1,850.
What do you do with my photos?
They stay on Sam's phone for the purpose of answering your question. We don't share them, sell them, or post them anywhere. If you'd like them deleted after our reply, just ask and we'll delete them.
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