Old Panel Replacement (Zinsco, Federal Pacific, Challenger, fuse boxes)
Inspectors and some insurers often flag Zinsco, Federal Pacific, Challenger and fuse boxes. Replacement, if warranted, takes about a day.
Signs your panel or wiring needs attention
- Label reads Zinsco, Sylvania-Zinsco, Federal Pacific, Stab-Lok or Challenger
- Still on a fuse box
- Insurer or inspector flagged it
- Breakers loose or running warm
How the job goes, start to finish
- Confirm brand; check bus and breakers for heat
- Same-amperage swap, or upgrade if adding loads
- Replace panel, breakers, grounding, bonding under permit
- Inspection, labels, and a letter for your insurer
How much does it cost to replace an old panel?
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Same-amperage replacement of a Zinsco, Federal Pacific, Challenger or fuse panel | $3,000 to $5,400 |
| Upgrade to 200 amps while the panel is open | $5,500 to $11,500 |
Before permit and utility fees. Prices updated October 2026.
What moves the price
- Amperage: same as now, 200 amps, or 400 amps
- Separate meter and main, or a combined unit
- Utility rules for the mast, meter socket and service entrance
- How many circuits move or extend to the new panel
- Grounding, bonding and surge protection up to current code
- City permit fees, which vary
Permits for panel and wiring work
Panel and service work needs a permit and a city or county inspection. Meter work also needs a utility disconnect, on the utility's schedule and fees. Each fee is listed separately.
Brands we install
Brand names and logos are trademarks of their owners and are shown to identify the equipment we install and service. Chief Electric installs and services SPAN equipment. Chief Electric is an independent contractor and is not affiliated with these manufacturers.
The offer for this service
Panel and wiring questions
Do Zinsco and Federal Pacific panels need replacing?
Not automatically. Some work fine. If your insurer insists, we write their letter.
Can I keep my amperage when I replace the panel?
Yes. Like-for-like is the lower-cost route, and we price both.
Do you charge for the quote?
No. An electrician looks at the job in person and quotes it, free.