Federal Pacific Electric, Zinsco Electric and Sylvania manufactured

residential and commercial circuit breakers and load centers (commonly referred to as panels) from the early 1950's until the late 1980's.  The load

centers and circuit breakers have been the subject of much discussion and

a class action suit in New Jersey.  These load centers and circuit breakers are quite common in the Colorado Front Range.  They were relatively inexpensive and many builders and electrical contractors installed them in subdivisions. There are a number of areas in Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Denver, Littleton, Englewood, Thornton, Green Mountain that you may find entire subdivisions that have not been updated. Significant problems and failures have been documented with both the panels and the circuit breakers.  The circuit breakers have a history of not tripping correctly during a circuit fault.  This can be a dangerous situation which can result in fire or electrocution.  Other problems experienced are melting buss bars, loose connections and overly crowded wiring. The panels can be identified in many cases without r removing the dead front cover.  The words "Stab Loc" are printed on some of the panel covers. Some versions have multi covered circuit breakers, typically

red, white or blue. Most reputable electricians are familiar with these concerns. Depending on the style of panel, some can be retrofitted with new components but many times the load center and circuit breakers must be replaced.  Testing of residential breakers and panels is not recommended. Generally the testing cost approaches or exceeds the cost of replacement. Broadway Property Inspections inspects the load center, circuit breakers, fixtures and visible wiring during the course of our home inspection