Homeowner considers a DIY panel replacement, but commenters say the breakers may not trip

"Thousands upon thousands of breakers were sent out that do not function at ALL."

When a homeowner suggested replacing his electrical panel on his own, Reddit users quickly objected. Several commenters said the panel appeared to be an older model with a long-standing history of breaker failures, and they argued that replacing it entirely was the safer option.

Here's what to know

In the r/AskElectricians community, the homeowner asked for candid advice after a home inspector said the panel should be replaced as soon as possible.

He explained that he had just bought the house, had received an estimate of $2,000 to $3,000, and was thinking about handling the job himself with help from a friend.

Commenters identified the equipment as an older panel known for safety concerns. One user said the breakers were notorious for failing to trip when they should and called it a Federal Pacific panel, or a "Fire" Pacific panel.

Another commenter wrote: "This company was caught fabricating their safety tests. Thousands upon thousands of breakers were sent out that do not function at ALL."

More background

That commenter went on to describe the risks tied to the breakers.

"They'll let it burn up until fire starts," they warned. "Home insurance will not insure you or pass any claims if they discover you have this panel."

The homeowner also shared a written estimate for $4,707.91 covering an indoor 200-amp load center and grounding work, then said, "This is the initial quote I didn't go with because it was almost five grand and the electrician that came out just gave me a bad vibe."

One commenter addressed the wording in the estimate and noted, "Unfortunately the language has a tendency to be watered down and specifications are sparse."

What can be done?

Throughout the discussion, the advice stayed the same: hire a licensed electrician rather than attempting a DIY replacement. Many users also stressed that the issue sounded urgent and potentially dangerous.

"Get multiple quotes and go with the middle guy," the commenter who mentioned the safety tests advised.

Other users recommended being specific about the replacement panel and asking detailed questions before hiring anyone.

"When the next person comes, ask questions, and tell him what you want," one wrote. "... There's pros and cons with every product line."

To reduce risk in the meantime, the original poster asked what precautions he could take.

"Don't run multiple appliances at once, like coffee maker, toaster, microwave in the kitchen," a user advised. "Avoid window air conditioners and space heaters. It didn't catch fire under normal use of prior owners, but that does not at all mean there is not a significant risk."

Where can I learn more?

For more on panel and breaker problems, check out these stories.

• After an electrician signed off, a homeowner found two breakers wired to nothing inside a smart panel.

• A new homeowner traced a breaker labeled "camper" and discovered the generator hookup lacked an interlock.

• A generator inlet quote ballooned when an electrician proposed a $6,000 panel swap that others questioned.

• While adding a garage subpanel, an electrician found a generator install so bad an inspector got called.

• One homeowner said a buzzing panel fix came with a battery upsell and warranty fears.