How to Find Out What the brand of your electrical panel:
When it comes to your home’s electrical system, knowing what brand your panel is is key. Knowing the brand will tell you how reliable it is, how safe it is and if it’s compatible with modern upgrades. Finding out what brand your panel is can seem daunting but it’s easier than you think. This will walk you through the steps to find out what brand your panel is and what to do with that info.
Why Your Panel’s Brand Matters
The brand of your panel is important for:
Safety: Some older brands like Federal Pacific (FPE) or Zinsco are known to be safety issues and need to be replaced.
Replacement Parts: Knowing the brand makes it easier to find matching breakers or other parts.
Professional Assessment: Electricians can better evaluate and upgrade your system when they know the brand.
Compliance: Some brands don’t meet current electrical codes and knowing the brand will ensure your panel is up to date.
How to Find the Brand of Your Panel
1. Find Your Panel
The first step is to find your panel. In most homes panels are located in:
Basements, Garages, Utility rooms or the exterior walls of the home
If you live in an apartment or condo, your panel might be in a closet or laundry room.
2. Look at the Front Cover
Panels usually have a label or logo on the front cover. It’s usually printed in big letters like:
Square D, Siemens, Eaton (or Cutler-Hammer), GE (General Electric) Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) or Pushmatic
If you don’t see the label, look for a metal or plastic logo on the cover.
3. Open the Panel
If the brand isn’t visible on the outside, open the panel door and check the inside. Be careful and don’t touch any wires or parts. Look for:
Manufacturer’s Label: Most panels have a sticker or plate on the inside of the door with the brand name, model number and electrical specs.
Breakers: Each breaker has the brand name or logo on it. If all breakers are from the same brand, that’s a good indicator of the panel’s brand.
4. Check the Panel Spec’s
The label inside the panel door may also have:
Model or catalog number, Voltage and amperage ratings, UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listing information
This information is helpful for older panels or models that are no longer in production
5. Research Special Features
Some electrical panel brands have distinctive features:
Square D: QO series breakers with a visible trip indicator (small orange window)
Siemens: Black and silver breakers
Federal Pacific: Red tipped breakers (a safety issue)
Zinsco: Blue or green stripe and unique design
Pushmatic: are button like breakers that you push in and out instead of turning to the left/right
Common Brands and Their Features
1. Square D
High quality and reliable panels.
Made by Schneider Electric.
Residential and commercial use.
Features: QO series breakers with trip indicators.
2. Siemens
Modern homes favorite.
Sleek and durable panels for advanced electrical systems.
Features: Standard breakers for most applications.
3. Eaton (Cutler-Hammer)
Versatile and durable panels.
Breakers for various electrical systems.
Features: BR and CH breakers, often color coded.
4. Federal Pacific Electric (FPE)
Used in homes built before 1980.
Known for safety issues (breakers don’t trip during overloads).
Features: Red tipped breakers and old technology.
5. Zinsco
Common in older homes.
Known for design flaws that cause overheating and arcing.
Features: Blue or green striped breakers.
6. Pushmatic (bulldog)
Commonly found in older homes from the 50s and 60s
Known for a massive design flaw that the breakers wouldn’t trip or wouldn’t reset when you pressed the breaker
Features: butil in lugs at the bottom of the panel that made it easier to feed sub panels
What to Do After You Find Your Panel’s Brand
Now that you know your panel’s brand, do:
1. Research the Brand
Look up your panel’s brand to see if it’s reliable and meets modern safety codes.
Brands like Federal Pacific and Zinsco have safety issues and need to be replaced immediately.
2. Call a Licensed Electrician
If you’re not sure about your panel’s condition or safety, schedule an inspection with a certified electrician.
They can determine if your panel needs upgrades, repairs or a full replacement.
3. Upgrade if Needed
Older panels or those from brands with safety issues need to be replaced with new code compliant panels.
Switch to a reliable brand like Square D, Siemens or Eaton and your home will be safer and more efficient.
Electrical Panel Maintenance Tips
Inspections: Have your panel inspected every few years to make sure it’s working right.
Don’t Overload: Spread electrical loads evenly to prevent overheating or breaker tripping.
Keep it Accessible: Make sure the area around your panel is clear for easy access in case of an emergency.
Replace Old Breakers: If individual breakers show signs of wear or damage, replace them with matching parts.
Knowing your panel’s brand is the first step to a safe and efficient electrical system. Now that you know the brand, research it and make informed decisions on repairs, upgrades or replacement.
If you find out your panel is from a brand with safety issues, call a licensed electrician today. Switching to a new panel will get your home up to code and power your family for years to come. You can also go to our website to get an online price estimate to get an idea of what a panel replacement can cost!
With this guide, you’re well-equipped to identify your panel’s brand and take the necessary steps to protect your home and loved ones.
