Undergrounding and Old Panels: Zinsco, FPE, Pushmatic — What SDGE Allows
When SDG&E undergrounds a neighborhood, many homeowners discover something they never expected:
their old electrical panel may not be allowed to reconnect to the new underground system.
If your home has a Zinsco, Federal Pacific (FPE), Pushmatic, or other outdated panel, this guide explains exactly what you need to know — and whether SDG&E will require an upgrade.
⚠️ 1. Why SDG&E Cares About Old Panels During Undergrounding
When SDG&E converts a street from overhead to underground power, they’re required to ensure the electrical service equipment they reconnect to is:
safe
compatible
code-compliant
able to accept new underground conductors
properly grounded and bonded
Old, obsolete panels often fail at least one (and usually several) of these requirements.
SDG&E won’t reconnect unsafe or incompatible equipment — even if it was “working fine” before.
🚫 2. Will SDG&E reconnect a Zinsco panel?
No.
Zinsco and Sylvania-Zinsco panels are widely known for:
breakers that fail to trip
melted bus bars
overheating
conductors fusing to the bus
fire risk
SDG&E does not reconnect Zinsco panels during undergrounding conversions.
If you have one, you will need a panel upgrade before reconnection.
🔥 3. Will SDG&E reconnect a Federal Pacific (FPE) panel?
Very unlikely.
FPE Stab-Lok panels have:
high failure-to-trip rates
defective breaker designs
known history of fire hazards
unlisted replacement breakers
Most utilities, inspectors, and insurance companies reject them.
During undergrounding, SDG&E will almost always require an upgrade first.
🧱 4. Will SDG&E reconnect a Pushmatic (Bulldog) panel?
Rarely.
Pushmatic panels:
are extremely old
have mechanical breakers that wear out
often have weak grounding
usually lack space for modern loads
Even if Pushmatic breakers still operate, the panel typically fails SDG&E reconnection standards due to age, corrosion, or inability to accept the new service conductors.
Expect an upgrade.
🔌 5. What about other old panels (ITE, GE, Bryant, etc.)?
SDG&E may refuse reconnection if the panel has:
rust or corrosion
overheated conductors
missing labeling
mismatched breakers
insufficient clearance
outdated meter sockets
no grounding electrode system
wrong type of service entry (SE cable, deteriorated conduit)
It’s not always about the brand — sometimes the condition or location triggers the upgrade.
🧰 6. Why undergrounding exposes these issues
When SDG&E goes from overhead to underground, they must:
install new conduits
pull new service conductors
reconnect through the meter
ensure the home’s service equipment meets today’s standards
Old panels often fail because they can’t:
accept bottom-fed underground conductors
meet clearance rules
bond and ground properly
pass inspection due to known hazards
Undergrounding forces a system check that older homes were never updated for.
📸 7. How to tell if your panel will pass — 60-second test
Look for:
✔️ Panel brand
Zinsco? FPE? Pushmatic? → Upgrade.
✔️ Panel age
40+ years old? → Likely upgrade.
✔️ Panel size
60A or 100A → Might fail load requirements.
✔️ Panel condition
Rust, heat damage, loose breakers → Fails visual inspection.
✔️ Meter socket
Old sockets often cannot accept new underground conductors.
If you’re unsure, photos usually tell the entire story.
💰 8. How much does a required upgrade cost?
Typical San Diego ranges:
$4,500–$7,500 for common upgrades
$7,500+ if relocation or complex grounding is needed
Most homes fall in the standard range unless major rewiring or shifting of the panel is required.
📝 9. What homeowners should do before SDG&E arrives
1. Get your panel evaluated early
Don’t wait until SDG&E is on your block.
2. Have photos reviewed
An electrician can usually predict whether it will pass.
3. Plan for a panel upgrade if you have a known problem brand
Zinsco, FPE, Pushmatic = near-automatic upgrade.
4. Coordinate scheduling before conversion day
Avoid losing power or facing delays.
✅ Final Thoughts
During undergrounding, SDG&E won’t reconnect unsafe or incompatible panels. Zinsco, FPE, and Pushmatic panels almost always require replacement, and older or damaged panels frequently get flagged.
If you want peace of mind before the construction crews reach your street, you can send photos of your panel, meter socket, and service lines — I can tell you quickly whether SDG&E will likely require an upgrade.
