Everything you need to know about electrical work, emergency lighting, service contracts, and more.
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) manufactured Stab-Lok panels from the 1950s through the 1980s. These panels have a documented failure rate where breakers do not trip under overload conditions. UL withdrew their listing in 1980 after independent testing confirmed the defect. An estimated 28 million homes still have these panels. Insurance companies increasingly refuse to cover or renew policies on homes with Stab-Lok panels. Replacement is strongly recommended.
Several panel manufacturers have had their UL listings revoked or are considered code-deficient: FPE Stab-Lok (UL revoked 1980), Zinsco/GTE-Sylvania (breakers fuse to bus bars), Frank Adams (discontinued, defective breakers), Wadsworth (discontinued), Challenger (breakers don't trip properly), Pushmatic/Bulldog/ITE (no longer manufactured), Bryant/Westinghouse (certain models). Additionally, split-bus panels, aluminum wiring connections, and undersized 60A/100A panels in modern homes are code concerns.
Many insurers will not renew policies with these panels or charge significantly higher premiums. Some insurers require replacement as a condition of coverage. Contact your insurance agent — we can provide documentation of the hazard and a replacement quote to help you manage the process.
Panel replacements typically range from $1,500 to $4,500 depending on panel amperage (100A, 150A, 200A, 400A), number of circuits, permit requirements, and any needed service entrance upgrades. We provide free quotes. All work is permitted and inspected.
Yes. In Florida, all electrical panel replacements require a permit and inspection. We handle the permit application, inspection scheduling, and final documentation. Never hire a contractor who skips the permit — it creates liability and disclosure issues when selling.
A service entrance is the point where utility power enters your building. If your home has a 100A service but you're adding EV chargers, HVAC upgrades, or major appliances, you may need to upgrade to 200A or 400A. FP&L coordinates the utility-side work; we handle the electrical side.
Most residential panel replacements are completed in 4–8 hours. The power will be off during the swap. Commercial panel work varies by scope — we provide a detailed timeline at the quote stage.
NFPA 101 requires monthly functional tests (30-second test) and an annual 90-minute full battery drain test on every emergency lighting unit and exit sign. Test results must be documented and available for AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) review.
Failed inspections can result in notices of violation, re-inspection fees, and in serious cases, occupancy restrictions until deficiencies are corrected. We provide a detailed deficiency report with photos and can schedule corrective work immediately following inspection.
We physically discharge the battery backup on every emergency fixture and exit sign for 90 continuous minutes, measure floor-level illumination (minimum 1.0 fc average / 0.1 fc min per NFPA 101 §7.9), document all readings, photograph deficient units, and provide an AHJ-ready certification letter.
Yes, in most cases. Our technicians carry common battery packs, exit sign components, and emergency fixture replacement units. For older or unusual systems, we may need to order parts — we'll document everything and schedule a return visit.
NFPA 101 §7.9/§7.10 (primary), IBC §1006/§1008, NEC 2020 Article 700, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.37, Florida Building Code (adopts NFPA 101), and FFPC §633. We are familiar with all applicable codes and ensure your documentation satisfies any AHJ.
Yes. Exit signs with battery backup must be included in monthly and annual testing per NFPA 101. We test illumination levels, directional arrows, battery duration, and mounting compliance.
Residential service contracts starting from $49/month include: priority scheduling (same-day response), annual electrical inspection, outlet and switch check, GFCI testing, smoke detector battery check, panel inspection, and 10% discount on all repair work.
Commercial contracts from $149/month include: priority scheduling, annual comprehensive electrical inspection, emergency lighting monthly tests and annual 90-minute certification, thermal imaging scan, panel inspection, and dedicated account management.
Absolutely. Commercial service contracts ensure code compliance (especially emergency lighting), prevent costly emergency repairs, and reduce liability exposure. Most clients recoup the monthly cost on their first priority service call alone.
Yes. Service contracts are month-to-month with 30 days notice. There are no long-term commitments required.
Labor for covered maintenance items is included. Parts and materials are billed separately at our contracted rates, which are lower than standard repair pricing. Major repairs receive a 10% (residential) or 15% (commercial) discount.
A site survey is a comprehensive inspection of all electrical systems at your property. We assess panel condition, wiring, outlets, lighting, emergency systems, compliance with current NEC/FBC codes, and identify any hazards or deferred maintenance items.
Site surveys start at $3–$5 per location for basic assessments, and $5–$7 per location for compliance + thermal imaging packages. Multi-location packages are available for property managers and HOAs.
You receive a comprehensive written report including: condition ratings for all systems, photo documentation, code compliance notes, prioritized deficiency list, cost estimates for remediation, and a thermal imaging report (if included in package).
A residential survey typically takes 2–4 hours. Commercial surveys range from 4 hours for small retail to full-day assessments for large facilities or multi-building campuses.
Yes. We hold an Unlimited State License — Electrical Contractor (EC13012685), which authorizes us to work on any electrical system in Florida: residential, commercial, industrial, high-rise, and everything in between.
Yes. We hold an Unlimited State License Electrical Contractor · EC13012685 under Florida Statutes Chapter 489. We are fully insured with general liability and workers' compensation coverage.
Yes. We install Level 2 (240V) EV chargers for residential garages, commercial parking lots, and HOA common areas. We size the circuit, handle the permit, and coordinate with your utility if a service upgrade is needed.
Yes. LED retrofit projects are a major part of our commercial work. We've completed retrofits at major hotels, healthcare facilities, retail centers, HOA communities, and more. Retrofits reduce energy costs 40–70% and often qualify for FPL rebates.
Call us at (561) 225-5051 or fill out the contact form on our website. We typically provide quotes within 24 hours — same day for emergencies.
Permit fees are typically billed separately as a pass-through cost. We handle all permit applications, scheduling, and inspections. Permit fees vary by municipality.
We accept check, ACH transfer, and major credit cards. Commercial clients may qualify for net-30 terms.
Financing options are available for larger projects (panel replacements, service upgrades, large commercial retrofits). Ask us for details at the quote stage.
Yes. We provide pre-listing and pre-closing electrical inspections with written reports. Identifying panel hazards (FPE, Zinsco, etc.), wiring issues, and code violations before closing protects both buyers and sellers.
Both panels present documented safety hazards. Budget $2,000–$4,500 for replacement. Use it as a negotiating point in your offer, or request seller credit. We can provide a written assessment for your real estate attorney.
Yes. We provide condition assessments and documentation packages for insurance requirements. Many insurers require panel reports or replacement before binding coverage on homes with hazardous panels.
Yes. We provide comprehensive compliance documentation for HOA annual inspections, insurance requirements, and AHJ submittals — including emergency lighting certifications, panel inspections, and code compliance letters.