We’re Here to Help You Understand What to Expect
Worried about your upcoming 4-point inspection? You’re not alone.
Many homeowners feel anxious about what might be flagged and how it could affect their next steps. This page breaks down the most common concerns so you know what to expect.
⚠️ FEDERAL PACIFIC PANEL SAFETY INFO
Stab-Lok® Breaker Layout
This panel layout shows common Stab-Lok® breakers, which may loosen from their bus connections over time. Some units show signs of wear, heat exposure, or corrosion.
FPE Manufacturer Label
Many older homes contain panels with original Federal Pacific Electric labeling like this. The panel door may show model numbers or breaker configuration info.
Breaker Detail & Wear Indicators
Improper Placement: Panel Over Toilet
Stab-Lok® breakers can often be identified by the “Stab-Lok” label stamped across the center of the breaker face, as shown here. This marking is a quick way inspectors and homeowners recognize these panels in the field.
Improper Placement: Panel Over Toilet
Improper Placement: Panel Over Toilet
This panel was located directly above a toilet and adjacent to a shower — raising serious safety concerns due to potential water exposure and lack of safe working clearance. Situations like this violate modern electrical codes and should be reviewed by a licensed electrical contractor.
Exterior Stab-Lok® Panel Example
Exterior-mounted Stab-Lok® panels can still be found in some homes. Condition and configuration should be evaluated during any 4-point inspection or service upgrade.
Learn Why Federal Pacific Panels Raise Concerns
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok® panels were installed in millions of homes between the 1950s and 1980s. These panels are known for documented safety issues, including the potential failure of breakers to trip during electrical faults.
Many home inspectors and contractors continue to flag these panels during 4-point inspections. Learn why—and what it could mean for your home.
⚠️Zinsco Panel Safety Info
📘 Panel Design & Structure
🧐 Identifying Manufacturer Labels
🧐 Identifying Manufacturer Labels
Zinsco panels, like the one shown here, feature breaker connections that may not fully engage with the internal bus bars. Over time, this design has been associated with wear and oxidation. Educational resources often point to these mechanical designs as a contributing factor in performance degradation.
🧐 Identifying Manufacturer Labels
🧐 Identifying Manufacturer Labels
🧐 Identifying Manufacturer Labels
A closer look at the panel reveals Zinsco branding, often located near the main breaker or along the inner door panel. These identifiers act like a magnifying glass into the panel’s history—helping to trace manufacturer origin, model age, and potential compatibility issues. Educational assessments often highlight these visual cues as a first step in identifying legacy equipment.
📅 When Panels Like This Were Common
Zinsco panels were primarily installed from the 1960s through the early 1980s. While not manufactured today, panels like this may still be found in older homes. Identifying the time period of installation helps inform homeowners about the age and evolution of their electrical infrastructure.
🔍Why Zinsco Panels Attract Inspector Attention
Some electrical panels are flagged not just because of age, but due to repeated industry reports linking them to specific safety or performance concerns. Zinsco panels have been noted in these discussions for issues that may not be obvious during casual use—making them a focus during insurance-related inspections.
⚠️ Challenger Electrical Panel Hazard Alert
⚠️ Challenger panels linked to overheating and trip failures.
⚠️ Challenger panels linked to overheating and trip failures.
⚠️ Challenger panels linked to overheating and trip failures.
⚠️ This Challenger electrical panel is a type identified by inspectors as having a history of safety concerns. Issues reported with these panels include breaker overheating, loose connections, and failure to trip during electrical faults, which can increase the risk of fire or shock hazards.
⚠️ Replacement breakers often unlisted or unsafe.
⚠️ Challenger panels linked to overheating and trip failures.
⚠️ Challenger panels linked to overheating and trip failures.
⚠️ Challenger panels often contain replacement breakers that are unlisted or incompatible, even when marketed to fit. This can reduce reliability and increase the risk of malfunction, making professional evaluation and potential replacement strongly recommended.
⚠️ ALUMINUM WIRING
🔌What It Is
Aluminum branch circuit wiring was commonly installed in homes from the mid-1960s through the late 1970s. It was introduced mainly as a cost-saving alternative to copper during periods of high copper prices and shortages. Wires are often marked with “AL” or “ALUMINUM” on the jacket.
⚡Why It’s a Concern
Unlike copper, aluminum expands and contracts more under normal electrical load. This movement can loosen connections at outlets and switches, leading to overheating, arcing, or even fire. Aluminum also oxidizes at terminals, further increasing risk over time. Inspectors and insurers are especially cautious about homes built between 1965–1975 (sometimes into the early 1980s) that have aluminum branch circuits.
What You Can Do
If aluminum wiring is found, an electrician may need to correct or document the system. Approved remediation methods include:
- Copalum crimping
- Alumiconn connectors
- Full rewiring (less common, but the most thorough solution)
Proper remediation not only improves safety but can also satisfy insurance requirements, making the home eligible for coverage without a complete rewire.
🔌DOUBLE-TAPPED BREAKERS: COMMON BUT UNSAFE
🔌 What is a Double-Tap?
🔌 What is a Double-Tap?
A double-tap occurs when two conductors are connected under a single breaker screw or terminal. Most breakers are not designed for this and it violates electrical code.
⚠️ Why It’s Unsafe
🔌 What is a Double-Tap?
Double-tapped breakers can lead to loose connections, overheating, arcing, and increased risk of electrical fire.
🔧 Exceptions
Only a few breaker types (certain Square D and Siemens models) are UL-listed for two wires. Even then, they must be properly torqued to manufacturer specifications.
🛠️ Correcting the Issue
Repairs may include adding a tandem breaker, installing a new breaker, or adding a sub-panel to properly separate circuits. All corrections must be done by a licensed electrician.
Polybutylene Plumbing: A Known Problem
What You're Looking At: Polybutylene Supply Lines
The flexible gray supply lines running from the shutoff valve to the faucet are made of polybutylene — a material widely used in the 1990s for fixture hookups and repipes. While they may look fine externally, polybutylene is known to deteriorate from the inside out, often without visible signs before failure.
🔎Polybutylene Plumbing: What to Look For and What to Do
Polybutylene pipes can often be identified without opening walls. Look for solid gray “battleship gray” piping — usually flexible with plastic or metal fittings — in visible areas like under sinks, behind toilets, or near the water heater. ⚠️ Keep in mind, spotting it in one place doesn't guarantee the entire system uses it, but it should raise a red flag worth investigating.
If your home has polybutylene plumbing — even in just a few exposed areas — you should contact your insurance agent. Some insurance carriers may require full replacement to renew or maintain coverage, while others may limit your policy or add exclusions. It’s best to understand your options before issues arise.
Some insurance carriers prefer steel braided supply lines
especially for washing machines, under sinks, and behind toilets — due to their durability and reduced risk of leaks. Ask your agent if upgrading to braided lines is required for coverage or renewal.
🔥 WATER HEATERS:
We check for age, corrosion, and any signs of leakage — even if the water heater looks fine at first glance.
Rust at the base, moisture stains, or early corrosion are all common triggers for insurance denial or forced replacement.
We document the serial number from the data label to help determine the unit’s true age — but we also look at condition.
Beyond just age, signs of rust, poor maintenance, or missing components can raise concerns.
📌 Good maintenance matters:
✔️ Annual TPR valve check
✔️ Flush sediment from the tank
✔️ Inspect for corrosion and leaks
✔️ R
We document the serial number from the data label to help determine the unit’s true age — but we also look at condition.
Beyond just age, signs of rust, poor maintenance, or missing components can raise concerns.
📌 Good maintenance matters:
✔️ Annual TPR valve check
✔️ Flush sediment from the tank
✔️ Inspect for corrosion and leaks
✔️ Replace the anode rod every few years
These small steps can help extend the life of the unit — and avoid early replacement.
Most insurance carriers require water heater replacement at 15 years, even if the unit still works.
If your heater is getting close to that age, it's smart to plan ahead — especially before renewing insurance or selling your home.
❄️ HVAC Concerns
During a 4-Point Inspection, we check your HVAC system for age, corrosion, and drain issues — common insurance concerns.
This photo shows standing water and rust in the pan, a sign of a clogged or poorly maintained condensate line.
🏠 Roofing Concerns
🌳 Overhanging Branches
Trees touching or hanging over the roof can cause shingle damage, moisture buildup, and pest access.
We document these issues when visible, as they can reduce roof life and lead to insurance concerns if left unaddressed.
Missing or Dislodged Tiles
We document missing, cracked, or displaced roof tiles — issues that can allow water intrusion and often go unnoticed from the ground.
📸 In this photo, several dislodged tiles expose the underlayment, increasing the risk of leaks and insurance complications.
Even small openings like these can disqualify the roof from coverage if not addressed.
broken shingle tabs
We inspect for visible damage like broken or lifted shingle tabs, which can allow water intrusion or wind uplift.
📸 This photo shows a shingle with broken adhesive strips and torn tabs — a common issue that affects roof integrity and may disqualify a home for insurance coverage.
Most carriers require the roof to be in serviceable condition with no active damage and several years of useful life remaining.