By Peter, Master Electrician | PRO Electric plus HVAC | Electrical Panel Upgrades
Hi, I’m Peter, Master Electrician with PRO Electric plus HVAC.
Manassas is one of the most interesting communities I serve because of its variety of housing.
On one side of town, you’ll find historic homes from the early 1900s.
On another, neighborhoods built in the 1960s and 70s.
And then, of course, the 1980s and 90s suburban growth boom that turned Manassas into the thriving city it is today.
But here’s the common thread I see: many Manassas homes are still running on their original electrical panels, often 100-amp services, or panels from brands like Federal Pacific Electric (Stab-Lok) and Zinsco.
If you live here, there’s a good chance your electrical system wasn’t designed for how your family uses power in 2025.
Why Manassas Homes Outgrow Their Electrical Panels
Built for Yesterday’s Lifestyle
When these panels were installed decades ago, the average household had:
- A single TV and maybe a stereo
- A washer and dryer
- A few kitchen appliances
- One HVAC system
Today’s Manassas households look very different:
- Multiple HVAC zones and high-efficiency heat pumps
- Kitchens with microwaves, double ovens, and induction ranges
- Finished basements with home theaters and gaming systems
- EV chargers pulling 40–60 amps
- Dozens of connected devices charging at once
A 100-amp or even 150-amp service simply can’t keep up.
The Dangers of Old Electrical Panels in Manassas
Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Panels
FPE panels are known for breakers that fail to trip.
I’ve opened FPE panels in Manassas homes and found melted insulation and bus bars — dangerous conditions hidden behind the cover.
Zinsco Panels
Zinsco breakers lose their connection with the bus bar over time, causing arcing, heat, and fire risk.
Many 1970s townhomes and ranchers in Manassas still have these panels.
Fuse Boxes
In Manassas’s older homes, I still run into fuse boxes.
While they technically work, most are undersized and improperly modified.
Homeowners often install oversized fuses to avoid constant “blowouts,” which completely eliminates protection.
What Happens When Panels Can’t Keep Up
- Frequent breaker trips when multiple appliances run
- Flickering or dimming lights when HVAC systems kick on
- Buzzing or warm panels, a sign of loose or overheated connections
- No room for new circuits when adding an EV charger, hot tub, or remodel
These aren’t just inconveniences — they’re warnings that your panel is overloaded and unsafe.
What I Look for When Inspecting a Manassas Panel
Panel Condition
- Brand and model (looking for FPE and Zinsco)
- Overheating, corrosion, or melted insulation
- Double-tapped breakers or wires that don’t match breaker ratings
Service Capacity
- Verifying if the panel is 100, 150, or 200 amps
- Running a load calculation to compare demand with capacity
- Planning for future loads like EVs or home additions
Grounding and Bonding
- Checking ground rods, clamps, and water pipe bonds
- Ensuring proper continuity and sizing of grounding conductors
Why a 200-Amp Upgrade is Right for Manassas Homes
More Power, Less Stress
A 200-amp panel gives you the breathing room to run HVAC, appliances, and electronics without pushing your system to the limit.
Safety First
Modern panels include reliable breakers, AFCI and GFCI protection, and whole-home surge protectors.
This drastically reduces the risk of fire and shock.
Better Resale Value
Home inspectors in Manassas regularly flag outdated panels.
Upgrading protects your investment and makes your home more attractive to buyers.
Real Manassas Stories
Historic Home Downtown
A family living in a 1940s house called me after their lights flickered every time they used the microwave.
The home still had a fuse box with mismatched fuses. After upgrading to a 200-amp breaker panel, they said it felt like their home had “caught up with the century.”
1970s Split-Level Near Sudley Road
This home had a Federal Pacific panel. Several breakers wouldn’t reset, and the bus bar showed burn marks.
We replaced it with a 200-amp system, added surge protection, and brought everything up to code.
The family told me they finally felt safe leaving appliances running when they weren’t home.
1990s Suburban Colonial
This house had a 150-amp builder-grade panel that was out of breaker space.
The owners wanted to add an EV charger but couldn’t. We upgraded them to 200 amps with plenty of room to grow.
What You Can Expect From PRO Electric plus HVAC
Permits and Inspections
The City of Manassas requires permits and inspections for panel upgrades.
My team takes care of everything — paperwork, coordination with the utility, and inspection scheduling.
Timelines
- Evaluation & Estimate: same day or next business day
- Permit Filing: a few days
- Installation: usually one working day
- Inspection & Power Restoration: scheduled with the county and utility to minimize downtime
Transparent Pricing
I break down the costs clearly — panel, breakers, service conductors, grounding upgrades, surge protection, labor, and permits. No hidden surprises.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Manassas Panel
- Breakers trip frequently or won’t reset
- Panel feels warm or makes buzzing noises
- Lights flicker when appliances run
- Panel is labeled Federal Pacific or Zinsco
- Still using a fuse box
- No room for new circuits
If any of these apply, it’s time to take action.
Final Word From Peter
Manassas has an incredible mix of homes — from historic houses to suburban colonials.
But one thing is certain: if your panel is original, it’s probably out of date.
Whether it’s a 100-amp service, a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok, a Zinsco, or even a fuse box, the risks are real.
Think about it — you wouldn’t trust a 40- or 50-year-old furnace or roof.
Why leave your family’s safety in the hands of an outdated panel that powers everything in your home?
Call PRO Electric plus HVAC at 703-225-8222, and let’s bring your Manassas home’s electrical system into the modern age — safe, reliable, and ready for the future.
📞 Call 703-225-822 now or book online while you’re thinking about it.
