Power Master Electrical Panels in Florida: Insurance and Safety Risks
During a recent inspection, we came across a Power Master electrical panel. At first glance, it looked like a standard breaker box. But looks can be deceiving. Panels like these often raise red flags for both inspectors and insurance companies.
The Problem with Power Master Panels
Like other discontinued or problematic panels (think Federal Pacific or Zinsco), Power Master panels have a history of:
- Breaker failure – breakers may not trip when overloaded, creating fire hazards.
- Loose bus connections – leading to overheating and arcing inside the panel.
- Obsolete components – replacement breakers are hard to find and often expensive.
- Insurance issues – many carriers will not write or renew policies on homes with these panels in place.
The underlying issue is safety. A breaker that doesn’t trip when it should allows wires to overheat, insulation to melt, and fires to start.
Why This Matters for Homeowners
If you’re buying a home and it has a Power Master panel, be prepared for:
- Insurance denial, higher premiums, or required replacement before closing.
- Limited repair options since the panel is obsolete.
- Safety concerns for your family if the system isn’t updated.
Even if the panel appears to be working fine today, it doesn’t mean it’s safe or insurable long-term.
What Inspectors Look For
When I see a Power Master panel during a 4-point inspection, I document:
- The brand and type of panel
- Any signs of overheating, scorching, or melted components
- Breakers that don’t match or have been retrofitted improperly
- Aluminum branch wiring connections (sometimes found in older homes)
Insurance underwriters want clear proof, and as inspectors, it’s our job to make sure nothing is overlooked.
Sean’s Advice: Replace, Don’t Repair
- Don’t waste money patching an obsolete panel. Replacement is the safest, most cost-effective move long-term.
- Use a licensed electrician. Electrical panel work isn’t DIY territory—it requires permitting and proper load balancing.
- Get ahead of insurance issues. If you’re selling, replacing the panel before listing avoids negotiations blowing up over insurance.
Panels are the heart of your electrical system. If yours is a Power Master, think of it as a pacemaker that’s out of warranty. It might be working now, but you don’t want to wait until failure to act.