Pushmatic Electrical Panels: Time for an Upgrade?
Understanding Pushmatic Electrical Panels
If your Los Angeles home or commercial property was built between the 1950s and 1980s, there's a chance it may still have a Pushmatic electrical panel. These distinctive panels, manufactured by Bulldog and later ITE before being acquired by Siemens, were once common in residential and commercial buildings throughout Southern California. At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we regularly encounter these outdated panels during electrical safety inspections and EV charger installation projects, and we understand the unique challenges they present to property owners.
Pushmatic panels are easily identifiable by their unique push-button circuit breakers rather than the toggle switches found on modern panels. Instead of flipping a switch up or down, you push a button to turn circuits on or off. According to InspectAPedia's comprehensive documentation on Pushmatic panels, these systems were manufactured as early as 1930 and installed principally between 1950 and 1970, meaning any panel still in service today is at minimum 50 years old.
The thermal breaker design used in Pushmatic panels was innovative for its time, but it lacks the magnetic trip mechanism found in modern circuit breakers. This fundamental design difference means that Pushmatic breakers rely solely on thermal expansion to detect overloads, making them less responsive to certain types of electrical faults that modern dual-action breakers handle more effectively. For Los Angeles property owners considering upgrades to accommodate modern electrical demands, understanding these limitations is crucial.
Critical Safety Concerns with Aging Pushmatic Panels
The primary concern with Pushmatic electrical panels isn't necessarily that they were poorly designed when new, but rather how they've aged over the past five to seven decades. Shaffer Construction has documented numerous safety issues with these panels during our inspections throughout Los Angeles County, and the pattern is consistent: age-related deterioration creates genuine fire and electrical shock hazards.
One of the most serious problems is breaker failure to trip. As documented by building inspection experts, the contacts inside Pushmatic breakers can become welded due to arcing over decades of use. When this happens, the breaker fails to disconnect power during an overload or short circuit condition, allowing dangerous electrical currents to continue flowing through your wiring. This significantly increases the risk of electrical fires.
Another documented hazard is internal jamming. The push-button mechanism in these breakers relied on greased internal components to function smoothly. Without regular maintenance, which few homeowners performed, these parts bind and become inoperable. In some cases, pushing the breaker to the OFF position fails to actually disconnect power internally, creating a dangerous situation where you believe a circuit is de-energized when it remains live. This poses serious risks during maintenance work or emergencies.
The indicator flag system on Pushmatic breakers presents additional problems. These flags are supposed to show whether a circuit is on, off, or tripped. However, after decades of use, these indicators frequently fail and become stuck in one position, providing false information about the circuit's actual state. This makes troubleshooting electrical problems difficult and creates potential shock hazards for anyone working on the system.
Insurance companies have taken notice of these risks. Some carriers, including major providers like State Farm, may require panel replacement as a condition of coverage or renewal. At Shaffer Construction, we've worked with numerous Los Angeles homeowners who discovered their Pushmatic panel was a liability during home sales or insurance renewals, requiring urgent replacement to complete transactions or maintain coverage.
Why Modern Electrical Demands Require Panel Upgrades
Beyond safety concerns, Pushmatic panels simply weren't designed for the electrical demands of modern life in Los Angeles. When these panels were installed in the 1950s through 1970s, the average home used a fraction of the electricity that today's properties consume. Families had fewer appliances, no home computers, no home offices full of electronics, and certainly no electric vehicle chargers drawing 40 or 50 amps from dedicated circuits.
Most Pushmatic panels provide 100-amp service, which was adequate when homes had basic lighting, a refrigerator, and perhaps a window air conditioning unit. Today's homes commonly require 200-amp service to safely handle central air conditioning, modern kitchen appliances, home entertainment systems, computer equipment, and increasingly, electric vehicle charging stations. As we discussed in our practical guide for Los Angeles property owners preparing for EV chargers, installing a Level 2 EV charger typically requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit capable of handling 40 to 50 amps.
Shaffer Construction regularly performs electrical load studies for Los Angeles properties, and we consistently find that homes with Pushmatic panels are operating near or above their safe capacity limits. Adding any significant new load, such as an EV charger, requires a complete panel upgrade. Attempting to add high-draw appliances to an already-stressed Pushmatic panel creates serious overload risks and virtually guarantees frequent nuisance trips, or worse, breaker failures that allow dangerous overheating.
The scarcity of replacement parts compounds these capacity limitations. Since Pushmatic breakers are no longer manufactured, finding replacements is difficult and expensive. Even when available, replacement breakers are old stock that may already be partially degraded. More critically, replacement Pushmatic breakers don't offer modern safety features like AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) and GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection that current electrical codes require for many circuits in residential and commercial installations.
For property owners planning additions, remodels, or significant electrical upgrades, modern building codes present another challenge. Current NEC (National Electrical Code) requirements mandate AFCI and GFCI protection for numerous circuit types, protection that simply isn't available for Pushmatic panels. This means that even minor remodeling work may trigger code requirements that force complete panel replacement.
The Panel Upgrade Process in Los Angeles
Understanding the panel upgrade process helps Los Angeles property owners plan effectively and budget appropriately. At Shaffer Construction, we've streamlined this process to minimize disruption while ensuring full compliance with local codes and regulations. The complexity of the upgrade depends on several factors, including your property's current service capacity, the age of your service entrance equipment, and whether you're simply replacing the panel or upgrading your entire electrical service.
The process typically begins with a comprehensive electrical assessment. Our licensed electricians evaluate your existing Pushmatic panel, inspect your service entrance equipment, assess your current and anticipated electrical loads, and determine whether you need just a panel replacement or a complete service upgrade from 100 to 200 amps. This assessment is particularly important for property owners planning to install electric vehicle charging stations, as outlined in our guide to planning EV charger infrastructure.
For most Los Angeles properties with Pushmatic panels, we recommend upgrading to 200-amp service rather than simply replacing the 100-amp panel with a modern equivalent. According to LADWP's Guide to Electric Service, upgrading service capacity requires coordination with the utility company and typically involves replacing the service entrance conductors, meter base, and main panel. While this represents a larger investment upfront, it future-proofs your property for decades and eliminates the need for another service upgrade when you add EV charging, solar panels, or other high-demand equipment.
Permitting and inspection are critical steps in any panel upgrade project in Los Angeles. The electrical contractor obtains an electrical permit from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), completes the installation according to current NEC and local code requirements, calls for inspections, and coordinates final approval. If the work includes a service upgrade, LADWP must also inspect the installation. Shaffer Construction handles all permitting, inspections, and utility coordination, ensuring your upgrade meets all regulatory requirements without requiring your involvement in the bureaucratic process.
The actual installation typically takes one to two days, depending on the scope of work. Our electricians will need to shut off power to your property during portions of the installation, which we schedule at your convenience to minimize disruption. We install the new panel with appropriate surge protection, ensure all circuits are properly labeled, and verify that all connections meet current code requirements. For properties requiring service upgrades, the utility company will disconnect and reconnect service, which may extend the timeline slightly but ensures safe, code-compliant results.
Choosing the Right Electrical Contractor for Panel Replacement
Panel replacement is not a DIY project, and choosing the right electrical contractor makes the difference between a safe, code-compliant installation and a potentially dangerous situation. In Los Angeles, all electrical work must be performed by licensed contractors, but not all contractors have equal experience with panel upgrades, utility coordination, and the specific challenges of replacing obsolete equipment like Pushmatic panels.
Shaffer Construction brings specialized expertise to panel replacement projects throughout Los Angeles. Our electricians are licensed, bonded, and insured, with extensive experience navigating Los Angeles building codes and LADWP requirements. We've replaced hundreds of outdated panels, including Pushmatic, Federal Pacific, and Zinsco systems, and we understand the unique challenges each presents. Our team stays current with NEC code changes and continuing education requirements, ensuring every installation meets or exceeds current safety standards.
Experience with EV charger installations gives us particular insight into panel upgrade requirements. As electric vehicle adoption accelerates across Los Angeles, more property owners are discovering their electrical systems need substantial upgrades to support charging infrastructure. Our electrical load study services help property owners understand their current capacity, identify upgrade requirements, and plan installations that accommodate both current needs and future growth. This forward-thinking approach saves money by avoiding multiple upgrade cycles as your electrical demands evolve.
When evaluating electrical contractors for your panel replacement, look for proper licensing verification through the California Contractors State License Board, comprehensive insurance coverage including both liability and workers compensation, documented experience with panel upgrades and service work, familiarity with local permitting and inspection processes, and clear communication about timeline, costs, and what the project entails. At Shaffer Construction, we provide detailed written estimates, transparent timelines, and clear explanations of what work will be performed and why it's necessary.
The investment in panel replacement varies based on project scope, but it's important to view this as exactly that: an investment in your property's safety, functionality, and value. Modern electrical panels with properly sized service provide safe, reliable power distribution for decades. They accommodate modern electrical loads including EV chargers, smart home systems, and high-efficiency appliances. They reduce fire risk and improve insurance eligibility, and they increase property value and marketability for future sales.
Preparing Los Angeles Properties for Future Electrical Needs
The decision to replace a Pushmatic panel shouldn't be viewed merely as addressing an existing problem, but as preparing your Los Angeles property for the electrical demands of the next several decades. The transformation in how we use electricity continues to accelerate, and properties with modern, properly-sized electrical infrastructure will be significantly better positioned to adapt.
Electric vehicle adoption is perhaps the most dramatic change affecting residential and commercial electrical systems. California's push toward electrification, including the planned phase-out of new gasoline vehicle sales, means that EV charging will soon be as common as having a clothes dryer. As we explored in our guide to preparing Los Angeles buildings for the EV charging boom, properties with adequate electrical infrastructure will have significant advantages in both usability and market value.
Beyond transportation electrification, building electrification initiatives are pushing property owners to replace gas appliances with electric alternatives. Heat pump water heaters, induction cooktops, and electric heat pump HVAC systems offer efficiency and environmental benefits, but they also increase electrical loads. Properties with 200-amp service and modern panels can accommodate these upgrades seamlessly, while those with outdated 100-amp Pushmatic panels face significant obstacles.
Solar panel installations and battery backup systems represent another growing electrical demand. Los Angeles property owners increasingly invest in solar generation to reduce utility costs and improve energy independence. These systems require modern electrical panels with appropriate breaker spaces and proper grounding systems. Attempting to integrate solar and battery systems with a Pushmatic panel is impractical if not impossible, making panel replacement a prerequisite for these valuable upgrades.
Smart home technology, while less demanding than EV chargers or major appliances, contributes to overall electrical load increases. Modern homes may have dozens of smart devices, home automation systems, security systems, and networking equipment that operate continuously. The cumulative effect of these loads, combined with traditional and new high-draw appliances, pushes older electrical systems beyond their designed capacity.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Los Angeles Property Investment
Pushmatic electrical panels served their purpose for decades, but that era has definitively ended. If your Los Angeles property still relies on a Pushmatic panel, you're operating with 50 to 70-year-old technology that poses documented safety risks, cannot accommodate modern electrical loads, and will eventually fail at the most inconvenient time. The question isn't whether to upgrade, but when.
Shaffer Construction, Inc. has helped hundreds of Los Angeles property owners transition from outdated electrical systems to modern, safe, and capable infrastructure. We understand the unique challenges of Los Angeles permitting and inspection requirements, we coordinate seamlessly with LADWP for service upgrades, and we provide the expertise needed to ensure your panel replacement investment delivers maximum value and protection.
Whether you're dealing with an aging Pushmatic panel that's becoming unreliable, planning to install an EV charger that requires panel upgrades, or simply want to ensure your property's electrical system is safe and code-compliant, our team provides the professional service and attention to detail you deserve. We don't just replace panels; we assess your complete electrical needs, recommend solutions that protect your investment, and execute installations that meet the highest standards of quality and safety.
For expert electrical panel replacement, safety inspections, and EV charger installation services in Los Angeles, contact Shaffer Construction, Inc. Call us at 323-642-8509 or email hello@shaffercon.com to schedule a consultation. Visit our website at shaffercon.com to learn more about our comprehensive electrical services and how we help Los Angeles property owners upgrade to safe, modern electrical systems.