Federal Pacific Panels

[robert1966]

I was told Federal Pacific panels are no longer used due to fire risk. Do y'all find them in older homes and what do you recommend fi one is found? The home was 40 years old and the panel was in fair condition for its age.

[Neal Lewis]

They're used around here all the time.

[Mark P]

This is what I put in my reports.

"The main electrical panel was manufactured by “Federal Pacific Electric –Stab Lok" the breakers are considered a latent safety hazard by many professionals because they can fail to trip in response to over-current, leading to electrical fires. I strongly recommend a qualified electrician replace this panel. There is an abundance of information on “FPE Stab-Lokâ€

[Charlie R]

Just replace it, it can "look" fine, but if the breakers don't trip, then all sorts of bad can happen. Why risk that?

[fyrmnk]

I always recommend replacement, letting them know the details about their history. I also let them know some electricians will say it's fine, but my recommendation will not change regardless of what others recommend.

[Robert Jones]

I always recommend replacement of FPE and Zinsco service panels.

[dcheck]

I would agree with Mark, review the information on www.inspect-ny.com/fpe/fpepanel.htm

I also agree with most of the posts to REPLACE the panel.

[Chad Fabry]

Do y'all find them in older homes and what do you recommend fi one is found?

I say fo fum

[Nolan Kienitz]

Do a search here at TIJ for FPE or Federal Pacific and you will find a lot of information concerning the Federal Pacific problems.

I'm surprised you have not seen those panels before in the Houston market.

I used to live and inspect there years ago and saw them all over.

[Nolan Kienitz]

Robert,

Here is a document that Douglas Hansen did concerning FPE Panels.

Download Attachment: HansenFPE.pdf

751.54 KB

[cbass]

I see them all the time in the greater Philadelphia area, sometimes even in high rise condos (all the units have them!). I tell them to replace them for all of the above reasons. Agents do give me grief for it sometimes, i just tell them that I put my professional opinion in the report and then they can do as they feel fit.