InspectAPedia.com InspectAPedia®
Google
InspectAPedia
 

Free Encyclopedia of Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair

Ask a Question or Search InspectAPedia

  • HOME
  • AIR CONDITIONING
  • ELECTRICAL
  • EXTERIORS
  • HEATING
  • HOME INSPECTION
  • INTERIORS
  • PLUMBING
  • ROOFING
  • SEPTIC SYSTEMS
  • STRUCTURE
  • WATER SUPPLY
  • ENERGY SAVINGS
  • ENVIRONMENT
  • INDOOR AIR IAQ
  • INSULATION
  • MOLD INSPECT TEST REMOVE
  • NOISE
  • ODORS
  • SOLAR ENERGY
  • VENTILATION
  • EXPERTS DIRECTORY
  • CONTACT US



Mobile Phone/PDA website viewMobile View
ELECTRICAL INSPECTION, DIAGNOSIS, REPAIR

AFCIs ARC FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS
ALUMINUM SECs & WIRING
ALUMINUM WIRING HAZARDS
AMPS & VOLTS DETERMINATION
AMPACITY - the LIMITING FACTOR
APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY RATINGS

BACKUP ELECTRICAL GENERATORS

Cadet & Encore Heater Recall
CIRCUIT BREAKER FAILURE
CIRCUIT BREAKER SIZE for A/C or HEAT PUMP
CIRCUIT BREAKER SIZE for A/C or HEAT PUMP
Classified CIRCUIT BREAKER WARNING
CUTLER HAMMER PANEL FIRE
CONDUIT, ELECTRICAL
CORROSION in ELECTRICAL PANELS
CORROSION & MOISTURE SOURCES in PANELS

DEFINITIONS of ELECTRICAL TERMS

DIRECTORY OF ELECTRICIANS
  DIRECTORY OF ELECTRICIANS - Aluminum Wiring
  DIRECTORY OF ELECTRICIANS - FPE Zinsco

ELECTRIC HEAT
ELECTRIC METERS & METER BASES
ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE
ELECTRIC MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET SWITCH
ELECTRIC PANEL AMPACITY
ELECTRIC PANEL INSPECTION
ELECTRIC PANEL MOISTURE
Electric Power Frequency Table
ELECTRICAL BASICS

EMF RF FIELD & FREQUENCY DEFINITIONS

ENERGY SAVINGS in buildings

ELECTRICAL GENERATORS
ELECTRICAL GROUND SYSTEM INSPECTION

FEDERAL PACIFIC FPE HAZARDS
FEDERAL PACIFIC FPE HAZARD SUMMARY

FPE FAILURE REPORTS
  FPE FIRE & FAILURE PHOTOS
  FPE FAILURE FIELD REPORTS

FPE HAZARD ARTICLES, STUDIES
  Summary of the FPE Stab-Lok Hazard
  FPE Fraud - Press Release
  FPE Fraud Stab-Lok SEC report
  FPE Exxon Scandal Article
  How to Repair FPE Stab-Lok
  FPE- Fires Waiting to Happen, Debate Waiting to End
  FPE Technical Report - Independent Research 2007
  FPE Technical Report - Independent Research 2011
  New Jersey FPE Class Action 2005
  FPE St Louis Seminar 2004
  Federal Pioneer Recall 1997
  EXXON Buys a Scandal 1980
  FPE HISTORIC DATES 1950-Present
  FPE Pre-1970 STAB-LOKS OK?

FPE HISTORY

FPE & FP IDENTIFICATION, HOW TO
  FPE STAB-LOK PANEL COVERS
  FEDERAL NOARK PANELS
  FEDERAL ELECTRIC PANELS
  FEDERAL PIONEER PANELS
  FPE PANEL DOOR LABELS
  FPE TOGGLE SWITCH
  FPE BREAKER ID PHOTOS
  FPE BREAKER LABELS
  HOW TO ID FPE IF NO LABELS
  FPE PANEL BUS DESIGNS
  FPE PANEL AGE MATTERS?
  OTHER FPE DEFECTS

FPE INCIDENTS, HOW TO REPORT

FPE INVESTIGATION CPSC Revised
FPE INVESTIGATION CPSC 1982
FPE INVESTIGATION CPSC 1983
FPE IAEI LETTER INACCURATE

FPE INVESTIGATION CPSC Revised
FPE INVESTIGATION CPSC 1982
FPE INVESTIGATION CPSC 1983
FPE HAZARD IAEI LETTER INACCURATE

FPE PANEL ADVICE for HOME BUYERS
FPE PANEL INSPECTION REPORTS

FP FEDERAL PIONEER in CANADA
  What Are Federal Pioneer Panel Concerns?
  Federal Pioneer Warranty Alert
  Federal Pioneer Electrical Circuit Breaker Recall
  Field Reports of Federal Pioneer Problems
  Other Federal Pioneer Concerns
  Are Recent Federal Pioneer Stab-Loks Safe?
  FEDERAL PIONEER PANELS

FPE REPAIR ELECTRICIANS

FPE REPLACEMENT BREAKERS
FPE REPLACEMENT PANELS
FPE REPLACEMENT PANEL COSTS
  CAN'T AFFORD A NEW ELECTRIC PANEL?

FPE Stab-Lok Panel Test Report
  FPE PANEL Test Performed
  FPE PANEL Test Results
  Photos of FPE Stab-Lok Panel
FPE SUB PANELS, RISK ASSESSMENT

FPE STAB-LOK: FIRES WAITING TO HAPPEN
  How Many Stab-Loks
  Stab-Lok Failure Rate
  Proper Repair
  Proving the Hazard
  Multiwire Circuits
  Single Pole Breakers
  Latent Safety Hazard
  Failure Reports
  Technical Reports

FPE Stab-Lok TECHNICAL REPORT
  FPE Stab-Lok Circuit Breaker Test Results
  CPSC Tests
  FPE Test Results
  Southwest Research Incorporated
  Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
  Recent Testing of Field Samples
  FPE Stab-Lok Combination Breaker/GFI
  Non-FPE Stab-Lok Breakers
  FPE Main Breakers
  FPE Stab-Lok Panels
  FPE Stab-Lok Panels with "Rule of Six" Configuration
  Hazardous Failure - an Example
  History of the FPE Problem
  Should FPE Panels be Replaced?
FPE Stab-Lok TECHNICAL REPORT-2004

FPE Stab-Lok Panel Test Report
  FPE PANEL Test Performed
  FPE PANEL Test Results
  Photos of FPE Stab-Lok Panel

FPE Stab-Lok Hazard Summary Page for Public Use

GENERATORS, ELECTRICAL
GFCI PROTECTION,Testing GFCIs AFCIs

HEATING COST FUEL & BTU Cost Table
HEAT, ELECTRIC
HEAT TAPE USAGE GUIDE
Hertz - Definitions of KHz MHz GHz THz

KNOB & TUBE WIRING

LIGHTING, EXTERIOR GUIDE
LIGHTING, INTERIOR GUIDE
LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEMS
LOW VOLTAGE BUILDING WIRING

MAIN DISCONNECT
MAIN DISCONNECT AMPACITY
MOISTURE SOURCES in PANELS
MULTI-WIRE CIRCUITS
MURRAY SIEMENS Recall

PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS
PUSHMATIC - BULLDOG PANELS

REMOTE ELECTRIC POWER, PHOTOVOLTAIC
RUST in ELECTRICAL PANELS

SAFETY for ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS
SE CABLE SIZES vs AMPS
SIEMENS MURRAY Recall
SQUARE-D RECALLS

UNDERGROUND SERVICE LATERALS
VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT

WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS
WIND TURBINES & LIGHTNING

ZINSCO / SYLVANIA HAZARDS

More Information

Reliance Electric Co. Press Release cites Product Defects, Improper Practices by Federal Pacific Electric Co.
InspectAPedia®  -      

  • Press Release cites improper practices used by FPE to obtain UL Listing for most of FPE's circuit breakers and notes testing which indicates "possible defects."

Replacement FPE Stab-Lok circuit breakers are unlikely to reduce the failure risk of this equipment. We recommend that residential FPE Stab-Lok electrical panels be replaced entirely or the entire panel bus assembly be replaced, regardless of FPE model number or FPE year of manufacture. We do not sell circuit breakers nor any other products.

This web page explains the issues and recommends solutions for people looking for a replacement FPE Stab-Lok circuit breaker. We do not sell circuit breakers nor any other products.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers nor with topics or services discussed at this website.

© Copyright 2012 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use page top links to major topics or use links at the left of each page to navigate within topics and documents at this website. Green links show where you are in a document series or at this website.

From Reliance Electric Company
Date-Stamped July 7, 1980 Division of Product
Def....Compliance and Enforcement, CPSC [United States Consumer Product Safety Commission]

For more information contact:
Ricard B. Ainsworth, Jr.
(216) 266-5834

For release: Saturday, July 5, after 4 p.m.

Cleveland, Ohio -- Reliance Electric Company has notified the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that it is investigating a possible defect in the past production of the Stab-Lok line of two-pole, 220 volt circuit breakers made by its recently acquired subsidiary, Federal Pacific Electric Company, headquartered in Newark, New Jersey.

It appears that Underwriters Laboratories labels for most of FPE's circuit breakers were obtained through improper practices, a Reliance spokesperson said. Reliance emphasized that current production of these breakers meets the requirements of Underwriters Laboratories tests.

An in-house test by Reliance indicated the possible defect. Reliance has retained Southwest Research Institute, an independent testing laboratory, to conduct further tests.

Reliance has also identified similar problems with some three- pole Stab-Lok and molded case circuit breakers. Further testing on these breakers is being conducted. These type circuit breakers are used predominantly in commercial and industrial applications.

Reliance and Federal Pacific Electric will work with the CPSC in determining whether further action is required.

Although Reliance has not determined whether a significant hazard exists with regard to these devices, the company has stopped its shipments of the product in question and has requested that distributors stop further sales until tests are completed and evaluated.

Questions & Answers regarding this article

.

Ask a Question or Search InspectAPedia

HTML Comment Box is loading comments...

Recommend / Share this Article            

...

Technical Reviewers & References

  • InspectAPedia.com® - Daniel Friedman - Publisher & Editor.
  • InspectAPedia Bookstore lists recommended books, organized by topic & available for purchase. Most of our articles also include a list of recommended books for the specific article topic as well as other references, and information sources.
  • Critique, contributions wanted: Contact Us to suggest corrections or additions to articles at this website, and if you wish, to receive online listing and credit as a contributor. Particular thanks are due to the many experts and also consumers who read and critique technical articles at InspectAPedia.com.
  • Additional technical contributors & reference sources for this article are listed below.

Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

FPE Stab-Lok HAZARDS & REPAIRS WEBSITE - See detailed links at page left

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

  • Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
  • Aluminum Wiring Information Website Aluminum Electrical Wiring Hazards and Repairs: in-depth authoritative info, photos, documents including selection of proper vs. ineffective repair methods. E.g.: Ideal 65 "Twister" purple connector fails in field and lab testing with aluminum wire.
  • Ampacity of an Electrical Service: How to determine the electrical service size or ampacity entering a building
  • Circuit Breaker, a bad one fails to trip failure at aluminum bus-to-circuit breaker connection - field report and photographs
  • Electrical System & Wiring Hazard Inspection, Detection, Cause, Remedy, Prevention - Main Electrical Page
  • Electrical Panels, How to Inspect in buildings, safety for electrical inspectors, electrical panel, fusing, wiring defects, defective products. Inspection Class Presentation
  • The Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Electric Panel Hazard Website Safety Information for Consumers.
  • 2007 FPE Stab-Lok TECHNICAL REPORT - an updated test report of independent testing (a large 1.2MB PDF file) using a larger pool of FPE Stab-Lok circuit breakers than the older CPSC and Wright Malta tests found significantly higher failure rates of FPE Stab-Lok circuit breakers, including a look at critical safety failures (breaker failed to trip at 200% of rated current or jammed) which found up to 80% failure rate for FPE Stab-Lok GFCI circuit breakers (n=4), 12% failure rate for double pole FPE Stab-Lok circuit breakers (n=120), and a 1% failure rate for FPE Stab-Lok single pole circuit breakers (n=345).
  • FPE FIRES: Failures continue: FPE breaker fails, results in fires: field reports
  • Federal Pacific Electric Fires Waiting to Happen, Debate Waiting to Be Ended, detailed article
  • Home Inspection Reporting Language and discussion for FPE panels
  • Home Inspection Reporting Language and discussion for FPE panels
  • How to Identify FPE Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Electric Panels - is yours one of these? ALSO: A History of the FPE Stab-Lok Issue.
  • Federal Pacific Electric Panels: Fires Waiting to Happen, Debate Waiting to Be Ended
  • How to Identify Federal Pacific Electric Panels Stab Lok Breakers & History of the Federal Pacific Electric Stab Lok Hazard
  • Replacement Circuit Breakers for FPE Stab-Lok Electric Panels? are not recommended
  • Replacement Panels for FPE Stab-Lok load centers - options include conventional complete panel replacement and a less costly replacement of the panel interior load center/bus assembly
  • Schneider Canada Federal Pioneer circuit breaker recall
  • 1983 CPSC Investigation of FPE Circuit Breakers Safety Information for Consumers
  • 1982 Reliance Electric Co. SEC Quarterly Report: Note C. reports litigation between Reliance and UV Liquidating Trust and contends that "... improper and deceptive practices were employed for many years to secure UL listings for Federal Pacific's circuit protective products..."
  • 1980 Reliance Electric Co. Press Release: improper practices used to obtain UL Listing for most of FPE's circuit breakers and notes testing which indicates "possible defects." 1980, Reliance Electric Co.
  • 1980 FPE - Exxon Buys A Scandal Along With A Company improper practices used to obtain UL Listing for most of FPE's circuit breakers and notes testing which indicates "possible defects." 1980, Reliance Electric Co.

  • Safety Hazards and Safe Inspection Procedures for Electrical and Home Inspectors at Residential Electric Panels
  • ...

Home About Us Accuracy Contact Us Content Use Policy Printing Tips Privacy Website Description © 2012 Copyright InspectAPedia.com