FPE Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok® Electrical Panel & Circuit Breaker Hazard Questions & Answers:

Frequently-asked questions & answers about the safety, identification, replacement of FPE Stab-Lok brand electrical panels & Stab-Lok circuit breakers.

This article series explains the fire and shock hazards associated with Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok® circuit breakers and service panels, provides a complete history of the FPE Hazard, and we provide and cite independent, unbiased research on FPE failures, and recommends replacement of the panels.

 

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. 

Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok® Circuit Breaker Hazard Current Status, Failures, Research, & History

These questions & answers about the safety of FPE Stab-Lok breakers & panels were posted originally

at FEDERAL PACIFIC FPE HAZARDS.

Federal Pacific Electric "Stab-Lok® " service panels and breakers are a latent hazard and FPE circuit breakers can fail to trip in response to overcurrent, leading to electrical fires. The breakers may also fail to shut off internally even if the toggle is switched to "off." Some double-pole (240-Volt) FPE circuit breakers and single-pole FPE Stab-Lok® circuit breakers simply do not work safely.

Any documentation that shows UL pulled its listing when they found out they were being duped?

Is there any documentation that exists other than hearsay that shows UL pulled it's listing when they found out they were being duped? If they did pull their listing, did that retroactively de-list the breakers that were already installed in millions of homes?

Did UL ever re-instate their listing? Also, how and why are UBI breakers allowed to be manufactured and sold today if they continue to fail to meet safety standards? Where is the oversight on this garbage?

Thank you so much by the way for your website, it is and always has been the best. Ryan 2025-12-04 by Ryan

Moderator reply:

@Ryan,

Please read through these articles to see the details. There is far more here - just short of four decades of research and writing - than I can eloquently summarize in a concise response to a post. It's all there.

I think you're referring to a specific and rather narrow instance in which FPE lost its listing after discovering that the manufacturer was swapping labels on breakers improperly. That case was well documented and reported in the news.

About your UBI question and guessing you saw Aronstein's independent test result, I have to resort to a combination of fact and first-hand anecdote.

If you read UL 486 carefully - the standard for circuit breaker testing - you'll see that member companies are permitted to do their own testing and - at a UL and CPSC meeting that I attended (years ago) with Dr. Aronstein, I learned that the manufacturer does not have to release even their own test results. It's a "self-certifying" procedure. The attorney for the company involved at our meeting noted in response to the failures that Aronstein cited - I'm paraphrasing from memory: "They're in complete compliance with UL 486. If you don't like UL 486, go change it."

What the attorney didn't mention was that that standard is in general written by a committee that is in fact staffed by engineers from the manufacturing companies.

Now one might whine that it's sort of the fox watching the henhouse, and to a large degree, I'd agree. But on the other hand, where is UL or anybody else going to go to find engineers who know the most about circuit breakers?

Daniel Friedman

Citations that state that FPE Equipment is unsafe or should be removed/replaced

Please provide any citations or links to Manufacturer or Governmental (or UL) documents that state that FPE Equipment is unsafe or should be removed/replaced, I have searched and cannot find such a document, which is where I was led to your website.

User generated stories, etc. are NOT acceptable. They are not documentable.

With over 40 years in the electrical industry, I have seen many cases of other manufacturer's equipment that has had burnouts, burnt busses, etc. If the FPE Equipment has been proved bad, it would be disallowed by the NEC and other AHJ's, but that is not the case.

What's the real deal? 2025-12-02 by Maurice Greven

Reply: FPE hazard is very well known and has a long, well-documented history

@Maurice Greven,

I respectfully disagree with you on this. The FPE hazard is very well known, has a long, well-documented history, has been tested by unbiased and fully qualified experts. Your premise is as completely and fundamentally mistaken as if you were asserting that because we have police on the beat there are never crimes nor traffic accidents.

You're correct that FPE isn't the only bad electrical equipment, but incorrect to suggest that therefore it's no worse than everything else in the field.

If you take time to read through the material collected on this hazard, even if you have patience to read just the FPE fraud and circuit breaker failure rates articles listed above, then I think you might reconsider your position.

This will be helpful

FPE STAB-LOK HAZARD PROOF

And see Aronstein's report found at

https://inspectapedia.com/fpe/FPE-Hazards-Aronstein-2017-11-10.pdf

Respectfully

Daniel Friedman

Partially burned Stab-Lok panel

Here's a stab-lok panel, removed for insurance reasons (not because of a known failure).
Note the proper color stab bases on the outside, and the burned ones in the middle. 2025-03-05 by Bryce Nesbitt

Mod reply:

@Bryce Nesbitt,

Excellent photo, and thank you for the failure report. Can you tell us the age and location of the building where this was installed?

And was there any report of an electrical problem in the building before the panel was discovered?

Daniel Friedman

Issues getting my panel replaced by a warranty service because of a "manufacture defect."

I am having some issues getting my panel replaced by a warranty service because of a "manufacture defect." Has there been any official documentation stating a manufacture defect? So far they have given me 3 different reasons why they can't replace it and they finally landed on "manufacture defect" as their final answer. Just trying to figure out if they are making up excuses or if there is official documentation stating a defect from the manufacture. 2022-06-14 by Billy

Reply:

@Billy,

I appreciate the frustration and aggravation of your case and add my mere OPINION that arguing about a life-safety hazard when it is very well known, puts real people's safety and property at risk.

The FPE Stab-lok product line has been shown over decades now to be unsafe, with a history of product design and manufacturing defects, fraudulent practices, and actual real-world reports of fires and losses that result.

Perhaps this will be helpful

FPE STAB-LOK HAZARD PROOF

And print and provide Aronstein's report found at

https://inspectapedia.com/fpe/FPE-Hazards-Aronstein-2017-11-10.pdf

Follow up:

@InspectApedia-911, Thanks for sending those links over. I guess I am just trying to figure out if there are official documents (from the Government, the manufacture, etc.) that state there is a manufacture defect. Basically the warranty service is denying the claim of replacement because they don't cover a panel that has a "manufacture defect." However, if there aren't legal documents (from the manufacture or whoever) that states this claim, I feel like that argument doesn't work. All we have are electricians that have stated that they are unsafe and nothing from an entity like the manufacture or Gov., correct?

I am trying to get them to replace it because I want it out of my house and the technician who serviced my request said that it needs to be replaced!

Is my thinking correct? Just trying to educate myself, so I can continue to stand my ground if needed.

Reply:

@Billy,

He will never find a document from the manufacturer saying that the product line was a manufacturing defect. First of all the manufacturer is long gone. Secondly they would not have said that because they wouldn't have wanted to face the liability..
Are there was a long history of cheating on testing and covering up and fraudulent listings.

If it were my house I would replace the panel for safety now, and argue about who pays for it later.

Canadian (Schneider Electric) FP Stab-Lok safety notice

Hi, I have found this image, that may be a bit more up to date for panels I have found during inspections (in Canada anyways). I otherwise have referenced this article in my inspection reports over the years. 2022-03-17 by Reuben

Mod reply:

@Reuben,

Thank you for the Canadian (Schneider Electric) FP Stab-Lok safety notice.

In our OPINION the company, one we admire in general, saddled with an unsafe electrical panel and circuit breaker line, and perhaps with legal advice, tries to walk a very delicate line between warning consumers of a hazard and at the same time avoiding inviting litigation over an unsafe product.

When I asked a Schneider engineer if he could tell us of ANY design or manufacturing changes that amended the failure rate of these circuit breakers he promised to "get back to me" and never communicated again. Disappointing but understandable.

Independent testing of both old, used, and brand-new purchased in stores FP circuit breakers shows that they all have about the same failure rate - a failure to trip in response to a circuit overload that is very much greater than the no-trip rates of other, safer electrical circuit breaker brands and models.

I have more confidence in the independent, un-biased tests than in even a fine manufacturer who faces considerable conflicting interests on such issues, and who has not released a single test document (showing actual test procedures and results) publicly in Canada nor in the U.S. to the US CPSC.

Those tests and reports are published here at InspectApedia for free download and study. Some key links are give at the Recommended Articles section on this page.

Zinsco Panel Fire

Can someone give me a call regarding a Zinsco Panel Fire? 2021-06-02 by Robert Rowe

Reply:

@Robert Rowe,

Apologies, but our workload precludes telephone, in-person, and any lengthy email consulting, whether pro-bono or paid, concerning the Zinsco fire question(s) that you have raised.

Your post is on an FPE Stab-Lok electrical panel page.

You will want to see the information we have on Zinsco electrical panels and panel safety starting at

ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS -

We do very much welcome Zinsco failure and fire reports - sent to us by email or better yet,

Posted with photos and details at GTE-SYLVANIA-ZINSCO FAILURE REPORTS

I have copied your inquiry from this FPE page and our reply over to the Zinsco failure reports page as that may be more helpful to you and other readers.

 

Reader reports FPE dryer circuit that burned a hole and suggests that fuses are safer than circuit breakers

Had 2 ecp. With fpe. 240 v dryer ckt.burnt a hole in steel plate behind dryer about an inch in dia.

If I was not home at that time I WOULD NOT have a home to come back to.

Short in space heater.

Big white ball of power in cord exiting the heater. Breaker hummed but it did not trip.

Frankly A HOME with proper service for its needs would be much safer with fuses than FPE stab-lok breakers.

I did have an FPE fuse panel with pull-outs for dryer and range and a mains breaker that worked very good.

All in all fuses have NO moving parts to jam up. On 2020-02-16 by Raymond M. Garafano

by (mod) - comparative safety of fuse panels

Raymond

Indeed FPE **Fuse** type electrical panels did not have the breaker-no-trip hazard that we discuss in this article series.

Years ago another, older, electrician friend shared his opinion that he preferred fuses, particularly as the panel main overload protection, as the most-reliable device.

Thank you for the FPE field failure report involving a clothes dryer overcurrent and FPE no-trip event. This is EXACTLY the problem that we point out occurs when an FPE Stab-Lok breaker gets an overcurrent on just one side of a 2-pole circuit breaker.

The breaker jams internally and then will not trip at ANY overload level.

That's why your dryer overcurrent burned a hole in the steel plate as you describe.

Remarkably, this is the very defect that FPE's lawyers argued to the US CPSC was "unrealistic as it is a problem that never occurs in the field".

The error in that false claim is that many 240VAC appliances, including both electric stove tops and ranges and clothes dryers, though fed 240VAC through a double-pole breaker, will split off the 240V into separate 120VAC sub-circuits in the appliance.

For example an electric clothes dryer provides HI and LO heat ranges that work by switching on two or just one 120VAC electric coil type heaters.

Reader mistake on dates after which FPE Stab-Loc breakers are unsafe after 1981

So, it is my understanding that the Stab-Loc breaker manufactured after 1981 do meet UL standards for that time period and are generally safe except for the ones recalled, of course. Is that correct?

Additionally, many of the problems with FPE of that era are the same or similar to other manufacturers of that era. I have seen both GE and Square D with the same problems ie failing after 1 over current, failing to trip, etc.

So would it be better to conclude old panels should be replaced to be more sake regardless of the manufacturer name?
I currently have Stab-Loc 1983, which I will replace eventually, but the only problem I have so far is the breakers wiggling loose due to vibration from being on the wall next to my garage door. On 2016-06-27 by Kevin Adams

- by (mod) -

Kevin, is this a trick question? The high rate of no-trip failures cited and documented by independent experts did not stop in 1981.

That fact suggests that it's not a good idea to wage the argument suggested by your question.

We recently had a FPE panel meltdown and fire at our house here in MA.

We recently had a FPE panel meltdown and fire at our house here in MA. Fortunately the Fire Department responded quickly and we were home at the time of the fire. Our house is not that old... built in 1988 but it did have this panel and it was clear that it overheated and malfunctioned.

Quick response and the right decisions saved our house but it was minutes away from exploding and causing a full home loss. The fire suffered from oxygen deprivation as our house in very tight and we did not open any doors to feed it and the fire department was there within 10 minutes to knock it down.

However, we did experience heavy smoke damage and were forced to move out of the house while repairs were made. We were out of our house for nearly three months and although we are now back in the house it is not fully restore or are we made whole again at this point.

I would STRONGLY RECOMMEND that people replace the FPE panels with a new and high quality replacement. The risk is simply too high. Had our fire happened and hour earlier or an hour later we would have lost everything!! Rod On 2016-04-11 by Rod -

by (mod) -

Thank you for the important field report, Rod. If you can send details, photos, fire reports, to me by email (use the page bottom CONTACT link) that would be very valuable; at InspectAPedia.com technical content contributors are by default kept anonymous unless you (they) want to be identified.

Your note points out that even a comparatively small fire can be terribly costly and disruptive to people's lives. Thank goodness no one was injured.

I agree completely, as do other people who understand the FPE hazard, that all electrical panels of the stab-lok design should be replaced.

 

Insurance company ignored FPE panel that causes a total-loss house fire because they had no one to sue!

We had a house fire in 2006 - and you guessed it - it had FPE stab-lock circuit breakers.

The fire inspector from the insurance company was asked about the electrical panel and I told him who it was made by - but then he concentrated on trying to find the manufacturer of a florescent light fixture - he blamed it on the light fixture.

I believe it was because they could not subjugate the fire to FPE because there way no way to recover any money.

So I wonder how many fires from FPE are not reported due to insurance companies trying to find a way to cover their losses.

We had a total loss and had to tear it down and rebuild. On 2014-10-03 by EricJohnson

by (mod) - why some insurance companies may not recognize FPE Hazards: nobody to sue?

Eric thanks for the important and interesting observation. I've seen no data on the possibility that insurance companies fail to recognize the FPE Stab-Lok contribution to fires because of the subrogation worry but it sounds plausible.

Think of it this way: a bad FPE breaker doesn't *cause* the fire directly. Rather, it fails to protect the building by fire by failing to shut off power to an electrical circuit that is experiencing an unsafe condition such as an overcurrent (for any reason) that in turn causes overheating of wiring and thus a short, spark, or heat-related fire.

We believe in general that only a miniscule fraction of FPE-related fires and failures are ever reported for many reasons.

For example an electrician called to a site where a panel or breaker has failed more likely just throws the old parts into the trash and installs new equipment.

Nobody reports a thing. Similarly, when an actual fire occurs, often the evidence has burned such that only an expert forensic engineer is likely to report the cause(s) with full accuracy.

For these reasons, we consider individual fire reports very important - experts believe they are representative of a larger group of unreported events.

If you can send me details we can add your case to our fire reports section - with anonymity or not as you wish. Use the email at our CONTACT link if you wish.

Thanks

Daniel

Looking for statutes that prohibit FPE or FP electrical panels

Sir,

Thank you for your efforts and responsiveness in providing information here regarding the dangers of this FPE equipment.

I could use your assistance in locating information specific to New York State requirements on replacing FPE breaker boxes and the like. Thus far my searches have only uncovered New Jersey information.

I am attempting to identify whether NYS or possible NYC has issues statutes requiring residential buildings (apartments, condos, co-ops, etc.) to replace FPE hardware.

Your assistance in sourcing any information specific to NY would be most appreciated. Sincere regards. On 2014-04-23 by Anonymous

by (mod) - even without a "law" requireing you to replace an FPE panel you should still do so

Anon,

Thanks for your nice comment.

There is no explicit law requiring FPE equipment replacement in any jurisdiction.

The reason to replace the equipment is that research since the 1980's and up through 2012 confirm that the equipment is unsafe, a view supported as well by field failure reports.

In addition, some insurance companies will not insure a building serviced by FPE equipment, a position that means selling such a property may encounter a hiccup.

The U.S. Electrical Code Prohibits Unsafe Equipment

Finally, some national electrical code experts argue that although the NEC does not specify the exclusion or removal of individual or even classes of unsafe products (aluminum wiring, FPE panels, Zinsco, other equipment that in fact has been recalled), the code does contain provisions requiring safe installation practices that can be interpreted as a basis for arguing that unsafe equipment is also in violation of the National Electrical code.

But at the end of the day, the reason to remove and replace unreliable equipment that fails at a high rate such as FPE is that it is unsafe, not because someone wiggles around to find an "illegal" status.

To pretend that every unsafe or unreliable product sold in the world will always be flagged by law or by a product recall would be as incoherent as pretending that because we have policemen and the FBI and NSA that nobody ever commits a crime.

Does Florida state law require FPE electrical box replacement?

Just recently purchased a Hubzu home in Florida and had inspected prior to my bidding; and yes it has this faulty Fed Pacific Electrical Box.

I was just told by another Florida resident that there is a Florida State Law that requires the seller to have it replaced regardless of the type of Real Estate transaction that it is; On 2014-04-11 by Marilyn

not having any success on-line locating the specific Florida law. . .

by (mod) - no Florida Law on FPE panels

Marilyn,
I am unaware of any state law such as the one you describe. The reason the panel should be replaced is that it is a latent safety hazard.

While there is not to my knowledge any such FPE replacement "law", it is indeed the case that we receive frequent reports that some major home owners insurance companies will refuse to insure a home where this equipment is installed.

Even if a home buyer were not concerned with the safety hazard, she might be stumped when unable to obtain financing or re-financing, or if the matter were kept under-wraps, when a later claim would not be honored by the insurer.

Mike Recommends Connecticut Electric replacement circuit breakers

You do not have to replace your entire panel if you have Federal pacific Stab-lok style breakers. There is a company, Connecticut-Electric, Inc that makes brand new, ETL listed, same test as UL, Federal Pacific Stab-lok style replacement circuit breakers that are safe to use and completely safety agency listed.

There seams to be a "red scare' out there about these breakers, yes, there were some issues.

Even the federal government couldn't make a decision based upon the facts present to say that Federal Pacific breakers are actually unsafe. Why spend all that money replacing your entire panel, which most electrician love to hear. They just see dollar signs. On 2014-04-08 by Mike

Reply by (mod) - Mike's advice is unsafe

Mike,

I cannot imagine worse advice than your opinion stated above There are several very serious concerns:

1. the "replacement breakers" that you cite have no evidence of performing any differently than the unreliable ones they replace

2. the underlying design problems that lead to breaker no-trips and bus connector burn-ups and on occasion more serious losses, remain when the panel remains

3. In addition to having been found guilty of fraud, label switching, cheating on breaker qualification tests, and other improper practices, independent research has consistently shown that the product fails to respond to overcurrent at a stunning rate, in the 60% range for 2 pole breakers, in an industry where overall circuit breakers fail to trip in response to overcurrent at a fraction much less than 1%.

4. FPE Stab-Lok electrical panels and circuit breakers are a latent safety hazard. That means that the product does not itself initiate a failure or fire. The breakers may also remain "on" internally when apparently switched off - a good way to electrocute someone.

It's a latent safety hazard just sitting there, failing to protect when it's called upon in an emergency. That may explain why this "sleeping dog" while it remains asleep - not called on to perform - seems just fine. There's no need for panic, but there is a need to replace the equipment.

5. On one point we might agree, that is that some electrical repair companies and product vendors indeed prey on consumer fear to make a buck. For this reason we point out that

- Avoiding panic can avoid being gouged by a contractor when you order electrical panel replacement

- InspectAPedia is an independent publisher of building, environmental, and forensic inspection, diagnosis, and repair information provided free to the public - we have no business nor financial connection with any manufacturer or service provider discussed at our website.

WATCH OUT: One wondered who Mike is and what might be his connection with the company he touts.

At UBI FPE CIRCUIT BREAKER VENDOR COMMENTS  we learned that Mike is a sales rep for Connecticut Electric replacement circuit breakers.

Independent expert research on this question and where you'll see that Connecticut Electric Breakers failed at the same rate as the original FPE breakers is at

• CIRCUIT BREAKER FAILURE RATES
• FPE Stab-Lok® MOST RECENT REPORTS 
• FPE REPLACEMENT BREAKERS  - including test of Connecticut Electric Circuit Breaker replacements for FPE
• UBI FPE CIRCUIT BREAKER TEST RESULTS

Question: I can't afford to pay for a new electrical panel - where can the money come from?

Thanks alot! 71 yrs old, on social security, everything went up, especially Taxes, food etc. Now I can't sleep worried my house is going to burn down. Where does the money come for this!! I'm sure it's not cheap to replace circuit boards electricians are expensive. Thanks my money was right there for you when we put in Federal Pacific.... - Joann Novotny - 6/23/11

Reply: cost-benefit analysis of replacing an FPE Stab-Lok electrical panel

Joann, please don't blame InspectAPedia for the installation of an unsafe electrical panel in your home. If you are unable to promptly replace the panel, take a look at the advice in the articles listed just above this FAQs section and also linked-to at the ARTICLE INDEX the bottom of this article titled:

CAN'T AFFORD A NEW ELECTRIC PANEL?

Be sure you have working smoke detectors properly installed and at least you will be able to sleep at night.

Replacing an electrical panel is basically cost of labor plus the new panel. You or an electrician can buy a new electrical panel complete with circuit breakers for a few hundred dollars at most building supply stores. The cost of panel installation/replacement varies widely depending on where you live.

Also there may be financial relief for seniors in your area; check with your local senior citizens state, town, or county agencies.

Finally, in my opinion, considering the significant contribution of FPE Stab-Lok® equipment to house fires, replacing the equipment is likely to be less costly than the cost of a fire.

Details are at FPE Stab-Lok® PANEL REPLACEMENT COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS

 

Question: are the FPE hazards the same in both main panel and sub panels?

I have my service panel and a main panel. Are the issues the same with both? Do they both need to be replaced? - Don E. 8/11/11

Reply:

Yes Don E. - the FPE breakers don't know if they are in a main panel or a sub panel. Their performance doesn't vary by that criterion.

Question: Is there a retrofit kit available for FPE Panels?

Is there a retrofit kit available for FPE panels? - David W. Nies 9/19/11

It is my understanding there is a retro fit kit for FPE panels??? If so how do I get one? - Budd 9/4/12

Reply:

David and Budd

Eaton - Cutler Hammer make replacement bus and breaker assemblies that can fit in some FPE panel steel enclosures. See FPE REPLACEMENT PANELS for details.

Question: is there a similar risk with FPE panels that use fuses

What are the risk associated with domestic cut out fuse - Ajiroghene sunny 1/1/12

Reply:

No A.S. Fuses are completely different devices. However if your electrical panel uses fuses it may be under-sized and obsolete for modern home usage levels. You should review that question with your electrician.

Question: Electrician Report on FPE Failure - breaker didn't shut off

I’m a licensed 309A electrician in Stoney Creek Ontario with 30 yrs exp.
Last year did a service call on an a/c unit ,shut off breaker went outside began to service unit, was electrically thrown back ,did a volt test and there was power, went inside and tested breaker and it was hot, this was my first experience with a defective breaker.
-I purchased a double pole 30 amp Stab-lok to install a heater in my garage, wired it up turned on breaker , heater is working good. Decided to install longer cable so I could place heater in another location, shut off breaker and began to unwire unit, I was almost electrocuted because I was grounded, my heart felt like base drum…..
Tested the breaker ,,hot on one pole,, removed breaker did an ohm test, one side does not shut off…. - Pete Vann 1/5/12

Reply:

Pete, thanks so much for the comment. Thank goodness you were not killed by that failing FPE Stab-Lok unit. Indeed it has been shown by independent testing that a scary feature of FPE's is that the breaker toggle may be switched to the OFF position but one or more breaker poles may remain "on" or energized internally. Very dangerous.

Please see the HOW TO REPORT FPE INCIDENTS link (page bottom ARTICLE INDEX ) - you would be doing a service to also report this incident to the US CPSC.

Also see SAFETY for ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS

Daniel

Reader comment from Anonymous:

Pete, sounds like you should start using a voltage tester every time!

Reader comment from George Campbell 1/17/2012

Pete Vann - An experienced 309A electrician should be smart enough to us a volt meter to make sure the line does not have a voltage potential EVERY TIME. Not just for Stab Lok breakers. I've been an electronics tech and engineer for 28 years and I know enough to test an AC or DC line at work or at home before I trust there is on voltage. I also have a breaker panel full of STAB LOK. I have done extensive work in my house (AC, Water Heater, additional outlets, etc.). So far I have found that they do turn off. And in a few cases I know they do trip. Guess I am lucky so far but I'll be changing the panel out soon.

Reply from DF:

George,

The failure of FPE breakers to switch off internally when the toggle is moved to the "off" position has been well documented and occurs at a stunningly high rate - let's not risk killing someone or burning a building by asserting otherwise in one person's experience.

I agree that using a VOM or other voltage tester is good safe practice; but after following electricians and electrical work for nearly 50 years I have the opinion that very often fellows perform extensive work without taking that precaution. In any event, blaming the victim for a very dangerous electrical device is not a sufficient solution to the problem any more than blaming a passenger injured when the seat belt breaks during an accident.

 

Question: Electrician in Hospital questions FPE Hazard in non-residential installations

I am an electrician in a hospital. The hospital was originally built in 1974 and alot of the branch circuit panels are FPE. These panels use type NA,NC,or NAGF breakers. Should I have the same concerns as a home owner? Are the panels I have the same as the residential panels? - Brett 3/8/12

Reply:

Brett,

Please take a look at HOW TO IDENTIFY FPE & FP (article link at the ARTICLE INDEX the bottom of this article ) - if your breakers and panel bus are the same FPE Stab-Lok design, as I imagine they are, then the same FPE hazard concerns apply to your building.

Certainly FPE Stab-Lok equipment was installed in both residential and many non-residential buildings. Aronstein/Lowry (2002) report that the product defects extended across the product line and across its manufacturing history, including the product's use in both residential and non-residential installations.

Keep in mind that this is a "latent" fire hazard - the equipment itself does not initiate the problem - but it fails to protect against overheating or fire should an overcurrent or short circuit occur.

And there is a particular hazard to you as an electrician: switching the breaker to "OFF" does not necessarily turn it off internally - the circuit you thought you'd turned off may still be life.

Question: If I want to have my FPE panel checked

If I want to have my panel checked I would choose an electric contractor with good ratings on Angie's List and not respond to some ad dropped at my door. - Jimmy Jo 4/12/12

Reply:

Watch out: "testing" or "inspecting" an FPE Stab-Lok® panel on-site by an electrician is a fundamentally bad idea.

See details

at DO NOT PERFORM In-Home Testing of FPE Stab-Lok®

Question: I want to add two circuits to my StabLOK panel - can I do it myself?

I have a Stab Lok panel and want to add two 240 V 20A and 2 110V 20A circuits. Should i consider replacing the panel? Can i do it myself? - @John, 4/26/12

Reply:

From Tom 4/30/12

@ John (four days ago) - YES - change the panel out. The Federal Pacific panels are defective and dangerous.

As for whether you can do it yourself - My thought is this - if you have to ask this question, you probably cannot do it. It is not hard to install or change out a panel, but if you do it wrong, you risk your life and the lives of anyone who comes into the house.

Hire an electrician who can do it right if you have ANY question as to your abilities. He will have insurance to cover you in case he does it wrong - do you have that kind of coverage? I doubt it. Likewise, he has the skills needed to do the job quickly and safely.

Comment:

Tom, very well said. Thank you for your comments. 4/30/12 Daniel Friedman

Question: FPE Stab-Lok failure leads to apartment fire

We had a Federal Pacific panel in an apartment we were renting. On Friday, a bathroom fan jammed and failed to run. The fan got very hot and melted the motor. As the motor melted, the plastic fan cover melted into the melting metal motor, and the wall caught fire. After the wall caught fire the entire apartment caught fire, burning us out of our home.

Had the Federal Pacific circuit breaker reacted correctly, as the metal fan motor melted the resistance would have gone down, causing more and more amperage to flow. Once the flow got to 15 amps - which is the limit of the circuit breaker for that appliance - the circuit breaker should have tripped, cutting off electricity to the circuit. Instead, it did not trip, causing a serious fire. Everything in our apartment is destroyed, all due to deferred maintenance by our landlord, and by the Federal Pacific circuit breaker that failed to trip.

Jimmy Jo said he thought it was a a scam that an electrician would offer to replace his Federal Pacific panel. All I can say is replacing those breakers may save your life and the lives of those you love. Whether you hire the ambitious electrician who is trying to build business by replacing these super dangerous panels or another electrician, HIRE SOMEONE AND FIX IT. My family is living (Thank GOD!) proof that these breakers are dangerous, plain and simple. - Tom 4/30/12

Reply:

Tom, thank you for this important FPE fire report. We are of course so sorry to read that the fire occurred and that you had a serious house fire. I encourage you to report the fire to the U.S. CPSC - ELECTRICAL PANEL / BREAKER INCIDENTS, HOW TO REPORT. And help me out as topic editor -

1. Were you aware of the FPE Stab-Lok panel fire hazard before your fire occurred?
2. Were you aware of the US CPSC position on this hazard?
3. Had you read information about FPE Stab-Lok at this website? If so, is there something we could have said here, or some information we could have provided that would have prompted you to have the panel replaced before the fire occurred?

Question: Electronics Engineer opted to replace FPE equipment, expresses hazard opinion

I'm a well experienced electronics engineer for over 40 yrs. After seeing a report in February 2012 by WFTV 9 (a local central Florida TV station) about these panels, I knew (by sheer luck of the draw) my 1985 built home just had to have one of these "defunct" FPE Stab-Lock panels---of course IT DID! I just replaced the entire panel with a Square-D.

I checked my next door neighbor's panel and they also have the FPE Stab-Lock. I advised them of replacing it---they haven't! After follow-up investigating on many web sites about these FPE panels---

ANYBODY who has one in their home is at HIGH risk of fire hazard! Take my well intended advice: DEFINITELY replace the panel whether it currently works and /or has never had a problem! This is a VERY insidious problem and VERY high risk! - Kurt 5/16/12

Reply:

Kurt,

thank you for your helpful comments. Part of the difficulty of the FPE hazard is that although the hazard has been demonstrated as real by compelling independent evidence, both research and actual field reports, the company successfully stopped the CPSC investigation, money held out for a product recall was never used for that purpose, the company is now gone except for a remains left for protection against litigation, and in the absence of an "official U.S.

Government recall" some folks who have conflicting interests (including a real estate agent who contacted us today) simply deny the hazard. You are right in your respect for the hazards involved.

Question: Did FPE Pay for Panel Replacements?

Did FPE pay for the change out? - Alton 6/18/12

Reply:

Alton, what a great question to bring out a little bit of not-easy-to-find FPE history. When FPE was sold, the buyer, on discovering they'd bought a liability, negotiated a multimillion dollar allowance that was to be used to pay for a panel recall. But no recall was ever issued, they pocketed the money instead. All of that information is in public documents; see FPE Exxon Scandal Article for an example.

In sum, I'm repeating the explanation I gave above for Kurt.

Question: Hospital Electrician Asks if he should be concerned about FPE panels in the hospital

I am an electrician in a hospital. The hospital was originally built in 1974 and alot of the branch circuit panels are FPE. These panels use type NA,NC,or NAGF breakers. Should I have the same concerns as a home owner? Are the panels I have the same as the residential panels?

Is there a answer to this question. I have read alot about this topic and it clear that they are referring to residential home. What about the stab lok in commercial buildings, motels or apartments - Harvey 7/28/12

Reply:

Harvey, thanks for the important question. Indeed FPE made an extensive range of equipment, both residential and commercial. In some instances breakers and parts were reported to have been swapped between the two, as well as swapping breakers among amperage ratings.

I have two suggestions:

1. take a look at our FPE Stab-Lok design identification photos and text beginning at

FPE & FP IDENTIFICATION, HOW TO (links at the ARTICLE INDEX the bottom of this article )

and if you see the same breaker and bus design in the equipment in the hospital it would be prudent to presume it's the same equipment and that it has the same hazards.

2. I'd welcome any sharp photos you can send along of the panels, panel labels, bus and breaker details that you have installed.

Also, in the event that your hospital does have FPE Stab-Lok design equipment installed, its important to understand how to approach the risk and to understand what all the risks are. In addition to the "no-trip" problem (most severe on 2-pole breakers), there are frequent reports of breakers that remain "on" internally even though the physical breaker toggle or handle has been moved to the "OFF" position - this could pose a very serious risk to you personally when working on such equipment.

Do not assume that power has been turned off - use safety procedures, test equipment &c accordingly.

Question: Where can I find an electrician qualified to work on FPE Panels ?

Looking for electricians qualified to work on Federal Pacific Panels in the Anderson, SC area. - Terrie Mann 9/10/2012

Reply:

Terrie:

I may not have understood clearly your use of the words "work on Federal Pacific Panels" but to be clear, "working on" the panel is not a safe approach. The panel should be replaced.

Any licensed electrician should be fully capable of properly replacing any electrical panel of any brand. No special knowledge about FPE Stab-Lok® equipment is necessary simply to replace one of those electrical panels. But ...

Watch out: if you have the bad luck of running into an electrician who is not familiar with the FPE Hazard, s/he could put you and your family and home at extra risk by expressing the opinion that "there is nothing wrong with the FPE panel you have installed so no action is needed". It is in part to avoid that risk that we recommend electricians who are familiar with FPE hazards, just as similarly we do so for aluminum electrical wiring repairs.

At DIRECTORY OF ELECTRICIANS we list licensed electricians who assert that they are familiar with the equipment and the hazards. If you find a local electrician whose work satisfies you and who is familiar with the issue, encourage him/her to contact us to be listed in the directory if s/he does not already appear there. There are no costs or fees involved. InspectApedia has no financial relationship with companies offering products or services that may be discussed at this website.

Question: FPE panel Y95003A-514 in a 20 year old house "does not look like an FPE panel"

We saw a FPE panel Y95003A-514 in a newer home. Are those bad too. It did not look like FPE panel. The house is 20 years old. - Sam Sain 9/14/12

Reply:

Sam,

We have no data and no field reports indicating that late model FPE Stab-Lok equipment is safer than earlier made devices. If you're not sure what is installed see the article titled

FPE & FP IDENTIFICATION, HOW TO

(links at the ARTICLE INDEX the bottom of this article )

 

Question: Where is there recently-published data updating findings on the FPE Stab-Lok® ® Hazard?

This Q&A were moved to RECENTLY-PUBLISHED DATA UPDATING FINDINGS ON THE FPE STAB-LOK® ® HAZARD

 

Question/Comment: what does "hire a professional mean?"

The common used phrase is "hire an experienced professional".  I work for a company that requires two years experience, drug testing, four weeks on the job training, etc., etc. and these guys screw up all the time. Anon, 4/5/13

Reply:

Anon you make a good point, that it can be tough for people to figure out if their "professional" is one. On the job conduct, workmanship, licensing, are all clues. If you have specific additional tips we'd be happy to publish them here. Daniel

 

Question: Kevin Adams thinks modern FPE breakers are perfectly fine

(Sept 18, 2015) Kevin Adams said:
it is important to acknowledge the breakers in question were manufactured 1979 and earlier. Many home inspectors incorrectly think all Stab-Loc breakers could be a fire hazard. Electricians are glad to confirm this myth because they make $1,000 for a quick half day job of swapping out the panel.

Reply: Wrong

Sorry, Kevin, you are mistaken. Just take a look at both independent testing of FPE breakers, including modern "replacement" FPE Stab-Lok breakers, as well as at field reports as recently as 2016 (see FPE FAILURE FIELD REPORTS) and you'll find that your opinion is not supported by the facts.

InspectAPedia is an independent publisher of building, environmental, and forensic inspection, diagnosis, and repair information provided free to the public - we have no business nor financial connection with any manufacturer or service provider discussed at our website.

We are dedicated to making our information as accurate, complete, useful, and unbiased as possible: we very much welcome critique, questions, or content suggestions for our web articles. Working together and exchanging information makes us better informed than any individual can be working alone.

 

Question: are FPE breakes in a 1985 house also a concern?

(Nov 21, 2015) David McQu said:
My house was built in 1986 and has the federal pacific panel. Is there a risk that there are defective breakers in it?

Reply:

Yes. See the field report for 2016 found at see FPE FAILURE FIELD REPORTS

 

Question: Bolen agrees that FPE panels should be changed-out

(Jan 14, 2016) Max Bolen said:
I recommend people change out FPE panels, inform them of the risks. The customer can make a decision to spend money or not. This contractor doesn't net "1,000.00" for a "quick half day job", but I am interested in reducing the likelihood of a customer's house "potentially" catching fire. There is no "good" FPE panel or breaker, any available brand is safer. FPE has no equal in regards to it's problem, and a lot of homes still have them.

Reply:an FPE Stab Lok panel in a home is is a serious hazard but hardly the only one

Thanks for the comment, Max. Actually there are other problem-brands or individual problem breaker models made by other manufacturers, as you will find here at InspectApedia.

see

• CIRCUIT BREAKER FAILURE RATES
• BACK-WIRED ELECTRICAL DEVICES
• BRYANT ELECTRICAL PANEL AGE & PROPERTIES
• Classified CIRCUIT BREAKER WARNING
• FEDERAL PACIFIC FPE HAZARDS - home
• MURRAY CIRCUIT BREAKER HAZARDS
• MURRAY SIEMENS Recall
• PUSHMATIC - BULLDOG PANELS
• SIEMENS MURRAY Recall
• SPLIT BUS ELECTRICAL PANEL HAZARDS
• SQUARE-D AFCI RECALL 2004
• SQUARE-D COUNTERFEIT BREAKER RECALL
• ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS

Federal Pacific Electric FPE Stab-Lok® Information for free use at other websites: for information on FPE Stab-Lok® equipment that can be copied to your website,
see FPE Stab-Lok® Hazard Summary Page for Public Use

...

Continue reading at FEDERAL PACIFIC FPE HAZARDS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• CIRCUIT BREAKER FAILURE RATES
• FEDERAL PACIFIC FPE HAZARDS
• SUMMARY of the Federal Pacific Stab-Lok® DANGERS
• FPE Stab-Lok® LATENT FIRE HAZARDS
• FEDERAL PIONEER - CANADA
• FPE Stab-Lok® PANEL REPLACEMENT COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
• FPE REPLACEMENT FINANCIAL AID?
• DO NOT PERFORM In-Home Testing of FPE Stab-Lok®
• HOW TO REPORT FPE INCIDENTS
• FPE HAZARD SUMMARY
• FPE & FP IDENTIFICATION, HOW TO

Suggested citation for this web page

FEDERAL PACIFIC FPE HAZARD FAQs at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to FPE STAB-LOK BREAKERS & PANELS

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