Federal Pacific Panels Are Fire Hazards and Need to Be Replaced

July 24, 2024

Federal Pacific Panels, specifically those equipped with Stab-Lok circuit breakers, have been identified as significant fire hazards. These panels were widely installed in homes across the United States from the 1950s through the 1980s. Due to their high failure rates in tripping under overload conditions, they pose serious safety risks. 

At Three Crowns Electric, we’re no strangers to swapping out dangerous panels for safety. In this blog, we will quickly explain why you need to replace your panel if you use a Federal Pacific model.

Why Federal Pacific Panels Are Dangerous

Federal Pacific Panels are dangerous primarily due to their high failure rates when tripping electrical circuits are overloaded. This failure can result in overheating, which poses a significant fire risk. Some studies have shown that FPE breakers fail to trip in over half of the overload tests.

The consequences of these failures are severe. When a breaker fails to trip, excessive electrical current can flow through the circuit, causing wires to overheat. This overheating can melt the insulation around the wires and ignite surrounding materials.

Despite these dangers, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) never issued a comprehensive recall, primarily due to budget constraints and insufficient data during the initial investigation in the 1980s. However, later studies, including those published by the IEEE, confirmed the fire hazards associated with FPE Stab-Lok panels and called for increased caution among homeowners.

Identifying a Federal Pacific Panel in Your Home

Identifying whether your home has a Federal Pacific Panel is straightforward but crucial for ensuring safety. Here are some key indicators to look for:

  1. Exterior Labels: Look for the words "Federal Pacific" or the FPE logo outside the panel door.
  2. Interior Labels: Upon opening the panel door, you might see labels inside that say "Federal Pacific Electric Company" or have the word "Stab-Lok" on the breakers.
  3. Visual Characteristics: Federal Pacific panels often have a distinctive look, including colored breaker switches (usually red) and the characteristic Stab-Lok design where breakers "stab" into slots and "lock" into place.

For safety, it is highly recommended to have a licensed electrician conduct a thorough inspection of your electrical panel if you suspect it might be a Federal Pacific model. Messing with electrical panels without proper knowledge can be extremely dangerous.

Steps to Replace a Federal Pacific Panel

Replacing a Federal Pacific Panel involves several critical steps, and a qualified electrician should always do it. Here’s what the process generally involves:

  1. Hiring a Licensed Electrician: The first step is to find a licensed electrician with experience in replacing Federal Pacific Panels. An experienced electrician will know local building codes and safety requirements.
  2. Obtaining Permits and Scheduling Inspections: Replacing an electrical panel often requires a building permit. The electrician will handle the permit application and coordinate with local authorities to schedule the necessary inspections.
  3. Cost Considerations: The cost of replacing a Federal Pacific Panel can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the size of the panel, the condition of the existing wiring, and any additional work required to bring the system up to code. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $1,500 and $4,000, though costs can be higher for larger panels or if extensive rewiring is needed.
  4. Installation of the New Panel: The electrician will remove the old Federal Pacific Panel and install a new, modern panel that meets current safety standards. This process ensures all connections are secure and the new panel is properly grounded.
  5. Final Inspection and Testing: After installation, a final inspection by a local building inspector is typically required to ensure the new panel is installed correctly and safely. The electrician will also test the new system to confirm everything is functioning properly.

Final Thoughts

Federal Pacific Panels pose a significant risk due to their high failure rates in tripping under overload conditions, which can lead to fires. Identifying and replacing these panels will help keep your home safe. If you need your panel replaced, whether it be because it is a Federal Pacific panel, because it is waterlogged, or just to upgrade/relocate it, you can give us a call, and we can help.

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