Federal Pacific Breakers

fpe breakers

There has been considerable discussion about the safety of Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) "Stab-Lok" circuit breakers due to concerns that they may have inherent defects. These defects have been linked to numerous electrical fires in the past. However, no government agency or regulatory authority has officially declared FPE panels unsafe or mandated their replacement, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission has never issued a recall.

The infamous FPE Stab Lok breakers are easy to identify — simply refer to the image above. All FPE breaker panel covers will display the "FPE" and/or "Stab-Lok" logos or insignia. Some breaker handles are orange, while others are black. Most knowledgeable electricians typically recommend replacing FPE panels. Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) "Stab-Lok" circuit breakers were widely installed in homes from the 1950s to the 1980s. However, they have since gained a reputation for potential safety issues. Studies and reports have suggested that these breakers may fail to trip during an electrical fault, increasing the risk of electrical fires.

fpe stab lok breakers

As a Massachusetts Home Inspector, evaluating FPE breaker panels presents a challenging situation during a whole-house inspection. Visually, these panels often appear to "perform their intended function" at the time of my home inspection. Since the panel itself does not actively present an unsafe condition during my assessment, I am placed in the difficult position of acknowledging the possibility of a latent defect. Despite the absence of immediate issues, the inherent risks associated with FPE panels remain a concern.

The following has been said about Federal Pacific Electric "Stab-Lok" panels:

These electrical panels pose a latent hazard, as their circuit breakers may fail to trip during an overload or short circuit. When a breaker fails to trip, it can lead to overheating, potentially causing a fire or resulting in personal injury. The primary concern with FPE panels is that some double-pole 220-volt breakers and single-pole 120-volt breakers may not function as intended under overload conditions. Unlike properly functioning breakers that trip to cut off power and prevent damage, Federal Pacific Stab-Lok breakers have been known to fail, increasing the risk of a house fire. Always have a licensed electrician evaluate FPE breakers.

When the wire insulation began melting, the breaker should have tripped.

fpe breakers

If your home has an FPE breaker panel or you're considering to purchase a property with one, I recommend consulting a licensed electrician. They can assess the panel's condition and offer expert advice on the best steps to ensure your home's and family's safety.

Published reports from tests conducted on FPE two-pole 220-volt circuit breakers indicate that, under certain conditions, one leg or pole may attempt to trip while the other remains live. This can result in a compromised breaker that may fail to trip again if exposed to an excessive load. In some cases, breakers have even been known to fall out when the panel cover is removed. Additionally, loose contacts within the panel can cause arcing, which significantly increases the risk of a fire. While these panels often appear to function normally, allowing electricity to flow without noticeable issues, the critical concern remains — how will your panel respond in the event of an overload?

fpe panel

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) conducted testing on FPE breakers and found that their failure rates were significant. In response, the CPSC advised consumers to avoid overloading circuits and to turn off and inspect any devices that cause breakers to trip. However, this guidance is impractical and undermines the primary purpose of a circuit breaker — to provide automatic protection in the event of an overload. Federal Pacific's response to these findings was notably cautious, stating that "FPE breakers will trip reliably at most overload levels." The key word here is "most" — noticeably avoiding the assurance that they will trip in all cases.

It's important to note that Federal Pacific is no longer in business. While aftermarket breakers are widely available for FPE panels, most of these panels are large and contain numerous circuits. As a result, the cost of replacing every breaker often exceeds the expense of installing an entirely new panel.

THE SOLUTION

The best solution is to replace the panel entirely. While some companies have started manufacturing replacement breakers for FPE panels, many of these still use the same problematic design as the original, with no evidence to suggest they are more reliable. Additionally, replacing the breakers does not address issues with the bus bars in FPE panels, which, while less documented, can also pose significant risks. In conclusion, any repair or replacement work should only be performed by a licensed electrician to ensure safety and compliance.

Here are some interesting sites relating to this FPE issue...

FIRES WAITING TO HAPPEN

FPE PANEL TESTS INDICATE FAILURES

GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE FPE PROBLEM

CPSC TEST DATA SHOWING THAT UP TO 2/3 OF FPE BREAKERS FAIL

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Hi Dave,

I want to thank you for the home inspection you did for us at 144 Avis Ave. in Dracut MA. We did not get the house because the home owners did not want to split the cost of fixing that wall. I had gotten two estimates, one from a landscaper and one from a Mason. Both gave an estimate of $15,000.00, for which I am grateful for your inspection and pointing out the wall problem. It would of been an undue burden on us, not to mention I am also grateful about the radon testing also. I just got the results today and they came back at 7.5 and 8.4, so that would of been another expense. I do hope that when we find a new house that you will be able to do our home inspection. Your fee was a drop in the hat, to what it would of cost us to fix the wall and then the cost of venting the basement. My husband was also very impressed with your report and how well it was written. Just wanted to drop you a line to let you know what happened, and hopefully will be doing business with you again very soon.

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Jackie Sliney