Federal Pacific

[nbhi]

Here is a FP panel from yesterdays inspection. There is no arcing, actually the panel is pretty clean. Any thoughts?

[Marc D. Shunk]

It's still an FPE. Whether or not the breakers will ever trip if they observe an overcurrent condition is always suspect.

[Greg Bell]

I always recommend that the client should upgrade a FPE or a Zinsco panel. I actually found a licensed electrician that will upgrade them for $850.00.

[Speedy Petey]

I've seen & replaced tons of really clean ones like that. Like Marc & Greg said though, it's still an FPE panel.

[mnahrgang]

There is a Federal Pacific Electric “Stab-Lock” service panel in the house. There are some studies that show that its 220-volt circuit breakers fail to trip in response to an over-current or a short circuit. Since the Consumer Products Safety Commission has not issued a formal product recall, we cannot definitively call these panels defective. We recommend, for your peace of mind, to consult a qualified electrical contractor to get their opinion on this matter. There does not appear to be any current concerns in relation to currently installed panel.

[Bruce M. Graham]

Mark,
The single pole breakers don't trip either.