Federal Pacific Panels

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by rcooke

I do not know if the Canadian FP is the same or Different but no insurance company has ever turned one down that I know of .
Roy Cooke

Canadia FP used to have a one-page disclaimer on their web site stating that they were not the U.S. Federal Pacific company and were not related in any way to the U.S. Federal Pacific company. They explained many of the problems with the U.S. Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels and even provided several links to web sites.

[Greg Fretwell]

I am confused about one thing that was said upthread a bit.
Why would insurance companies not like fuses? They may be a bit more inconvenient for the homeowner when one blows but if they have type "S" adapters to prevent overfusing they are a whole lot safer than breakers.

[Russel Ray]

Too easy to jury-rig, as Archie Bunker showed in one episode of "All In The Family."

[gbeaumont]

Originally Posted by Greg Fretwell

I am confused about one thing that was said upthread a bit.
Why would insurance companies not like fuses? They may be a bit more inconvenient for the homeowner when one blows but if they have type "S" adapters to prevent overfusing they are a whole lot safer than breakers.

Greg, the issue is actually not about fuses themselves, the insurance companies are just using the fuses as an indicator that the wiring has not been up-graded to modern specifications.

The insurance companies associate fused panel homes as those without 3 wire circuits and 40-50 year old conductors, probably without enough branch circuits or receptacles to cater to a modern families needs.

Regards

Gerry

[ccbrands1]

Originally Posted by gbeaumont

Hi Jeff,

I believe (as Eric stated) that several brands of replacement breakers are available for FPE. I have commonly seen "Challenger" brand breakers in FPE panels.

Interestingly (and just to get Eric going ) My local home depot also stocks replacement Zinsco breakers as well.

BTW, anyone know where I can get a new gas tank for my Pinto?

Regards

Gerry

Gerry:

http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByDepa...ank/FORD/PINTO

[gbeaumont]

H to all,

I guess I asked for that, too funny

Regards

Gerry

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Originally Posted by gbeaumont

H to all,

I guess I asked for that, too funny

It was certainly a good point. . .

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by gbeaumont

H to all,

I guess I asked for that, too funny

Regards

Gerry

The mercury Bob Cat was the same car sold in Canada with name and grill change every thing was interchangable .
Roy Cooke

[Eric C. Van De Ven]

Gerry,
You actually own a bomb with a car wrapped around it!

As to your comment about Zinsco, I see that HD also stocks replacement breakers for Square D. Good thing, as I had to get one recently!

[Eric C. Van De Ven]

Originally Posted by Greg Fretwell

I am confused about one thing that was said upthread a bit.
Why would insurance companies not like fuses? They may be a bit more inconvenient for the homeowner when one blows but if they have type "S" adapters to prevent overfusing they are a whole lot safer than breakers.

Greg,
Although they are supposedly safer, they are old. In some instances, they are also part of a two-wire system where no ground is present. That is another can of worms!

[smcarthur]

Originally Posted by bking

I have not heard of this here.

Did he specify the stab-lok type or all FPE's?

Jerry,
I had a lady in Fort Mill that said her agent told her they wouldn't insure a house with a FPE panel.
I have one in my house and haven't had any problems. The breakers trip when overloaded and the bus looks good. I'll still change it out the first time I need to add something.

[Harold E. Miller]

In response to the question about why not to just replace the FPE Stab Lok breakers with the new Home Depot FPE breakers. .....it is the Cost...
Compare a new FPE breaker (this applies to Zinsco also) to the other brands like Siemens, Square D, General Electric, etc. These breakers cost considerably more.

Why? Because they are only made for the replacement market of which there is alot less demand. These are not being installed in new construction homes.

It is more economical to purchase a popular name brand panel with main and the breakers just because they sell alot more.

I always recommend replacement of these FPE panels with Stab Lok breakers.