Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) breaker panels, particularly those with Stab-Lok breakers, have a notorious reputation for safety hazards that every homeowner should be aware of. Despite their widespread use in homes built between the 1950s and the 1980s, these panels pose significant risks due to their propensity to fail under electrical overload conditions, which can lead to severe consequences including electrical fires.
If you believe that your electrical panel was manufactured by Federal Pacific, reach out to our office right away to set up a breaker panel replacement. Failing to update this outdated piece of technology may result in house fires and damaged appliances.
The primary function of a circuit breaker is to trip and cut off the electrical flow when a circuit is overloaded. However, numerous studies and investigations have revealed that FPE Stab-Lok breakers fail to trip consistently. This malfunction can cause the wiring to overheat, potentially leading to fires. In fact, it's estimated that these failures are responsible for about 2,800 fires annually.
FPE obtained its Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification through fraudulent means, falsely indicating that their breakers met safety standards when they did not. This deceptive practice has led to ongoing dangers in homes where these panels are still in use. The New Jersey State Court found FPE guilty of consumer fraud for these actions, emphasizing the critical need to replace these panels.
Independent tests have shown alarming failure rates for FPE breakers. Around 85% of double-pole breakers and 39% of single-pole breakers failed one or more UL test criteria. These high failure rates underscore the panels' unreliability and the urgent need for replacement.
Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels are estimated to cause nearly 3,000 house fires each year. If your home is equipped with one of these panels, now is the time to have a new panel installed. Waiting could cost you your home.
Identifying a Federal Pacific breaker panel is the first step towards ensuring your home’s electrical safety. Given the potential hazards associated with these panels, it’s crucial to know whether your home has one installed. Here are some questions and guidelines to help you determine if you might have a Federal Pacific panel and whether you need professional assistance.
When Was Your Home Built? Federal Pacific panels were commonly installed in homes built between the 1950s and the 1980s. If your home was constructed during this period, there is a higher likelihood that you might have an FPE panel.
What Does the Panel Look Like? Look at the front cover of your breaker panel. Does it have the words “Federal Pacific” or the initials “FPE” printed or embossed on it? These are clear indicators of a Federal Pacific panel. Open the panel door and look at the breakers themselves. FPE breakers often have a distinctive red stripe on the switch and the word “Stab-Lok” printed on them.
Are You Experiencing Electrical Issues? Do your breakers trip frequently without an obvious cause? This could indicate that the panel is not functioning correctly. Are your lights flickering even when the electrical load is stable? This could be a sign of an underlying issue with your panel. Do you hear unusual buzzing or humming sounds coming from the breaker panel? This is often a sign of electrical problems that need immediate attention.
Have You Noticed Signs of Overheating? Check for any burn marks, scorching, or discoloration around the breakers or the panel itself. These are signs that the panel may be overheating and poses a significant fire risk.
Contact a licensed electrician to perform a thorough inspection of your electrical panel. At Easy Electric, our experts are trained to identify and assess the condition of Federal Pacific panels.
Due to the known risks, replacement is often the recommended course of action. Our team can provide a detailed quote for replacing your outdated panel with a modern, safer alternative that meets current safety standards.
The price of replacing a panel can range wildly depending on the size and complexity of your electrical system. While replacing your electrical panel is an investment, the safety benefits and peace of mind are invaluable.
Don’t wait until a potential disaster strikes. If you suspect you have a Federal Pacific breaker panel, contact Easy Electric for an inspection and discuss your replacement options. Ensure your home’s electrical system is safe and up to code by entrusting your electrical needs to our expert team.
