I have heard repeatedly that Federal Pacific (FPE) breaker panels are dangerous and they should be replaced. There was also a Zinsco or GTE-Sylvania, both of which were dangerous and are no longer made. (I've never seen these two brands) But what about other brands? Are any others considered to be poor or bad? Is there a "best" brand, or are all the other brands about the same?
This is probably not a complete list of brands, but I regularly see Square D (QO series) Homeline (made by Square D) General Electric Cutler Hammer Westinghouse
Others I dont regularly see are Siemens Eaton
What I see most are Square D, Homeline, GE, and Cutler Hammer, but that might just be a regional thing.
What else is there? Are all of these common brands equal, or are some better or worse?
I'm asking this because I have numerous panels on my farm in different buildings. I have Square D, Homeline, and Cutler Hammer. Unfortunately I also have a FPE panel, which has never been a problem, but based on poor reports, I intend to replace it soon. (I'm considering keeping the metal enclosure and just replacing the innards, if I can make them fit, to eliminate the hassle of ripping out walls, making the steel service entrance conduit fit, and so on.....). But that may or may not be possible, since the cover needs to fit the breakers!