Federal Pacific Electric Stabloc

Considering that there are hundreds of thousands of similar panels out there, why should there be a course of action? It's an old and crappy panel, but unless you find any particular defect in it, just leave it alone.

If it's a trailer it shouldn't be a very big panel. I'd bet you could replace it with a top of the line QO panel and breakers for perhaps $100. Cheap peace of mind given just how crappy the bus connection is on those stab-loc panels. Much higher quality breakers as well given the propensity of the stab-loc breakers to fail.

nicknamed the fire starter federal pacific falsified test data to get UL approval and ultimately went out of business.

the panels were poor quality and tended to catch on fire, worse the breakers often dont trip on a overload, or once a breaker trips once is like 30% less likely to EVER trip again.

That panel is a severe fire hazard, and should be replaced immediately.

many homeowners insurance companies refuse to insure homes with FP panels.

if you doubt any of this just google it

Check for condition. As long as there is no sign of arcing/overheating where the breakers clip on leave well enough alone.

QO breakers fail too. The recommendations I'm getting up here - most electricians are using Seimens

FPE was sold to Reliance Electric and is still being made (and apparently reliable) in Canada. FPE falsified data to continue UL listing before it was sold to Reliance.

There were problems with some of the breakers FPE made. The CPSC started an investigation which turned up problems but the investigation was dropped (probably not based on merit). Specific problems were some breakers not tripping at 130% of rated load and some 2-pole breakers jamming where the overload was not equal on both legs. Far as I know the problem covered breakers produced in a particular time span - which you can't identify.

There were also problems with screwed together busses.

The usual overstatement. Panels may or may not be OK (other than being "crappy"). If I had one I would replace it. I believe Cutler Hammer used to make replacement 'guts'.

They are unsafe.

Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus

Considering that there are hundreds of thousands of similar panels out there, why should there be a course of action? It's an old and crappy panel, but unless you find any particular defect in it, just leave it alone.

For sure! Glad someone else knew.

Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus

If it's a trailer it shouldn't be a very big panel. I'd bet you could replace it with a top of the line QO panel and breakers for perhaps $100. Cheap peace of mind given just how crappy the bus connection is on those stab-loc panels. Much higher quality breakers as well given the propensity of the stab-loc breakers to fail.

Of course, some people replace the receptacles, and put in better quality ones. The mobile home builders use the cheapest ones they can find.

I was trolling, knew all that already. You are so, so right.

My friend isn't taking any chances, the panel box is being replaced in the next few days.

I'm sure if you search, you'll find similar opinions of many breakers and panels. I'm all for changing any crappy panel including FPE, Frank Adams, Zinsco, Bulldog pushmatic, to name a few. FPE was made in Newark, NJ so my area of downstate NY is crawling with their equipment. I personally have seen more burnouts in Murray panels, a well respected brand then I've seen in crappy FPE panels, in my 40 years as an electrician. I have never seen any fire related to a FPE panel or breaker, including ones that have failed. IMO the primary reason to replace FPE equipment is that their breakers now cost about 5 times what every other manufacturer charges.

When I start seeing failures with my QO installations I'll consider using something else.

They seem to be good but not as readily available around here.

Modern replacement breakers are available to fit the "Stab-loc" boxes. If your friend can't afford a new box + inspection fees for disconnecting/connecting the service, new breakers might be the ticket.

Jon

On 12/25/2011 3:40 PM, bob haller wrote: ...

There are listed 3rd-party replacemsnts locally for about the same as others I've seen here not terribly long ago...I don't recall the manufacturer otomh, just noticed did have 'em. I've a stash OEM's from before the series that got FPE in trouble so haven't actually need replacements.

The Canadian replacements are pretty dear, granted.

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FPE still sells (or did up untill about 3 months ago) panels in Canada

- there are hundreds of thousands of them in use, and only an VERY few fires caused by them - and their failure rate here is about on par with the Square D breakers. Both can be problematic - but if inspected and found sound, there is no reason to replace the panel. Replacement breakers that DO work reliably are available - and have been for 10 or more years.

That could be a labor saver. Do you have a URL? I havn't heard of such.

Just google "fedral pacific circuit breaker" you'll get a bizillion of them. Here is one: