I have a Federal Pacific Stablock type panel in my home. I am running in a new dedicated 115V circuit for my whirlpool as part of the bathroom renovations. I have a 220v 20A GFI stcu in the panel being unused. But for the life of me, I cannot get it out!
AFAIK, it should just pop out if you lift towards the outside from the inside center point on the panel?
It should come out like any other component near it.
I don't know, but based on what I've read on the interwebs, you may want to consider a panel replacement as a future project.
nate
Really sorry but Nate is 100% right. But after my reading just now I would not wait, I would replace it now.
I recalled some issues about FP a while back and it looks like the stab loks is one of the involved ones:
Yes; I don't have any GFI breakers but none of the standard breakers have any other locking provisions w/ them so wouldn't think they would, either.
I'd turn off box main, take out ones on either side and see what gives...
It is a breaker the size of 4 thin ones and right at the bottom of the panel. I took out a thing 15 amp above it and I still can't get it out. Not sure what the heck is up. I too read the stuff about FP panels, but I'd prefer to get my bathroom back together and my kitchen ceiling re-installed before I start tearing apart the entire house wiring....
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What about facing other side of box behind this one?
No real other ideas; never had an issue w/ one w/ half-dozen of the panels.
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It is a breaker the size of 4 thin ones and right at the bottom of the panel. I took out a thing 15 amp above it and I still can't get it out. Not sure what the heck is up. I too read the stuff about FP panels, but I'd prefer to get my bathroom back together and my kitchen ceiling re-installed before I start tearing apart the entire house wiring....
Just be sure that the breakers you install are newly made U.L. approved. It's not unusual for stab loks to be stuck. Kill the power to the panel, then stick a screwdriver slightly between that breaker and the one opposite it's location, and pry it out. A little upward pressure and it should pop out
Ditto that. I've pried them out with a screwdriver before myself.
*I have this problem occasionally. I usually use my pliers and grab onto the handle and give it a good yank. Push on the breaker(s) opposite the one that you want to remove at the same time to prevent the bus bar from flexing. I do this with the panel live, but you may want to kill the main first.
I suggest two 20 amp circuits for the whirlpool tub. One for the pump and one for the heater. The heater maintains the water temperature.
Thanks - I got it, but it was a bear to get out. Since it was the size of 4 thin stablocks, the teeth really grabbed. I actually had to slide a small pry bar under it, Hold the opposite breaker down to minimize flexing and wump it with a hammer! (main power off of course)
Hardly my recommended modus operandi...
My tub is only a 15 amp motor and circuit. I don't need a heater on mine. I actually took a chainsaw to a larger 'stay filled' fiberglass one I had here since it was too much trouble and put in a sauna instead. This is my minimalist replacement. lol.
Thanks again folks.....
I was thinking change it out simply bec of breaker cost alone! What are they up to now, for a single pole 15,20 A: $20?? $30???
What are double poles? $75??? EACH! Not to mention that big box stores don't carry them.
Bought a single 15 amp at Home Depot for 9$ Cdn the other day.
Yes, most folks report their Stab-Loc breakers falling out, not sticking. Usually they go to remove one breaker and six others fall out.
Well - Once I am finished with the bathroom and the kitchen ceiling and a few other items, I may take a look at what's involved in swapping it out with another make. Doesn't look like rocket science if one just takes a logical and mapped out approach to it. Or just sell the place. lol.
Bought a single 15 amp at Home Depot for 9$ Cdn the other day.
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Wow..... These were going for $16+ each at my local hardware store 10+ years ago! I'm going to have to check my HD -- I've never seen them.... never really asked for them, either.
Really dumb reply: I thought all the FPE stablocks had been replaced, by now. You do know that they are unsafe, the breakers don't function properly.
Nah, you can replace it. I just thought it was worth mentioning as they at least anecdotally are about the worst breaker panels out there, save for maybe Zinsco.
nate
Your point is well taken though - I was amazed at the amount of bad press on these things. I had no idea. I guess probably a couple of hundred bucks and a day to replace it all - oh I guess more since I'd need all new breakers and GFI's too. The price just went up a whole bunch..... Probably more like $500.
When FPE was sold to Reliance, they found FPE had submitted fraudulent test information to UL. UL was informed and de-listed much of the FPE line. The problem interval was probably 1965-1980. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission started an investigation, but it was soon dropped - probably _not_ because there was no problem. Info from the CPSC used to be at inspectapedia (probably still is).
The OP appears to be from Canada. I believe FPE is still sold in Canada. The new stuff should be OK. Inspectapedia used to have some specific info on Canadian FPE.
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