What Homeowners Need to Know
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE), has been the subject of scrutiny and concern over the years. In this blog, we’ll explore what Federal Pacific Electric panels are, why they’re considered dangerous.
What Are Federal Pacific Electric Panels?
Federal Pacific Electric Company was a major manufacturer of electrical panels and circuit breakers from the 1950s to the 1980s. Their most widely known product, the Stab-Lok panel, was installed in millions of homes across the United States during this period.
The electrical panel is designed to distribute electricity throughout your home and protect your circuits from overloads by tripping a breaker if too much current flows through. However, FPE panels have a history of failing to perform this safety function.
Why Are Federal Pacific Electric Panels Dangerous? The primary issue with thes panels lies in their circuit breakers, particularly the Stab-Lok breakers. These breakers often fail to trip when they should. Causing these potential dangers:
1. Fire Hazard: When a circuit breaker fails to trip, the overloaded circuit can overheat, causing wires to melt and potentially ignite surrounding materials.
2. Electrical Shock: When a circuit is overloaded, it can cause electrical arcing, which is dangerous for anyone who comes into contact with the affected area.
3. Faulty Construction: FPE breakers were not built to the safety standards claimed by the manufacturer. In some cases, breakers were fraudulently labeled as meeting UL (Underwriters Laboratories) safety standards when they did not.
4. Failure to Trip: Studies have shown that FPE breakers fail to trip up to 60% of the time, which is a significantly high failure rate.
Recognizing Federal Pacific Electric Panels
If your home was built between the 1950s and the 1980s, there’s a chance it could have an FPE panel. You can identify these panels by looking for the brand name on the breaker box or the circuit breakers themselves. The panels are typically labeled “Federal Pacific” or “FPE,” and the circuit breakers may be marked with “Stab-Lok.”
In some cases, FPE panels may not have any obvious markings on the outside, so it’s a good idea to have a licensed professional inspect your electrical system if you’re unsure.
What to Do If You Have a Federal Pacific Electric Panel
1. Consult a Licensed Electrician: The first step is to have a licensed electrician inspect your panel.
2. Consider Replacing the Panel: Given the documented risks associated with FPE panels, most experts recommend replacing the panel entirely.
3. Check Your Homeowner’s Insurance: Some insurance companies may refuse to insure homes with FPE panels due to the increased risk of fire.
4. Be Proactive: While your FPE panel may seem to be working fine now, the risks are too great to ignore. Replacement is the best way to ensure your home’s electrical system is safe.
Conclusion
Federal Pacific Electric panels pose a significant risk to homeowners due to their high failure rate and the potential for serious electrical hazards. If your home has an FPE panel, it’s crucial to hire a licensed electrician and consider replacement.
