Federal Pacific Electric® (FPE) Panels with Stab-Lok® Breakers
*High Failure Rates
*Risk of Fire or Injury
*Latent Safety Hazard
 | Photo of the interior of a Federal Pacific Electric panel taken at a recent inspection. The buss was visibly scorched from overheating. |
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Panels with Stab Lok circuit breakers have been deemed to be a latent safety hazard and should be replaced by a licensed electrician. There has been extensive testing and case studies regarding the hazards of this panel.
A comprehensive report of these findings were published by J. Aronstein, Consulting Engineer called; "HAZARDOUS FPE CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND PANELS" (Updated as of May 25, 2007)
Click on the PDF logo for the latest technical report on FPE Panels
Also see the link below to Consultant Daniel Friedmans' comprehensive website regarding this panel and breakers.
*** Safety Warning*** I have observed a Federal Pacific Electric "Stab-Lok" service panel in the house. This panel is a latent fire hazard: it's circuit breakers may fail to trip in response to an overcurrent or a short circuit. Failure of a circuit breaker to trip can result in a fire, property damage, or personal injury. A circuit breaker that may not trip does not afford the protection that is intended and required. Simply replacing the circuit breakers is not a reliable repair. The panel should be replaced, and significant expense may be involved. Additional information about the fire and shock hazards associated with this equipment can be read on the internet at http://www.inspect-ny.com/fpe/fpepanel.htm.