I'm in the process of closing my first home. The inspector pointed out the FPE panel (I believe it's the bus style) and explained the hazards. I read some things online and we asked if the seller would pay to get the panel replaced before we move in. They of course denied and said, "we can't fix what's not broken" After reading more about FPE it doesn't sound cheap to fix nor does it sound like something we should wait to replace. Does anyone know how much I'm looking at paying for a replacment panel? Or do you think I should fight to get the sellers to pay for the repair? Is it even something to be worried about? Suggestions?
2007-04-12 14:11:56 · 12 answers · asked by glassflower 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Some insurance companies are requiring that FPE panels be replaced before they will insure them. FPE breakers are notorious for not tripping when they are supposed to. We call them 'Federal No-Trips'. Sounds like the house needs a complete service upgrade. Around these parts it would run upwards of $1000. Up to you, if I really liked the home I'd buy it and pay for the upgrade myself. Otherwise, I'd tell the seller that if he won't have it upgraded the deal is off.
2007-04-14 06:07:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Federal Pacific Panel Replacement Cost
2016-12-28 11:19:18 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Federal Pacific Breaker Box
2016-10-06 03:19:58 · answer #3 · answered by monson 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
being an electrical contractor, i can say some home inspectors say panels are bad because they are old. this being the case, without seeing the problem first hand i could not say if there is a hazard or not. the cost to replace varies greatly. i did a 200 amp service upgrade today. we put in a 2" riser, replaced the meter, the load side cable and a new cutler hammer br series panel. new ground rod and ground wire to the water meter. the total cost was $1000.00. now don't get me wrong, we have done the same for twice that much when the circumstances were different. such as higher outside walls, panel inside an interior wall instead of the basement, and this service had only 4 circuits and one 240 breaker. but the home owner was going to expand at a later date so we went to a 200 amp. in short, don't try to get the previous owners to "fix what is not broken" they are correct for most of the times. if it is in working condition, let it be. but if you will feel safer, spend the money and replace. good luck to you and yours.
2007-04-12 14:23:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are still a lot of these panels in service. As stated above, it is not required, but I would suggest that you consider changing it out in the future. The problem I've had with FPE is the breakers not tripping at the designated amperage. In other words, I have found that a 20 amp breaker won't trip in some instances until it reaches around 30 amps. The wire is not rated for 30 amps and gets hot and sometimes causes a fire. It's a little expensive to change out, but it's worth it in the long run.
2016-03-18 00:13:57 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing wrong with the Federal Pacific panel. They incorporated a split buss system. The same as Square D did in the late 60s early 70s. You had an equipment section eg. dryer, water heater, was in the top 6 sections. Lighter loads in the bottom eg. lights and outlets. The problem with the Federal Pacific panel today, is that it is no longer in production and the breakers are VERY expensive, ranging in price of up to $100 each. Obtain a Square D homeline panel at your local DIY center and find a contractor to install it for you. Any good contractor will install good legitimate customer supplied equipment for cost plus.
2007-04-12 14:58:16 · answer #6 · answered by Alan P 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
So what's wrong with the FP panel? I've had one in my house for decades. I will admit I have replaced it, only because I wanted to put in a 42 circuit panel and the GE panel had cheaper breakers.
I've got a 150A panel in the garage now, pretty sure it is FP. I don't know why this inspector was trashing FP.
If you want to discuss this you can email me, I'll see what I have in the garage and let you know.
But I don't think there is any problem unless there is something I don't know about.
If you want to change the panel, I think it will cost you at least a grand and it will have to be inspected by the electrical inspector and you need a licensed electrician to install.
2007-04-12 14:28:14 · answer #7 · answered by Fordman 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
if you feel usafe and they wont replace it then dont buy the home...but if it is a 200 amp breaker box then you wont need to replace anything but the panel itself as everything else can be reused....a new box and breakers should cost about somewhere between 100 and 200 dollars for new one...i replaced one recently and homeowner already had new box and breakers...took four hours...80 dollar service call including first hour plus three hours at 40 dollars an hour..so it cost them 200 dollars plus whatever they paid for their new panel....personally i have seen many federal pacific boxes that have never gave anyone any problems and yes you can get new breakers as i sell them
2007-04-13 04:51:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Insist that it be replaced before you sign the closing. I would be sued if I came down on Federal. There no longer is an FPE panel and breaker mfg. Ask your local fire dept about FPE and the possible dangers.
2007-04-12 14:28:02 · answer #9 · answered by popeye 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
federal pacific has been around for years If your worried just say deal or no deal . If you dont replace it you may be uneasy. square D would be my choice If your handy home depot or Lowes will show you how to do it. best advice get a pro
2007-04-12 14:21:43 · answer #10 · answered by Grand pa 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋