How many people are still using Federal Pacific Electric panels aka circuit breaks? I know of the history!?

Question

I'm familiar with the history and suggestions to replace Stab-Lok breakers by FPE, so there is no need to reiterate the above. I'd just like to know how many people are still using them, and how long have you had your panel/circuit breaker? Thanks

Also, to those who insist that "all" FPE panels are hazardous, it seems very odd, that local fire departments have not REQUIRED that they each one be replaced to avoid fires, especially in large developments. I know of several complexes where many units, and I mean MANY units still have FPE panels/breakers. I don't deny there were defective FPE products, but I believe the lawsuits and money making opportunities from consumers having to buy and install new breakers had a lot to do with it.

Answer 1

Many, many people are still using these panels. As you have noted, there is not any legal requirement to have the equipment replaced, although some insurance companies do require replacement before they will insure a property.

Just because replacement is not required does not mean these things are not a fire hazard. Local fire departments generally have little or no authority to mandate changes. Building codes apply only to new construction or alterations so they can't require replacement either. It would take major legislation to accomplish this, and that is not going to happen due to the cost involved. If a recall were issued, that would at least provide funding to replace the equipment, but since FPE does not really exist the question of who would have to pay is really murky. Even if the recall were issued, owners would not be required to replace, it would be optional.

There are similar issues. Owners are usually not required to add sprinkler systems to old buildings unless other alterations are made. Knob and tube wiring certainly can be a hazard, but it is allowed to stay as well.

There is not any doubt that your chances of having an electrical related fire are much greater with the FPE boxes than with others. I think the more urgent problem is with the problem of double pole breakers locking on as this is not only a fire safety issue but also a personal safety issue. In any case, I would (and have) replace the equipment without any question. It does cost money, but the cost and hassle of a fire is much much worse.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

Circuit breakers do not trip as soon as there current exceeds the rated current. It could take any ciruit breaker up to 1 1/2 hours to trip at 150% overload. (20 amp circuit breaker could take 1 1/2 hours to trip at 30 amps). Fuses are much more responsive to low level overloads but the are not as convenient.

This is a characteristic of most circuit breakers regardless who manufactured them.

The breakers are tripping within the specs laid out by the regulatory boards, rules, etc. There was a lot of publicity on FPE breakers when the other manufactures' circuit breakers were doing exactly the same thing.

ITE's Blue line circuit breakers would fail if they triped once or twice. They had this problem for the first 3 or 4 years when that line of breakers came on the market.

There are some other manufacturers circuit breakers that would litterly explode when overloaed.

Answer 4

There are probably 10's of thousands of houses using FPE breakers. I know I've had them in every house I've lived in in Texas. They were a builders choice for many decades. I've never heard of any problems with them. They operate the same as any other panel box with two buss bars and breakers that snap in. The only breaker box that I found to be a hazard is a Zinsco. If your FPE box is hazardous it may just need replacing. Everything wear out.

Answer 5

I LIVE IN ASHE VILLE N.C. THE FIRE MARSHALL CAME THROUGH THE NEIGHBOR HOOD A COUPLE OF YEAR.S AGO GAVE EVERY ONE WHO DID NOT HAVE BREAKER,S 90 DAYS TO DO SO OR BE FINED, OR CANCEL THE HOME OWNER,S IN,S