Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Breaker Panels - Things You Need to Know

Understanding Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Breaker Panels

I often hear people, including some Realtors and homeowners, proudly say, "The FPE panel works fine. The lights are on!" But here's the thing: Just because your lights are working doesn't mean the breaker panel is doing its job properly. A breaker panel's main role is to cut off power to circuits when there's an overload - too much electricity flowing through. And guess what? A circuit breaker isn't really 'tested' until it has to trip during an overload.

When it comes to the safety and integrity of our homes, electrical systems are at the heart of many discussions among homeowners, inspectors and electricians. Among them, Federal Pacific Electric breaker panels, commonly known as FPE panels, are a topic of interest and concern. Let's explore what makes these panels unique, why they've become a subject of widespread attention, and what you, as a homeowner or professional, need to know.

FPE panels have become a hot topic in the home inspection industry for reasons. These panels, installed in millions of homes across the country, have a history that's rooted in controversy and concern. FPE panels were widely installed in homes from the 1950s to the early 1980s. They were once a common sight in many households, a testament to the building practices of those decades. However, as electrical safety has advanced over the years, the shortcomings of these panels have become increasingly apparent.

The heart of the issue lies in the performance of FPE's "Stab-Lok" circuit breakers. Designed to protect homes from electrical overloads and potential fires, these breakers have a history of failing to trip when they’re supposed to. This failure can be very dangerous, posing risks of electrical shocks or house fires, turning what is supposed to be a safety device into a serious hazard.

The concerns with FPE panels aren't confined to a few isolated cases. They're believed to be a widespread problem, affecting a significant number of homes in the U.S. This nationwide problem has brought FPE panels into the spotlight, making them a subject of discussion and concern among home inspectors, electricians, and homeowners alike.

FPE Equipment and Safety Concerns

Identifying an FPE panel is easy. The most noticeable feature is the FPE logo, prominently displayed on the front of the panel cover. Additionally, the circuit breakers in these panels usually have bright orange handles, a unique characteristic that sets them apart from others. Beyond these visual cues, knowing the typical installation era of these panels - mainly from the late 1950s to the early 1980s - can also guide you in identifying these panels.

FPE panels come with a long list of safety issues - breakers that stay energized even in the OFF position or fail to trip, poor connections leading to arcing or fire, and difficulty in installation and maintenance due to their compact size, to name a few.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, studies have shown a significant number of FPE circuit breakers, especially the 2 pole (240 Volt) types, might fail to trip when they're supposed to. This failure rate is alarmingly higher than the average.

The age of an electrical panel plays a crucial role in its reliability and safety. FPE panels, often several decades old, are no exception. Electrical panels and breakers, like many mechanical systems, don't improve with age. Their components can wear out, connections may loosen, and the overall efficiency of the panel may decline. This natural aging process is critical to consider, especially with FPE panels known for their inherent design flaws. Regular checks and maintenance become even more vital for these older systems to ensure they function as intended and provide the necessary safety measures to protect your home.

FPE’s safety concerns have garnered attention from key organizations like UL (Underwriters Laboratories). FPE once lost its UL listing due to fraudulent practices. Some of their equipment even carried fraudulent UL stickers.

You might wonder why FPE equipment wasn't recalled. Well, it boils down to funding. Back in the early 1980s, when these issues surfaced, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) had a tight budget and couldn't afford extensive testing.

What Should Home Inspectors Do?

As a home inspector, when I come across FPE equipment, I always make it a priority to inform the homeowner or potential buyer about its history and the known risks associated with these panels. This conversation is crucial for making informed decisions about the safety of their electrical system.

Beyond just reporting the presence of these panels, I typically recommend a thorough evaluation by a qualified electrician. These professionals can assess whether the specific FPE panel in question shows signs of wear, improper functioning, or poses an immediate safety risk. In some cases, this may involve a detailed examination, including removing and testing individual breakers. This level of analysis is beyond the scope of a standard home inspection but is critical for ensuring the safety and reliability of the home's electrical system.

Furthermore, in my discussions with clients, I emphasize the importance of considering a panel upgrade, especially in homes with older electrical systems. Upgrading to a modern, more reliable panel not only enhances safety, but also brings the home's electrical system in line with current standards and practices.

If you suspect you have an FPE panel, call a local professional for further evaluation to protect your home and the safety of your family.

Author Bio:

Josh Rogers

As a former professional home inspector and Training Specialist at WIN Home Inspection, Josh has years of experience in both performing and teaching home inspections, infrared scans, radon testing, mold testing, and more.