[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_font_size=”38px” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]From the 1950s to the 1980s, one of the most popular brands of circuit breaker was Stab-Lok, manufactured by Federal Pacific Electric (FPE). Over 100 million of them were installed in the USA and Canada. They were discovered to be unsafe almost 40 years ago, but Inspectapedia<\/a> estimates that there are still over 25 million FPE panels in homes and businesses in the USA.<\/p>\n you have one of these FPE Stab-Lok circuit breaker panels, our advice is simple.<\/p>\n Get rid of them immediately.<\/strong>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”How Dangerous are Federal Pacific Panels?” _builder_version=”4.16″ header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”How Dangerous are Federal Pacific Panels?-1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]The short answer is that they have a \u201chigh risk of failure\u201d. Expert Jesse Aronstein has carried out an extensive investigation<\/a> into FPE panels since 1982. He estimates that these panels may be responsible for 2,800 fires, 13 deaths, and $40 million in property damage every year. In 2017, he wrote, \u201cVirtually every FPE Stab-Lok\u00ae panel installed in homes today contains circuit breakers that are seriously defective, and the panels should be replaced. Replacing only the circuit breakers, for instance with new UBI breakers, is likely to increase the risk of an electrical fire\u201d.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”How Dangerous are Federal Pacific Panels?-2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]In the tests Aronstein carried out in 1982, the electrical load was increased to 135% above normal. This should have tripped the breakers 100% of the time in order to prevent a fire, but that didn\u2019t always happen. The results varied depending on whether the breaker had been previously switched manually, i.e. by flipping them off and on, and whether one or both poles were energized.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rytecelectric.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/44951_CC99706D-E778-40C2-846F-C333BB3E0A53.jpg” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ box_shadow_horizontal=”6px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”How Dangerous are Federal Pacific Panels?-3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n When the electrical load was only increased to 100% above rating, there was still a significant failure rate.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”How Dangerous are Federal Pacific Panels?-4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n When a breaker fails to trip, this has two effects.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”FPE Falsified Safety Tests, But Breakers Never Recalled” _builder_version=”4.16″ header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”FPE Falsified Safety Tests, But Breakers Never Recalled-1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]The Stab-Lok was first manufactured by FPE in 1954. As with all electrical products, it went through a certification process to ensure it was safe, and it was approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). FPE went bankrupt (for unrelated reasons) and eventually ended up as part of Reliance Electric in 1979.<\/p>\n Reliance then discovered that FPE had been engaging in some highly questionable practices<\/a>. One of the things they found was that FPE had developed a sophisticated way to fool UL\u2019s testing processes and get certificates even though the Stab-Lok was not up to standard. They fired many senior FPE executives, sued the previous owners, UV Industries, and stopped production of the Stab-Lok. UL also withdrew certification from the Stab-Lok.<\/p>\n Publically, Reliance admitted in 1980 to a \u201cpossible defect<\/a>\u201d and that the certification process had involved \u201cimproper practices\u201d, but continued to insist<\/a> no recall was necessary. Other companies continued to make their own versions of both the panels and breakers based on FPE\u2019s defective design well into the 1990s.<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rytecelectric.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/professional-electrical-inspection-columbia-sc.jpg” show_bottom_space=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”What to Do If You Have an FPE Panel in Your Home-1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]First, don\u2019t panic! That panel\u2019s been there for at least twenty-five years, perhaps much longer, so you\u2019re not dealing with an immediate emergency situation.<\/p>\n On the other hand, don\u2019t be complacent. Just because you haven\u2019t had a problem yet, you can\u2019t afford to ignore it.<\/p>\n As Aronstein puts it: \u201cThe presence of a Federal Pacific panel in a home should be classified as a Safety Defect. There is no question but that the Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels should be replaced. There is no practical and safe alternative.\u201d[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”What to Do If You Have an FPE Panel in Your Home-2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Remember that the breakers are part of your home\u2019s emergency system. Most breakers will never, ever need to trip. As long as you\u2019re not overloading your system, you\u2019re using good quality equipment and your wiring is in good condition, there\u2019s usually no reason for a dangerous overload to occur. But should a problem arise, you need to be 100% confident that the breakers will do their job and shut off the current before you even know there\u2019s an issue. If you have an FPE panel, you can\u2019t count on that happening. Electrical expert Douglas Hansen<\/a> noted: \u201cFederal Pacific panels have at least five design issues that are no longer allowed by code: the gutter space, the wire bending space, spring-mounted bus, breakers that are on when down, and the split bus service equipment.\u201d<\/p>\n So take action today. It\u2019ll take you less than five minutes to check your panel to find out if it is one of the affected models. Most FPE panels can be identified by one or more of the following methods:<\/p>\n If you see any of these, call us right away<\/a>, and we\u2019ll help you take care of it.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”What to Do If You Have an FPE Panel in Your Home-4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n However, even if you don\u2019t see any of these indicators, it\u2019s still possible that you still have an FPE-style box. Some of the early models didn\u2019t have the FPE name or logo. The sticker may have been replaced. And some aftermarket breakers don\u2019t carry the Stab-Lok name, or may not have the name in a visible place.<\/p>\n Whatever you do, don\u2019t try pulling out your breakers or opening up your circuit breaker panel to hunt for clues<\/strong>. You could easily electrocute yourself and, if you disturb any wiring, you\u2019re likely to increase the fire risk. If you\u2019re in any doubt at all about whether your circuit breaker panel is safe, call us<\/a>, and we\u2019ll take a look. Our team of experts are trained to recognize all models of FPE panels.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Advice for New Home Buyers” _builder_version=”4.16″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Ensure that your home inspector checks the circuit breaker panel. If you discover an FPE panel, insist that the seller has it replaced before you take possession of the property. Alternatively, budget for a replacement and have the work done before you move in. Sadly, no. Federal Pacific Electric is no longer in business. A class action lawsuit in New Jersey was closed in 2005. There is a company called Federal Pacific<\/a> which makes electrical equipment, but they\u2019re not related.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Before we do anything, we\u2019ll do a full inspection<\/a> on your panels to verify whether you\u2019re at risk. We\u2019ll give you an honest assessment of what needs to be done to make your property safe and fully code compliant.<\/p>\n If you have an FPE panel, we\u2019ll recommend a full replacement. Some electricians will offer to save you a little money by installing aftermarket replacement breakers instead, but this really isn\u2019t a good idea. The danger is caused by design flaws in both the main unit and the breakers, so replacing the breakers isn\u2019t sufficient. In addition, even if you change the breakers, your panel will still have the FPE logo on it, which will raise all sorts of red flags in any future home inspection.<\/p>\nHow Dangerous are Federal Pacific Panels?<\/h2>\n
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What Do These Test Results Mean?<\/h3>\n
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FPE Falsified Safety Tests, But Breakers Never Recalled<\/h2>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”FPE Falsified Safety Tests, But Breakers Never Recalled-3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) closed their two-year investigation in 1983 without making a definitive recommendation.<\/a> At the time, they said that \u201cthe data currently available to the Commission does not establish that the circuit breakers pose a serious risk of injury to consumers.\u201d Twenty-eight years later, in 2011, the CPSC clarified that the investigation was closed due to Reagan-era budget cuts<\/a> \u201cwithout making a determination as to the safety of FPE circuit breakers or the accuracy of the manufacturer\u2019s position on the matter\u201d.<\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”What to Do If You Have an FPE Panel in Your Home” _builder_version=”4.16″ header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_padding=”25px||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nWhat to Do If You Have an FPE Panel in Your Home<\/h2>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”What to Do If You Have an FPE Panel in Your Home-3″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n\n
Advice for New Home Buyers<\/h3>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Do FPE Panel Owners Have any Legal Recourse?” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nDo FPE Panel Owners Have any Legal Recourse?<\/h3>\n
How Does Rytec Handle FPE Equipment Replacements?<\/h3>\n