speaking of old electrical... Federal Pacific Stab Lok!!!

By
Home Inspector with Campbell Property Inspections

There are a couple of electrical panels out there that immediately draw our attention as professionals:

FEDERAL PACIFIC - STAB LOK = a unique circuit breaker panel that has a very poor history and some substantial complaints. we recommend further evaluation by a licensed electrician for likely replacement. Sometimes we find these panels in good condition... however that may just mean they have not been subject to the overloads that may create failure. Sometimes the breakers do not trip under a heavy load and end up overheating, ultimately catching on fire... Yikes... so then it is TOO LATE! Recently an electrician told me he found a dryer that still had power despite the breaker indicating it was tripped!!! Upon removal of the breaker, the backside was all scorched... A potential fire averted, barely!! Not a good situation. I recommend and most of the electricians I know will recommend these Stab Lok panels be replaced.

Stab lok panel by Federal pacific this is what can happen

 

ZINSO - another unique circuit breaker panel that I've only seen once in MAINE... that was up near Sunday River I believe many years ago. These panels have a poor history as well.

Zinsco brand panels

 

For more information on both of these panels click on the following links:

http://www.inspect-ny.com/fpe/fpepanel.htm

http://www.inspect-ny.com/electric/Zinsco.htm

 

If you see these in your home or a home you visit, list, show etc... SERIOUSLY consider consulting a licensed electrician. A qualified professional home inspector will definitely flag these as a potential hazard. If he does not, then you are using the wrong INSPECTOR!

 

Comments (2)

John Mulkey
TheHousingGuru.com - Waleska, GA
Housing Guru

Good suggestions Jeffrey, most people would never question the safety of a circuit breaker panel that looked okay.  There just one of many "hidden" dangers in homes.

Apr 01, 2009 11:51 AM
Jeffrey Campbell
Campbell Property Inspections - Gardiner, ME
Maine's Home Inspector!

We are still finding these panels today... not as often but the're still out there... scary! I suggest everyone look at the name on their panel!

Jul 30, 2011 06:16 AM

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