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Federal Pacific Electric Panels

By Jeffrey Owen

Home Inspector with IonHomeInspection.com - Houston Metro Home Inspection

March 28, 2008 12:30 PM

I came across this Federal Pacific Electric Panel the other day on a home inspection. This panel has since been replaced.

This electric panel was a complete and total disaster. Lots of "handy man" additions on top of a dangerous and obsolete panel. The Federal Pacific company is no longer in business. The main issue with FPE panels is that they usually work fine until an overload of the circuits occurs and the breakers do not trip as designed and overheating of the panel and circuits occurs which can result in a house fire. We always recommend doing some further research on FPE panels if you remotely think your home or one of your listings has an FPE panel. If you are unsure what you may have you should get an evaluation of your electric system by a licensed home inspector or licensed electrician. FPE Stab-Lok electrical panels should be immediately replaced. Do not simply change out the breakers! Also, from personal experience, the Houston metro region is saturated with these panels, please have your panels checked out!

Jeffrey

IonHomeInspection.com

Houston, Katy, The Woodlands, Sugarland

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David Holden

DRH Home Inspection Akron, Ohio Summit County Home Inspector - Akron, OH

DRH Home Inspection Akron, Ohio Summit

That panel IS, or was, a disaster about to happen. Glad to hear that it has been changed out. Here is a very good article on FPE Stablok panels that I give to all of my clients that have these type of panels. This is a great read for home inspectors as well. This helps explain WHY they should changed out and updated. Good post.

Mar 29, 2008 12:16 AM

Scott Patterson, ACI

Trace Inspections, LLC - Spring Hill, TN

Home Inspector, Middle TN

This is a blog I started a while back about FPE's, aka Fire Producing Equipment! And just so you Zinsco fans would not be left out I mention them as well!

FPE panels

Mar 29, 2008 02:53 AM

Jeffrey Owen

IonHomeInspection.com - Houston Metro Home Inspection - Katy, TX

Good links thank you guys!

When my client called the electrician to replace this panel they were so happy and amazed that they did not have to sell the client on the replacement. The electricians actually carry a photo album of burned out panels that they have replaced over the years to show their clients the dangers.

Crazy thing to me is that it is not such a huge deal to have them replaced. Budget $1000-$1500 for a brand new panel that is perfect and labeled in my area. Seems small change to me for safety. Should increase the value of the home as well.

Also of note the client's insurance company (State Farm) would not insure the home with an FPE panel. My client had to produce photos and documentation to the insurance company that the panel had been replaced.

Mar 29, 2008 08:44 AM

Linda Box Taylor

Castle Connections Realty - Plano, TX

Your Plano, TX Realtor

This issue comes up a lot during inspections. Dallas has a lot of these Federal Pacific boxes. I even have one in my 40 year old home.

Mar 30, 2008 09:02 AM

Linda,

Please have it replaced!!!!!

Mar 31, 2008 12:11 PM

Federal Pacific Electric Panels

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