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We recommend that residential FPE Stab-Lok electrical panels be replaced entirely or the entire panel bus assembly be replaced entirely, regardless of model number or year of manufacture. We recommend against replacing individual FPE Stab-lok circuit breakers. We do not sell circuit breakers nor any other products. For more information see FPE REPLACEMENT PANELS and FPE REPLACEMENT BREAKERS. This page assists in identifying Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok electrical panels and circuit breakers. More FPE information is in the links at page left.

This document describes how to identify Federal Electric Panels in buildings. An examination of this brand of electrical equipment shows that it is similar to but not identical to a version of what is better known as the FPE Stab-Lok or Federal Pacific Stab-lok electrical panel which is a serious latent electrical safety hazard in buildings. We have no performance data on this product. Field reports of readers' experience with Federal Electric panels are invited.

Readers should be sure to review FPE Stab Lok IDENTIFICATION and THE FPE Stab-Lok WEBSITE

This guide is information for building inspectors, home buyers, home owners, electricians exploring the background of possible hazards associated with Federal Pacific Electric Stab-lok circuit breakers and service panels.

© Copyright 2010 Daniel Friedman, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use links at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

To identify the circuit breaker panels and breakers discussed at the FPE information website you should look for the product name "Federal Pacific Stab Lok", "Federal Electric", or "Federal Pioneer Stab Lok" on the equipment. But in some cases of very early product such as the Federal Electric panels shown on this page, the words "Stab-Lok" may not be present on the panel labeling. Fortunately it is still easy to identify this product series by the actual circuit breaker or bus connectors or by the bus sketch on the Federal Electric Panel label if that information is still on the panel cover.

Below we provide a photographic library of various types of Federal Electric, Federal Pacific Electric, FPE Stab-Lok, and Federal Pioneer electrical panel covers and labels which permit a consumer to identify the equipment from its exterior as well as circuit breaker labels and other details. Since there is risk of dangerous or even fatal electric shock, only an expert such as a licensed electrician, electrical engineer, or home inspector should physically remove the front cover to permit inspection of the panel bus and other interior features.

Photographic Guide to Federal Electric Electrical Panels

The following additional photographs depict a different bus design found in other Federal Electric electrical panels.

Our Photo Guides to Identification of Federal Pioneer and Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers Are Presented in the Topics Listed Below

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Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

FPE Stab Lok IDENTIFICATION
FPE STAB-LOK PANEL COVERS
FEDERAL NOARK PANELS
FEDERAL ELECTRIC PANELS
FEDERAL PIONEER PANELS
FPE PANEL DOOR LABELS
FPE TOGGLE SWITCH
FPE BREAKER LABELS
HOW TO ID FPE IF NO LABELS
FPE PANEL BUS DESIGNS
FPE PANEL AGE MATTERS?
FPE HISTORIC DATES
OTHER FPE DEFECTS

• Thanks to home inspector John Spencer, Sherlock Home Inspectors, Inc. in Millington, MI, for photos and discussion of Federal Electric panel identification and hazards 04/2009. Mr. Spencer can also be reached at Saginaw (989) 777-0235, Millington (989) 871-5458, and by email to sherlockhomeinspectors@charter.net

More Information on Building Diagnostic Inspections and Repairs

• The Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Electric Panel Hazard Website Safety Information for Consumers. 2009
• Home Inspection Reporting Language for FPE Stab-Lok electric panels and circuit breakers
• Schneider Canada Federal Pioneer circuit breaker recall
• How to Identify Federal Pacific Electric Panels Stab Lok Breakers & History of the Federal Pacific Electric Stab Lok Hazard
• FPE FIRES: Failures continue: FPE breaker fails, results in fires: field reports
• Replacement Electric Panels: Federal Pacific Electric Panel Replacements two cost and method options for FPE panel replacement.
• Federal Pacific Electric Fires Waiting to Happen, Debate Waiting to Be Ended, detailed article
• 1983 CPSC Investigation of FPE Circuit Breakers Safety Information for Consumers
• 1982 Reliance Electric Co. SEC Quarterly Report: Note C. reports litigation between Reliance and UV Liquidating Trust and contends that "... improper and deceptive practices were employed for many years to secure UL listings for Federal Pacific's circuit protective products..."
• 1980 Reliance Electric Co. Press Release: improper practices improper practices used to obtain UL Listing for most of FPE's circuit breakers and notes testing which indicates "possible defects." 1980, Reliance Electric Co.
• 1980 FPE - Exxon Buys A Scandal Along With A Company improper practices improper practices used to obtain UL Listing for most of FPE's circuit breakers and notes testing which indicates "possible defects." 1980, Reliance Electric Co.
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