FPE Sub Panels: Risk Assessment of Federal Pacific Electric FPE Stab Lok Sub Panels vs Main Panels
InspectAPedia^® -

How much risk reduction is achieved by replacing the main FPE panel and leaving FPE sub panels in place?
What are the types of hazard that remain where FPE Sub panels are installed
Insurance company policy may exclude coverage where FPE Stab-lok equipment is installed
Photographs of FPE circuit breakers, labels, and bus designs provide means to identify this equipment
Questions & answers about FPE Stab-Lok sub panels and main disconnects

This article discusses and compares the hazards of Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Electric Main Electrical Panels compared with Sub-Panels in buildings, and addresses the question of amount of risk reduced if only the main disconnect or main FPE panel is replaced. This information assists building inspectors, home buyers, home owners, electricians exploring hazards associated with Federal Pacific Electric Stab-lok circuit breakers and service panels. Our page-top photo shows a main FPE Stab-Lok electrical panel and service disconnect (at left) and three FPE Sub-panels.

Replacement FPE Stab-Lok circuit breakers are unlikely to reduce the failure risk of this equipment. We recommend that residential FPE Stab-Lok electrical panels be replaced entirely or the entire panel bus assembly be replaced, regardless of FPE model number or FPE year of manufacture. We do not sell circuit breakers nor any other products.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers nor with topics or services discussed at this website.

© Copyright 2012 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use page top links to major topics or use links at the left of each page to navigate within topics and documents at this website. Green links show where you are in a document series or at this website.

Comparing the Hazard of Federal Pacific Stab-Lok (FPE) Electric Sub-Panels vs. Main Panels & Main Disconnects

Photograph of a typical Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok electric panel cover and door label. More
FPE identification photographs are listed below.

Readers of this article should also see Federal Pacific Electric Panels: Fires Waiting to Happen and The Federal Pacific Electric FPE Panel/Breaker Hazard Summary - the main FPE Hazard Website. Also see our discussion of pre-1970 FPE Stab-Lok circuit breakers at FPE Pre-1970 STAB-LOKS OK?.

Our photo (left) shows an FPE Stab-Lok main electrical panel. Multiple main disconnects are in the top section of the panel.

Question: Do FPE Stab-Lok Sub-Panels Present as Much Risk as the Main FPE Panel?

A commercial insurance broker in the Western U.S. placed insurance on a hotel built in 1964.

In 2000 the Main Electrical Panel, an FPE Stab-Lok unit, was replaced with a unit made by Murray.

The hotel includes nine remaining “sub-panels” made by FPE

The insurance company that we placed the hotel with has a policy that they do not accept properties with FPE panels.

Our question is: Do the FPE sub-panels present as much risk as the main FPE panel?

It seems in a perfect world the hotel would change out all sub-panels, but at least they have upgraded the “main” panel. Do you think this is an acceptable compromise? - (Anon.)

Reply: Replacing the Main FPE Panel reduced risk but significant risks remain with the FPE Subs. Here are some of the risk factors:

A competent onsite inspection by an expert usually finds additional clues that help accurately assess the actual electrical hazards that would not be included whatsoever in a theoretical discussion. For example there could have been a history of failures to trip, overheating, or unusual circuit usage on specific circuits serving particular areas of the hotel, or there may be other significant electrical hazards (or other hazards) outside of the FPE topic that also merit urgent attention.

That said, here are some things to consider in assessing the degree of risk that has been achieved by replacing only the main FPE electrical panel:

Replacing the main disconnect & panel did reduce risks: We agree that having installed another brand main panel has reduced the overall hazard for the building (if an FPE was in that role before), but
The absolute risk for a given or individual FPE sub-panel or breaker or a circuit wired from such a breaker actually depends in part on the circuit's usage. An FPE breaker does not initiate a hazard or failure - it simply fails to protect the circuit from overheating (and fire) if an overcurrent or similar hazard occurs. This behavior is detailed in FPE Technical Report - Independent Research 2007
Problem history: It is a dangerous error to presume that if no problem has occurred to date, the wiring and breakers are safe. A problem could have occurred previously that resulted in a much greater chance that at a subsequent overcurrent the breaker won't trip (that phenomenon was demonstrated in independent testing);
Changes in circuit use are not predictable: even if a problem never occurred on a circuit, simply a change in use (someone plugs in an electric heater) can and probably will change the risk level.
Risk for similar circuits in similar use: Our opinion is that for two circuits of similar level of usage, the hazard is similar, regardless of whether or not the circuit is wired out of a main or a sub panel. Here too, hidden circuit differences, such as a poor connection, would change that picture.
Two Pole breakers: It would be fair to argue that because the FPE no-trip problem is more severe on 2-pole breakers, and as a main panel would have at least one 2-pole breaker (the mains) while a sub panel that contains less than 6 switches may not have a main switch and so may not have a 2 pole switch, then the absolute risk might be lower, but that is in my opinion a "constructed" and is too theoretical an argument to be safe - if for no other reason than it does not consider circuit usage.
Risk of incomplete electrical repairs: As a general opinion on electrical safety, we are very nervous about "partial" repairs of electrical hazards because of the risk that building occupants or management, thinking that an unsafe condition has been addressed, may ignore warning signs of an impending disaster. In sum, the experience of insurers with FPE failures and perhaps their review of the research has indeed led some companies to ask that FPE panels be replaced.
Can't afford or need to stage-in FPE panel replacements? As a sub panel replacement is likely to be under $1000. that cost compared with a fire is surely small and reasonable. Some suggestions for people who cannot afford to immediately replace an FPE Stab-Lok electrical panel are found at CAN'T AFFORD A NEW ELECTRIC PANEL?

Questions & Answers regarding this article

Questions & answers about FPE Stab-Lok sub panels and main disconnects.

Ask a Question or Search InspectAPedia

HTML Comment Box is loading comments...

Recommend / Share this Article

...

Technical Reviewers & References

InspectAPedia.com^® - Daniel Friedman - Publisher & Editor.
InspectAPedia Bookstore lists recommended books, organized by topic & available for purchase. Most of our articles also include a list of recommended books for the specific article topic as well as other references, and information sources.
Critique, contributions wanted: Contact Us to suggest corrections or additions to articles at this website, and if you wish, to receive online listing and credit as a contributor. Particular thanks are due to the many experts and also consumers who read and critique technical articles at InspectAPedia.com.
Additional technical contributors & reference sources for this article are listed below.

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 HAZARDS & REPAIRS WEBSITE - See detailed links at page left

Thanks to reader C.J., a professional insurance broker, for discussing risk and loss reduction associated with FPE Stab-Lok electrical panels, January 2011

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
Aluminum Wiring Information Website Aluminum Electrical Wiring Hazards and Repairs: in-depth authoritative info, photos, documents including selection of proper vs. ineffective repair methods. E.g.: Ideal 65 "Twister" purple connector fails in field and lab testing with aluminum wire.
Ampacity of an Electrical Service: How to determine the electrical service size or ampacity entering a building
Circuit Breaker, a bad one fails to trip failure at aluminum bus-to-circuit breaker connection - field report and photographs
Electrical System & Wiring Hazard Inspection, Detection, Cause, Remedy, Prevention - Main Electrical Page
Electrical Panels, How to Inspect in buildings, safety for electrical inspectors, electrical panel, fusing, wiring defects, defective products. Inspection Class Presentation

The Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Electric Panel Hazard Website Safety Information for Consumers.
2007 FPE Stab-Lok TECHNICAL REPORT - an updated test report of independent testing (a large 1.2MB PDF file) using a larger pool of FPE Stab-Lok circuit breakers than the older CPSC and Wright Malta tests found significantly higher failure rates of FPE Stab-Lok circuit breakers, including a look at critical safety failures (breaker failed to trip at 200% of rated current or jammed) which found up to 80% failure rate for FPE Stab-Lok GFCI circuit breakers (n=4), 12% failure rate for double pole FPE Stab-Lok circuit breakers (n=120), and a 1% failure rate for FPE Stab-Lok single pole circuit breakers (n=345).
FPE FIRES: Failures continue: FPE breaker fails, results in fires: field reports
Federal Pacific Electric Fires Waiting to Happen, Debate Waiting to Be Ended, detailed article
Home Inspection Reporting Language and discussion for FPE panels
Home Inspection Reporting Language and discussion for FPE panels
How to Identify FPE Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Electric Panels - is yours one of these? ALSO: A History of the FPE Stab-Lok Issue.
Federal Pacific Electric Panels: Fires Waiting to Happen, Debate Waiting to Be Ended
How to Identify Federal Pacific Electric Panels Stab Lok Breakers & History of the Federal Pacific Electric Stab Lok Hazard
Replacement Circuit Breakers for FPE Stab-Lok Electric Panels? are not recommended
Replacement Panels for FPE Stab-Lok load centers - options include conventional complete panel replacement and a less costly replacement of the panel interior load center/bus assembly
Schneider Canada Federal Pioneer circuit breaker recall
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 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 used to obtain UL Listing for most of FPE's circuit breakers and notes testing which indicates "possible defects." 1980, Reliance Electric Co.
Safety Hazards and Safe Inspection Procedures for Electrical and Home Inspectors at Residential Electric Panels
...

Free Encyclopedia of Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair

Ask a Question or Search InspectAPedia

Comparing the Hazard of Federal Pacific Stab-Lok (FPE) Electric Sub-Panels vs. Main Panels & Main Disconnects

Question: Do FPE Stab-Lok Sub-Panels Present as Much Risk as the Main FPE Panel?

Reply: Replacing the Main FPE Panel reduced risk but significant risks remain with the FPE Subs. Here are some of the risk factors:

Questions & Answers regarding this article

Ask a Question or Search InspectAPedia

Technical Reviewers & References

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair