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ELECTRICAL INSPECTION, DIAGNOSIS, REPAIR

AFCIs ARC FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS
ALUMINUM WIRING HAZARDS & REPAIRS
AMPS VOLTS DETERMINATION

BOOKSTORE - ELECTRICAL

Classified CIRCUIT BREAKER WARNING
CORROSION in ELECTRICAL PANELS
CUTLER HAMMER PANEL FIRE

DEFINITIONS of ELECTRICAL TERMS
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DMM Digital Multimeter, How to Use

ELECTRIC PANEL AMPACITY
ELECTRIC PANEL INSPECTION
ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION PANELS
ELECTRICAL GROUND SYSTEM INSPECTION
ELECTRICAL TERMS

FEDERAL PACIFIC FPE HAZARDS

GENERATORS, ELECTRICAL
GFCI PROTECTION,Testing GFCIs AFCIs

Hertz - Definitions of KHz MHz GHz THz

LIGHTING, EXTERIOR GUIDE
LIGHTING, INTERIOR GUIDE
LOW VOLTAGE BUILDING WIRING

MAIN DISCONNECT
MULTI-WIRE CIRCUITS
MURRAY SIEMENS Recall

PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS
PUSHMATIC - BULLDOG PANELS

RUST in ELECTRICAL PANELS

SAFETY for ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS
SE CABLE SIZES vs AMPS
SIEMENS MURRAY Recall
SQUARE-D RECALLS

UNDERGROUND SERVICE LATERALS

VOLTS / AMPS MEASUREMENT EQUIP

ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS

More Information

Photograph of an FPE Stab-Lok® electrical panel label bottomFederal Pacific Electric (FPE) Panels - CPSC Information
     

  • The closing statement regarding a CPSC Investigation of FPE Circuit Breakers and more safety advice for FPE Stab-Lok® breakers
  • FPE INVESTIGATION CPSC Revised - separate article
  • FPE INVESTIGATION CPSC 1982 - separate article
  • FPE INVESTIGATION CPSC 1983
  • FPE HAZARD IAEI LETTER INACCURATE - separate article
  • Questions & Answers about FPE & the US CPSC statement of record
  • References

Click to Show or Hide Related Topics

  • ELECTRICAL INSPECTION, DIAGNOSIS, REPAIR - home
  • DIRECTORY OF ELECTRICIANS
  • ELECTRIC PANEL INSPECTION
  • FEDERAL PACIFIC FPE HAZARDS - home
  • FEDERAL PACIFIC FPE HAZARD SUMMARY
  • FP FEDERAL PIONEER in CANADA
  • FPE COMMERCIAL PANELS
  • FPE FAILURE REPORTS
  • FPE HAZARD ARTICLES, STUDIES
  • FPE HISTORY
  • FPE & FP IDENTIFICATION, HOW TO
    • FPE Stab-Lok® PANEL COVERS
    • FEDERAL NOARK PANELS
    • FEDERAL ELECTRIC PANELS
    • FEDERAL PIONEER PANELS
    • FPE PANEL DOOR LABELS
    • FPE TOGGLE SWITCH
    • FPE BREAKER ID PHOTOS
    • FPE BREAKER LABELS
    • HOW TO ID FPE IF NO LABELS
    • FPE PANEL BUS DESIGNS
    • FPE PANEL AGE MATTERS?
    • OTHER FPE DEFECTS
  • FPE INCIDENTS, HOW TO REPORT
  • FPE INVESTIGATION CPSC Revised 2011
  • FPE PANEL ADVICE for HOME BUYERS
  • FPE PANEL INSPECTION REPORTS
  • FPE REPLACEMENT BREAKERS
  • FPE REPLACEMENT PANEL COSTS
  • FPE REPLACEMENT PANELS
  • FPE Stab-Lok® : FIRES WAITING TO HAPPEN
  • FPE Stab-Lok® Hazard Summary Page for Reproduction
  • FPE Stab-Lok® TECHNICAL REPORT
  • FPE Stab-Lok® Panel Test Report
  • FPE SUB PANELS, RISK ASSESSMENT
  • MAIN DISCONNECT
  • MULTI-WIRE CIRCUITS
  • MURRAY SIEMENS Recall
  • OLD HOUSE ELECTRICAL WIRING
  • PUSHMATIC - BULLDOG PANELS
  • SAFETY for ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS
  • SIEMENS MURRAY Recall
  • SQUARE-D RECALLS
  • VOLTAGE DETECTION & MEASUREMENT
  • ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS
InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

This page contains a closing statement regarding a CPSC Investigation of FPE Circuit Breakers and additional safety information for consumers.

Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman.

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Panels - CPSC Letter

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NOTE: This document has been entered verbatim from the original document. Important safety remarks and independent study reports of FPE hazards and advice about what to do can be found at More Information about FPE below.

NOTICE: be sure to see FPE INVESTIGATION CPSC Revised for critical information updated by the US CPSC about how to interpret the letter given below.

FOR RELEASE: MARCH 3, 1983

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission CLOSES INVESTIGATION OF FPE CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND PROVIDES SAFETY INFORMATION FOR CONSUMERS

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced today that it is closing its two year investigation into Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok® type residential circuit breakers. This action was taken because the data currently available to the Commission does not establish that the circuit breakers present a serious risk of injury to consumers.

The Commission investigation into Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) circuit breakers began in June, 1980, when Reliance Electric Co., a subsidiary of Exxon Corporation and the parent to FPE, reported to the Commission that many FPE circuit breakers did not fully comply with Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) requirements. Commission testing confirmed that these breakers fail under certain UL calibration test requirements. The Commission investigation focused primarily on 2-pole residential circuit breakers manufactured before Reliance acquired FPE in 1979.

To meet UL standards, residential circuit breakers must pass a number of so-called "calibration tests." The purpose of these tests is to determine whether the circuit breakers will hold the current for which they are rated and also automatically open or "trip" (shut off the current) within the specified time limits if over-loading of the circuit breakers causes current levels in excess of the breaker's amperage rating. (Overloading can occur because a consumer plugs too many products into a circuit or due to the failure of a product or component connected to that circuit.) While the Commission is concerned about the failure of these FPE breakers to meet UL calibration requirements, the Commission is unable at this time to link these failures to the development of a hazardous situation.

According to Reliance, failure of these FPE breakers to comply with certain UL calibration requirements do not create a hazard in the household environment. It is Reliance's position that FPE breakers will trip reliably at most overload levels unless the breakers have been operated in a repetitive, abusive manner that should not occur during residential use. Reliance maintains that, at those few overload levels where FPE breakers may fail to trip under realistic use conditions, currents will be too low to generate hazardous temperatures in household wiring. Reliance believes that its position in this regard is supported by test data that is provided to the Commission.

The Commission staff believes that it currently has insufficient data to accept or refute Reliance's position.

The Commission staff estimates that it would cost several million dollars to gather the data necessary to assess fully whether those circuit breakers which are installed in homes but which may fail UL calibration tests present a risk to the public. Based on the Commission's limited budget ($34 million for fiscal year 1983), the known hazards the Commission has identified and must address (involving products of other manufacturers) and the uncertainty of the results of such a costly investigation, the Commission has decided not to commit further resources to its investigation of FPE's circuit breakers. However, despite its decision to close this particular investigation, the Commission will continue its investigation of circuit breakers generally. The Commission can reopen its investigation of FPE breakers if further information warrants.

The Commission advises consumers to take certain safety precautions with all circuit breakers and fuses. Consumers should:

-Know your electrical circuit. Know which outlets and products are connected to each circuit.

-Never overload any electrical circuit by connecting too many products to the circuit. Be particularly careful not to connect several products that demand high current (such as heating appliances) to a low amperage circuit.

-Comply with local building codes in wiring or adding electrical circuits. Make sure the wiring and devices used in the circuit are connected to a circuit breaker or fuse of the

-Immediately disconnect any electrical product if problems develop. Have the product examined by a competent repair person.

-Investigate to determine why a fuse blows or circuit breaker trips. Do not simply replace the fuse or reset the breaker. If a fuse blows or breaker trips, it is often a warning that the circuit is overloaded. Check the circuit for causes of overloading (for example, too many appliances plugged in, a malfunctioning product, a short circuit). When in doubt, consult a licensed electrician.

Consumers who have questions concerning circuit breakers, or who wish to report information relating to their safety, may call the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's toll-free safety hotline at 800-638-CPSC, teletypewriter for the hearing impaired at 800-638-8270 (Maryland only 800-492-8104).

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Technical Reviewers & References

Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.

  • Note: as we didn't add this reviewers list until 2007, this list of technical reviewers is incomplete; we have received comments and suggestions regarding this topic, edits and remarks included, from engineers and management from the US CPSC, electricians (many listed at our page on field reports of FPE failures), home inspectors, licensed electricians, and electrical engineers, and even a few attorneys and real estate agents, since 1986. Technical review, critique, content suggestions, questions, or clarifications are invited and where a contributor wishes, credit and links will be provided to that source. Contact us to provide feedback.
  • Dr. Jess Aronstein, electrical engineer, Poughkeepsie, NY, forensic engineering services, independent laboratory testing for various agencies protune@aol.com (independent electrical panel testing, including FPE Stab-Lok® panels, to April 2010)
  • David Carrier, electrical engineer, 53 Henmond Blvd., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 845-430-7527 davidwcarrier@earthlink.net (independent electrical panel testing, including FPE Stab-Lok® panels, beginning 2010)
  • Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto, Ontario. Mr. Carson is a home inspection professional, educator, researcher, writer, and a principal of Carson Dunlop Associates, a Toronto home inspection and education firm. Mr. Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors
  • Mark Cramer Inspection Services Mark Cramer, Tampa Florida, Mr. Cramer is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors and is a Florida home inspector and home inspection educator. (727) 595-4211 mark@BestTampaInspector.com 11/06
  • Carl Grasso, Esq., Herzfeld & Rubin, New York, NY. Mr. Grasso is an attorney who managed a plaintiff's class action litigation against Federal Pacific Electric in New Jersey.
  • William King, US CPSC Director of Electrical Engineering (Ret).
  • Licensed Electricians: FPE Fire and Failure Reports includes electricians who have provided cases and photographs of field failures of FPE equipment at this website.
  • Homeowners, Home Inspectors, Electricians: Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Panel Fires and other Failures includes anecdotal field reports provided by a range of contributors including electricians (and some home owners or home inspectors) who have provided cases and photographs of field failures of FPE equipment at this website.

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.
  • Home Reference Book - Carson DunlopThe Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.

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  • GO TO Carson Dunlop's Home Study Course Information - How to Become a Home Inspector: Carson Dunlop's nationally recognized Home Study Course, selected by ASHI the American Society of Home Inspectors and other professionals and associations. This website author is a contributor to this course.
  • GO TO Carson Dunlop's Home Study Course Information - How to Become a Home Inspector: Carson Dunlop's nationally recognized Home Study Course, selected by ASHI the American Society of Home Inspectors and other professionals and associations. This website author is a contributor to this course.
  • GO TO Carson Dunlop's Home Study Course Information - How to Become a Home Inspector: Carson Dunlop's nationally recognized Home Study Course, selected by ASHI the American Society of Home Inspectors and other professionals and associations. This website author is a contributor to this course.
    Building inspection education & report writing systems from Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd
  • 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
  • ...

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