When it comes to electrical equipment the three most troublesome letters for agents and their clients are FPE. FPE is short for Federal Pacific Electrical. FPE Stab-Lok® panels were installed in millions of homes throughout North America from the 1950’s through the 1980’s. Federal Pacific Electrical electrical equipment is estimated to be responsible for over 2000 electrical fires every year.
Problems with Federal Pacific Electrical equipment
FPE Stab-Lok® circuit breakers have a high defect rate. The circuit breakers fail to trip in response to overcurrent. Therefore, they do not provide the level of circuit protection required by the National Electrical Code (NEC). In a properly functioning electric panel, when too much current is sent through the 
breaker, the breaker will trip. As a result, the current will stop. If the breaker does not trip in an overcurrent event, the current is sent through wires result in overheating and fire. Studies have shown that FPE Stab-Lok® circuit breakers can fail to trip between 25% and 80% of the time in response to overcurrent. More information on failure rates can be found here.
Identifying FPE equipment
FPE equipment is relatively easy to recognize. The best place to look is on the outside of the electrical box. Often you will see the name Federal Pacific or the letters FPE stamped into the metal cover. Likewise, you may see an information sticker on the exterior of the box. Another common place to look is the inside cover of the electrical panel. You may see an information sticker that says FPE, Federal Pacific, Federal Pioneer, or Stab-Lok. Federal Pacific electrical equipment may have been sold under multiple different names as well. If you would like to see more picture to help you identify Federal Pacific Electrical equipment CLICK HERE.
What to do with FPE equipment
FPE Stab-Lok circuit breaker panels have been identified as defective and pose a serious safety concern. It is not currently required by law to replace Federal Pacific Electrical equipment although insurance companies often require replacement prior to providing coverage. Likewise, most electricians recommend immediate replacement due to safety concerns. If you have any questions or are concerne
d about FPE equipment in your home, please CONTACT THE OFFICE and we will be happy to help. If you need to upgrade FPE equipment please contact a licensed electrician.