Anyone familar with this type of breaker box

[JIM MURPHY]

Inspected a house yesterday built in the 50s that had a Federal 100 amp box with a large disconnect located over it and a subpanel next to the disconnect. Can someone help with this panel and set up. The panel was not labeled and I am not sure if it was undersized. The house was 3000 sq ft.

[Scott Patterson]

Inspected a house yesterday built in the 50s that had a Federal 100 amp box with a large disconnect located over it and a subpanel next to the disconnect. Can someone help with this panel and set up. The panel was not labeled and I am not sure if it was undersized. The house was 3000 sq ft.

The two words Stab-Loc are all you need to see. Those breakers have known problems. Do a Google search on Stab-Loc and you will find a wealth of information. Plenty has been written about them on this site alone.

When I find a panel like that I do not even remove the cover, for a couple of reasons. 1. you can't get the dead front off without tripping the breakers. 2. The breakers have a tendency to pop off the buss bars. I tell my client that the panel should be replaced.

[JIM MURPHY]

Thanks Scott!

I knew there was a problem with them but could not remember what it was. I will do some research.

Jim Murphy

[Steven Bowman]

I agree with Scott. In addition those FPE breakers tend to hold even in an overload situation - not safe.
Wow that is one big 100 amp. disconnect.
Were you able to determine what the sub-panel was supplying?

[Fred Warner]

Inspected a house yesterday built in the 50s that had a Federal 100 amp box with a large disconnect located over it and a subpanel next to the disconnect. Can someone help with this panel and set up. The panel was not labeled and I am not sure if it was undersized. The house was 3000 sq ft.

Check this out for some interesting info. :)
Federal Pacific Electric FPE Stab-Lok Class Action Settlement - THIS IS A LEGAL NOTICE AND IS NOT AN ADVERTISEMENT (http://www.inspect-ny.com/fpe/FPEnotice12-05.htm)