Thread: Stab-lock inquiry

Today in a 1958 house I came across a Pushomatic stab-lock style panel. What do you guys know that is useful when it comes to these? Are they safe-and what is there average life expectancy? Can you still get parts for these. One noticiable problem was a stab-lock (breaker) 30 amp that was not toggling (would not trip back and forth between on and off) and another 15 amp was humming when on. I should have enough reason to call in an electrician anyway.

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I just ran across a group of these in a big house last week.... At first I thought the brand was with the 'taboo' group (Fed Pacific, Zinsco). It turns out there is really no more bad info out there than any other brand from that time period.

I'd certainly write it up as past the typical service life according to most manufacturers. I think replacement breakers are really expensive. Throughout 4 panels I found 3 scorched connections and burnt wires. That was enough for the buyer to want them replaced. That is really the best course of action with any 50 year old electrical equipment.

We barely used seatbelts in cars when this stuff was manufactured.... how safe could it really be?

Dude, google stablok, federal pacific and be amazed.
Write it up as unsafe, needing replacement, etc.
End of story

push o matic, never had any problems with them.

Originally Posted by David Edens

Pushomatic stab-lock style panel.

Could you be more specific?

"Pushomatic" and "Stab-Lok" do not go together.

That's what is causing the confusion.

Also, you may want to advise your client to check with their ins. provider. Some ins companies won't write homeowners coverage and/or deny a related claim if that type of panel is still present.

Sorry.... I read 'Pushmatic' and stopped reading... that is the equipment I was talking about.

The Pushmatic "Bulldog" breakers were made by Federal Pacific. This company has since gone out of business. But because there are Federal Pacific brand a lot of insurance companies surcharge homeowner fire insurance because of the name. The pushmatic is probably ori9ginal equipment and should be replaced with an updated service.