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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
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    Taylor, TX
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    Default Upside down breakers

    Ran across these double breakers in a FPE panel. One side right side up and one side upside down. Is this OK?

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    St Paul, MN
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    Default Re: Upside down breakers

    Quote Originally Posted by Gary Mohel View Post
    Ran across these double breakers in a FPE panel. One side right side up and one side upside down. Is this OK?
    It really doesn't matter since you should be recommending replacement of the FPE panel by a licensed electrician.

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  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Santa Rosa, CA
    Posts
    3,154

    Default Re: Upside down breakers

    When that panel was manufactured (and probably installed), it was OK, and fairly common to have upside-down breakers. It is no longer allowed in new construction and has not been for probably 25 years.

    However, as Ken already noted, it is FPE and therefore suspect.

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  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    On The Mason-Dixon Line
    Posts
    577

    Default Re: Upside down breakers

    Looked back to 1978 NEC
    article 240-81 where circuit breakers are installed vertically the UP postion shall be the "on" position


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Taylor, TX
    Posts
    37

    Default Re: Upside down breakers

    I know that FPE panels have had problems and that they are no longer in business. I note that in my inspection reports. I also note that many electricians recommend that they be replaced. I do not state in my reports that they need to be replaced because I have not found any mention of that in the NEC. Could you give me an NEC reference that an FPE panel should be replaced if it does not have any visible problem except for being an FPE panel? I know there have been numerous problems with this panel. I make clients aware of this, but I have seen hundreds of these panels that are performing for years and do not have any indication of having electrical problems.


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    St Paul, MN
    Posts
    1,630

    Default Re: Upside down breakers

    As a Home Inspector I don't inspect "to code" Code enforcement is for the Code Enforcement Officials who inspect to the minimum standards at the time the building was built.

    The Consumer Products Safety Commission has some good info on FPE panels: http://www.cpsc.gov/LIBRARY/FOIA/mee...umwire3_18.pdf

    And there is a ton of information here: Sample home inspection report language for Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok equipment or Federal Pioneer panels, Home, Building, or Electrical Inspection Report Language

    As Home Inspectors we need to not only have knowledge of the current building codes, but also be up on our consumer safety, best building practices and previous building codes.

    MinnesotaHomeInspectors.com
    Minnesota Home Inspectors LLC
    ASHI #242887 mnradontesting.com

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