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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Austin, TX
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    17

    Default Federal panel question

    Are panels labeled as simply Federal or with breakers labeled as Federal American the same as Federal Pacific panels? They did not have markings specifically saying Federal Pacific or FPE. They look the same however and said Stab-lok. They were 1955 vintage. Just wondering if these would have the same issues? Thanks.

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    Last edited by Tim Kallmer; 03-09-2010 at 04:57 PM.
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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring City/Surrounding Philadelphia area
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    3,509

    Default Re: Federal panel question

    If the panel said Stab-Lok and the breakers have those orange handles, it's Federal Pacific.


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Austin, TX
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    Default Re: Federal panel question

    Quote Originally Posted by Nick Ostrowski View Post
    If the panel said Stab-Lok and the breakers have those orange handles, it's Federal Pacific.
    A couple handles were orange; most were black however.


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Chico,Ca
    Posts
    454

    Default Re: Federal panel question

    Federal "No-Ark" breakers had black handles, & they interchange w/ later FPE Stab-lok breakers.


  5. #5
    Ron Bibler's Avatar
    Ron Bibler Guest

    Default Re: Federal panel question

    These are off my inspections from the other day...

    Best

    Ron

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  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Chico,Ca
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    454

    Default Re: Federal panel question

    Quote Originally Posted by Ron Bibler View Post
    These are off my inspections from the other day...

    Best

    Ron
    The 20A single pole twins are Chinese (UBI) breakers.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Colorado Front Range
    Posts
    684

    Default Re: Federal panel question

    For those who haven't, read ALL the available info on Federal panels at Federal Pacific Electric FPE Stab-Lok Panel Circuit Breaker Hazard, Repairs, Electrical Panel Replacement Electricians Directory for Stab-Lok Repairs.

    The breakers manufactured during a certain period of time are problem children for sure, but the panel design itself suffers from other problems as well. I've seen all varieties of Federal breakers fail to trip, including main breakers and "other than orange handled" branch circuit breakers.

    Basically, in the US, if a panel has the "Stab-Lok" buss, it's junk, a hazzard, and needs to be replaced. Dunno or care what's happening with the issue "up nordt", but can assume that with at least one breaker recall the thing's going to bite them in the backside eventually.


  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Federal panel question

    Quote Originally Posted by Bill Kriegh View Post
    Basically, in the US, if a panel has the "Stab-Lok" buss, it's junk, a hazzard, and needs to be replaced.

    Deserves repeating as some home inspectors are still hesitant to call for their replacement.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

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