A 2 Z Home Inspections, Inc.

Millions of homes all across America have a hidden fire hazard. Federal Pacific Electrical company was the number one manufacture of electrical panels in the 1950s (FPE).

Federal Pacific Electrical Company was the number one manufacturer of electrical panels in the 1950s (FPE). There is millions of these panels in homes across the country.

What happens with these panels is the breakers fall out, get loose and can cause arcing which can result in fire. These panels by appearances are working properly during normal operation allowing electricity to flow without problems.

One of the problems however is;  FPE breakers with the double pole 220volt breakers and some single pole 120volt breakers may not operate as intended while overloaded.  A properly functioning breaker will trip / turn off the power to the overloaded circuit and FPE breakers after being tested do not appear to trip everytime when overloaded which can result in a fire.

Additionally what some reports and tests state, is that the FPE two pole 220volt breakers under certain load conditions one leg/pole may attempt to trip the breaker. The result is a circuit that stays live and a breaker that has now been compromised and then is reset will not trip again under an excessive load.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) after conducting product testing of the FPE breakers found failure rates that were significant. The Commission’s recommendations is for consumers to avoid overloading circuits as well as turning off and having devices examined that are causing the circuit breakers to trip.  (this is easier said then done, and defeats the purpose for having a breaker).

Federal Pacific Electric’s response, while cautious states;  FPE breakers will trip reliably at MOST overload levels, note: Federal Pacific is not in business anymore.

Aftermarket breakers are available for these panels, however the cost is more than replacing the panel, thus it is typically advised that the Federal Pacific Panel be replaced.

IN SUMMARY:

Federal Pacific electrical panels (FPE) have failed government testing for safety and have been problematic and have failed and caused some fires. Due to this issue, most Electricians and Home Inspectors are recommending complete replacement of these electrical panels. The cost of replacement ranges from $1200-$1800 dollars.

If you have a known federal pacific panel in your home, it is advised that you seek advise from a state licensed home inspector and or electrician.