Installing a Bosch Oven HELP!

I would not waste any money on buying obsolete FPE breakers. The Stab-lok was a design unique to FPE. Often times just taking the panel cover off the breakers will fall off the bus.

I would not say the panel is safe just because there have been no issues in the past.

A side note: I have heard some insurers do not cover homes with FPE panels.

 

There are no substitute breakers for Federal panels.



oops.....didn't see PCboss's reply way up here at the top of page 2.

 

Well, the past couple of days worth of posts have made me decide to put off the 330 mile journey to go fix this. When I get there I want to be as prepared as possible with all supplies necessary to do the job right. I will have to do a cost estimate quote of what a full new panel would run along with the oven/cooktop wiring runs etc..

I know the FPE breakers seem like a waste of money ... but we have the money "now" for that.. but not "now" for a whole new main principal setup. However... given the press I've read since ya'll made me aware of it and the fact that some ins carriers won't cover the FPE panels... it seems this became a really big deal over many years. Its a shame that there is no recourse for stuff like this... I mean we get recall notices on cars... why not for breaker boxes ??? It should be just as important... should be sent to the homeowner at their address and the fact that the panel was installed should've been registered somewhere official for reporting later on.... instead of us having to lose nearly the entire house in a flood only to find out later on when we're picking up the pieces that... OH YEAH.. our house is a big fire hazard due to the MAIN BREAKER BOX thats been there almost 25 years. Great.

 

That's an excellent point. Perhaps there is no recall since FPE has been essentially gone for over 20 years, who would conduct a recall?

Was the FPE panel and breakers ever under water? If so, the urgency in replacing the FPE panel is greater!

FYI.....another informative link.

The Federal Pacific Electric FPE Stab-Lok® Panel Circuit Breaker Hazard, Repairs, Electrical Panel Replacement Electricians Directory for Stab-Lok® Repairs

I still strongly recommend replacement of the FPE panel, but if you persist and still want to utilize it, you can order the FPE breakers from Menard's website.