FPE panel question
#1
Member
Thread Starter
FPE panel question
I have a Federal Pacific panel and plan to replace it along with several other projects. I'm aware of the faulty design of the Stab Lock circuit breakers and that it is standard procedure to replace the panel.
My question is why hasn't anyone come up with a high quality replacement circuit breaker line that simply fits in the existing FPE panel slots? This seems like such a simple solution since the box isn't the problem, the circuit breakers are. Thanks for your help.
My question is why hasn't anyone come up with a high quality replacement circuit breaker line that simply fits in the existing FPE panel slots? This seems like such a simple solution since the box isn't the problem, the circuit breakers are. Thanks for your help.
#3
There are a few reasons, at least in the United States. The first and biggest one is liability -- no manufacturer is going to touch that with a 10 foot pole given the known problems with the line. A couple major house fires, even if the breakers weren't the direct cause, could result in huge lawsuits and endless litigation. The other one is that the original UL listing in the US was found to have been acquired fraudulently, and trying to get a new breaker listed based on a "checkered" past of safety certifications would probably not be possible. Finally in many situations the bus bars are part of the problem too. The stab-lok connection itself corrodes and damages the bar effectively ruining the panel no matter what kind of breaker was installed.
rbuswell
voted this post useful.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
Makes perfect sense, ibpooks (Ben)!
Last edited by rbuswell; 07-10-19 at 07:25 AM. Reason: Added name
#5
Member
FPE stabloks are still a very popular panel in Canada.
Personally, I don't buy any Al bus panel; but, I should note I live coastal. The industry had a hard time getting Al wire screw connections to be reliable; the notion of a low force sliding connection on Al should give you pause.
This was one of FPE last statements: “FPE breakers will trip reliably at most overload levels“. hmmm.
#6
The specific, exact company doesn't really exist anymore, but there are several variations and spin-offs still around today. However none of them are officially the same company that designed and sold Stab-Lok residential panels in the 50s and 60s. The brand name (and the company itself) was bought and sold numerous times to various electrical equipment companies so much so that it's nearly untraceable due to bankruptcies and mergers. There is also a transformer and switchgear company with a very similar name that has nothing to do with the stab-lok line.
#7
Member
but, the company is long gone, correct?
Second the Canadian brand was Federal Pioneer not Federal Pacific although they were virtually identical they were manufactured at different places/plants.
#8
Personally, I don't buy any Al bus panel
The FPE loadcenters in the USA all had copper bus.
Second the Canadian brand was Federal Pioneer not Federal Pacific although they were virtually identical they were manufactured at different places/plants.
Federal Pioneer breakers are sold in the U.S. (I know of only one supplier) for use in older FPE loadcenters.
#9
Member
Thread Starter
I'm learning so much from you guys. Thanks for all the friendly banter. I'm glad I found this forum.
#10
Member
I have those stab-lock breakers so did a lot of reading years ago. I could be wrong but I think the main problem with not tripping was for the 240/120 breakers like for an electric dryer or kitchen stove.
I have natural gas appliances so I just forgot about it... still here.
Could be wrong, memory isn't what it used to be.
I have natural gas appliances so I just forgot about it... still here.
Could be wrong, memory isn't what it used to be.