Posted: 6/3/2026 9:12:00 PM EDT
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TLDR: Are Federal Pacific Stab Lok panels themselves a fire risk or is it the breakers that are the problem? If the breakers are the issue are their replacements that alleviate the concern? Started having the circuit breaker for my drier trip from time to time. When you reset it doesn’t feel right and if you don’t flip it back hard it won’t re-energize the circuit. Was going to try a new breaker first but a quick google search indicates the industry generally says panel needs to be replaced but the explanation is that the breaker design doesn’t always trip under high load. This is a summer lake cabin that sits unoccupied 90% of the time so if I can avoid dumping a ton of money into it I’d rather not. |
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Replacements have been made. The quality of them I do not know. Most insurance companies won’t cover homes with FPE panels. Having said that. I grew up in a home with a FPE panel and we never had an issue. I have personally seen them exceeded the trip rating though. 70 amps on a 20 amp breaker that did not trip. |
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Originally Posted By Procat: Thanks @ark-and-spark Just remembered that I had to replace a Zinsco panel in my dad’s condo before I sold it and it didn’t cost as much as I thought it would. The more I think about it I’ll probably just get it done. FPE and Zinc are house burners as far as I know, after hearing it for 40 yrs. |
Being willing to die to complete the mission didn't mean He's a pacifist, just tougher than nails. see also J3:16