# Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Electrical Panel - first find **URL:** \ **Category:** Misc. Discussion\ **Created:** [March 12, 2023, 4:54pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/federal-pacific-stab-lok-electrical-panel-first-find/226652 "2023-03-12T16:54:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 12\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![wstowell](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/wstowell/32/180961_2.png) [@wstowell](https://forum.nachi.org/u/wstowell)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2023, 4:54pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/federal-pacific-stab-lok-electrical-panel-first-find/226652/1 "2023-03-12T16:54:56Z")
First time I have found a Federal Pacific Panel. I recommended replacement and marked it as a “Safety” issue. Does anyone else note it as a safety issue? ![IMG_0520](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/a/e/e/aeea3a465b301ac03132dc26fd4ee8dfd45a1c12.jpeg) ![IMG_0521](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/a/e/2/ae2271a8d7318fb2f3e59bbec55b089eba3156ad.jpeg) ![IMG_0522](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/4/a/7/4a788d543c17928393b53c1ffc7f09d80a1905e0.jpeg) ![IMG_0523](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/a/3/e/a3e563a8cbff21419ac7c0f31cf3a916401b80fd.jpeg) ![IMG_0525](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/8/1/d/81dbc244d1c87df415f78f966e27c9bee9705285.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![dwigger](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/dwigger/32/58670_2.png) [@dwigger](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dwigger)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2023, 5:06pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/federal-pacific-stab-lok-electrical-panel-first-find/226652/2 "2023-03-12T17:06:26Z")
I do call them out for several reasons: Age, history, ability to get insurance, etc. Other than just being an FPE panel, it definitely has issues! ---
**Author:** ![kleonard](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/kleonard/32/170953_2.png) [@kleonard](https://forum.nachi.org/u/kleonard)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2023, 5:07pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/federal-pacific-stab-lok-electrical-panel-first-find/226652/3 "2023-03-12T17:07:34Z")
I call them out as potential fire hazards. There was a class action suit concerning these panels in one state only, New Jersey. Fortunately in my market most REAs know of the problems with these panels and ask their clients to replace them and let them know it will be an issue during the inspection if left in place. ---
**Author:** ![mgoldenberg](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mgoldenberg/32/89265_2.png) [@mgoldenberg](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mgoldenberg)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2023, 5:45pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/federal-pacific-stab-lok-electrical-panel-first-find/226652/4 "2023-03-12T17:45:03Z")
> [@kleonard](#): > > There was a class action suit concerning these panels in one state only, New Jersey. I think they admitted in court they deceived UL to obtain the UL label. ---
**Author:** ![imayer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/imayer/32/197054_2.png) [@imayer](https://forum.nachi.org/u/imayer)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2023, 6:15pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/federal-pacific-stab-lok-electrical-panel-first-find/226652/5 "2023-03-12T18:15:18Z")
Yes, I call them out. And then I link to this article for more information. > **[Federal Pacific Electric Stab-lok Breaker Panels - IM Home Inspections](https://imhomeinspections.com/federal-pacific-electric-stab-lok-breaker-panels/)** > > One issue with home inspections is sometimes there is conflicting evidence about the danger or lack of danger about particular home aspects. \[…\] One issue I run into is the city doesn’t care and will still issue a permit for electrical work with a stab lok panel, leaving sellers, buyers, and agents perplexed why I’m calling it out. ---
**Author:** ![mfellman](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mfellman/32/369692_2.png) [@mfellman](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mfellman)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2023, 6:30pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/federal-pacific-stab-lok-electrical-panel-first-find/226652/6 "2023-03-12T18:30:18Z")
I definitely call them out. In my area, like most, it’s standard to get it replaced. The homeowner’s insurance companies getting on board and some denying coverage have helped out as they are really the only ones that can force action. Or, at least force action if you want insurance. ---
**Author:** ![lhenderson2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/lhenderson2/32/58205_2.png) [@lhenderson2](https://forum.nachi.org/u/lhenderson2)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2023, 2:02pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/federal-pacific-stab-lok-electrical-panel-first-find/226652/7 "2023-03-13T14:02:09Z")
Multiple issues with FPE stablocks. Always call them out. ---
**Author:** ![asanders2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/asanders2/32/170962_2.png) [@asanders2](https://forum.nachi.org/u/asanders2)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2023, 5:33pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/federal-pacific-stab-lok-electrical-panel-first-find/226652/8 "2023-03-13T17:33:00Z")
I don’t go past documenting it’s FPE. No internal pics. ---
**Author:** ![pstokle](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/pstokle/32/172938_2.png) [@pstokle](https://forum.nachi.org/u/pstokle)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2023, 9:59pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/federal-pacific-stab-lok-electrical-panel-first-find/226652/9 "2023-03-13T21:59:43Z")
Call it out. Here’s some language I like to use: The service panel was made by Federal Pacific and was the Stab-lok model. Federal Pacific Stab-lok model service panels are reputed to have a high rate of circuit breaker failure, which can result in a fire or shock/electrocution. The Inspector recommends that before the expiration of your Inspection Objection Deadline, you consult with a qualified electrical contractor concerning the necessity for replacing this service panel. Information about defective Federal Pacific Stab-lok panels is widely available on the internet. ---
**Author:** ![mgoldenberg](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mgoldenberg/32/89265_2.png) [@mgoldenberg](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mgoldenberg)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2023, 11:22pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/federal-pacific-stab-lok-electrical-panel-first-find/226652/10 "2023-03-13T23:22:20Z")
I have observed a Federal Pacific Electric “Stab-Lok” service panel in the house. This panel is a latent fire hazard: it’s circuit breakers may fail to trip in response to an over current or a short circuit. Failure of a circuit breaker to trip can result in a fire, property damage, or personal injury. A circuit breaker that may not trip does not afford the protection that is intended and required. Simply replacing the circuit breakers is not a reliable repair. The panel should be replaced, and significant expense may be involved. ---
**Author:** ![jerck](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jerck/32/270140_2.png) [@jerck](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jerck)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2023, 11:29pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/federal-pacific-stab-lok-electrical-panel-first-find/226652/11 "2023-03-13T23:29:04Z")
Yes, I do document it as a safety issue. ---
**Author:** ![jfrederick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jfrederick/32/58314_2.png) [@jfrederick](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jfrederick)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 7:55am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/federal-pacific-stab-lok-electrical-panel-first-find/226652/12 "2023-03-14T07:55:49Z")
> **[Commission Closes Investigation Of FPE Circuit Breakers And Provides Safety...](https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/1983/Commission-Closes-Investigation-Of-FPE-Circuit-Breakers-And-Provides-Safety-Information-For-Consumers)** > > Commission Closes Investigation Of FPE Circuit Breakers And Provides Safety Information For Consumers