Originally Posted By: jonofrey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Is this how FPE compensated for the six levers to cutoff rule? The 60amp breaker appeared to control the lower part of the panel. It looked like a professional rig job to me? Is this typical?
Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi John,
what you appear to have there is a classic split bus panel where a breaker in the top bus controls the supply to the bottom bus, so it does meets the 6 switch rule.
Did you happen to notice what appears to be scorching on the conductors to the lower bus as they appear to be discolored to my eyes. Also don't the lower breakers exceed the rating of the control breaker I can't read the lower breakers ??
Originally Posted By: jonofrey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi Gerry,
Thanks for the reply. That's first split panel FPE that I've seen. I did look for scorching/arching, this being an FPE and all. I looked closely at the area you mention when I was there. I think that's just the results of the solder job of the conductors to the bus.
Originally Posted By: Dennis Bozek This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Doesn’t really matter what the gizmo is…it is a FPE panel…recommend upgrade asap…especially with that 2 pole 60 amp breaker in place. Anyway that is a common trick with FPE. I’ve seen a zillion of them…just trash the panel…have someone put in a nice SQD QO panel in place of the FPE, unless of course they are using the wiring in the house to arc weld with. In that case you might state the FPE panel should stay
– This information has been edited and reviewed for errors by your favorite resident sparky.
Originally Posted By: Blaine Wiley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
OK Guys,
Admittedly, my head is thick as concrete. In my area we have gazillions of FPE stab lock panels. I have read as much as I can take in the threads dealing with this topic.
Home Inspectors: What verbiage (wording for those who didn't finish school)![icon_lol.gif](upload://zEgbBCXRskkCTwEux7Bi20ZySza.gif) do you use when writing up an FP service panel in your report. Do you always recommend replacement, further eval. by a qualified licensed sparky, check CPSC, or what?
Originally Posted By: wcampbell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I always tell them that FPEs have a past history of not tripping in case of a short and that a Licensed Electrician should be consulted about possible replacement.
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
of how “good” they look;
Zinsco (or FPE) panels are considered problematic by industry professionals. JPI recommends a complete evaluation of the systems' integrity and performance by a qualified, licensed, electricial contractor.
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
Originally Posted By: mrose This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
A standard disclaimer for me, when dealing with Zinsco or FPE panels - regardless of how "good" they look;
Zinsco (or FPE) panels are considered problematic by industry professionals. JPI recommends a complete evaluation of the systems' integrity and performance by a qualified, licensed, electrical contractor.
That is some of the best wording I have ever seen in a disclaimer. Smooth
Best regards,
-- Mike Rose
Cornerstone Home Inspection Co. LLC
Lawrenceville, GA