Originally Posted By: jmyers This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Blaine,
Now that is where our veteran experience comes into play. Any fool knows you have to grab the ground rod when opening the panel while standing in a puddle of water! 
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
It was cold that day (44 degrees, cold for CA) so I was wearing gloves, plus surgical gloves underneath, insulated tools, good rubber soled shoes and safety glasses. I felt fairly confident that I was well insulated and protected.
Besides, having never seen one personally, I had to see what was behind the cover 
Maybe not the smartest choice (curiosity killed the cat  ) but it turned out okay.
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
Originally Posted By: jpeck This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Jeff,
Don't worry about standing in that puddle ... worry about those bottom breakers you flipped off falling back down to the 'on' position.
I think I've seen one other manufacturer who had vertically operating breakers where the bottom set was 'ON' down, but I can't remember who it was. Now, with FPE, all too common.
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
My recommendations for FPE and Zinsco panels are simple;
Zinsco and/or FPE panel systems are considered problematic by industry professionals. JPI recommends a complete evaluation of the systems integrity and performance by a State licensed electrical contractor.
I don't generally make "replacement" recommendations.
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
Originally Posted By: jpeck This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Mike,
When I say "That is an FPE panel, and it needs to be replaced, for no other reason than it is an FPE panel.", then some "expert" comes in and says "That panel is okay. Give me proof otherwise.", my response to my client, the "expert" and all others it this:
Have the "expert" provide that in writing, with a warranty to back it up and replace it if there ever is a "problem" with it. Get a copy of his license and insurance, because you will surely need it some day.
Now, how many "experts" will do that? Would you?
So far, and that issue has come up a few times, only "once" has the "expert" provided a written letter. End result? There was a fire in that panel 6 months later. Long story short, that "expert" lost his license over it.
Originally Posted By: B Ray This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Welcome to FPE “heaven” ,I have changed out several FPE panel ,including in my own home. I’ve seen a hot tub placed on a 2 pole 20 and never even think about tripping. I’m a residential Electrical Contractor and some of the things I’ve seen will scare you , but most folks here have seen the same if not more, I hear Lowes is giving a class on " Wire your own house and save money" anything to save a buck …
Originally Posted By: jkiesecker This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I flagged an FPE panel and the home owner had his electrician write a statement that the panel was up to code I had the buyer call the electrician themselves and ask if it was safe and if he would put it in writing that it is safe. He told the buyer he wouldnt have one in his house.
– “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it”
Originally Posted By: jpeck This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Mike,
We don't have to prove it is bad, any more than we have to "prove" that a roof is bad.
If it is bad, and we call it that way, let the seller "prove" it is not bad.
There is no practical way anyone can "prove" something is good or bad.
That's what courtrooms are for, if it gets that far.
We say it needs to be replaced. It's got problems. It's problematic. Replace it.
We point to evidence like "Mike Parks, a licensed electrician, would not have one in his house either." You, having to now defend that it is good, yet having said you would not have one in your house either, are in a bind.
The question from the judge now becomes "Mr. Parks, WHY would you not want one in your house.", with a follow up question of "Now, why do you feel it DOES NOT need to be replaced?"
Originally Posted By: Mike Parks This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
“Mr. Parks, WHY would you not want one in your house.”
Response: Because there are better products on the market today. While the FPE panel is considered to be safe, as per the IAEI, I choose to err on the side of safety. My statement regarding that the FPE panel did not need to be replaced is that there was (were) no patent defects found at the time of my inspection.
To all you may use my comments, if not taken out of context, for your clients. EDIT: regarding this topic.
If a homeowner asks if this FPE panel is safe and code compliant, I must says yes. Does this mean it will always be safe? No one knows.
For buyers I do point to the public views on these panels and let them know that I can not say it is a defect.
As an electrician I would recommend an upgrade.
As an ESI I could not say this is an unsafe condition.
Originally Posted By: jpeck This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Mike P.: “If a homeowner asks if this FPE panel is safe and code compliant, I must says yes.”
Jerry P.: If a homeowner asks if this FPE panel is safe and code compliant, I must say, to the "safe" part of the question, that is very debatable, evidence has shown there to be significant problems in many breakers and panels. Are they "code compliant"? Yes, they still meet code. But then so are ungrounded receptacles in an older home with ungrounded circuits, as long as you do not replace one, then you must meet the new requirements. And you are not allowed to install NEW ungrounded circuits or receptacles, so "safe"? Nope. Not by today's standards of safety.
anything to save a buck …
I had the buyer call the electrician themselves and ask if it was safe and if he would put it in writing that it is safe. He told the buyer he wouldnt have one in his house.