I've been told the FPE breaker panel on my home is hazardous. Why is that and what should be done?

The Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok circuit breakers have failed to meet the industry safety standards. The circuit breakers have consistently failed to trip as required when overloaded. As you can imagine, this poses a serious danger to the homeowner.

A licensed journeyman electrician should replace the electrical service for you. McBride Lighting and Electrical Services can do that work by removing the entire electrical service from your home. We will install a new breaker panel, meter enclosure and grounding system for the electrical panel as required by the National Electrical Code. We will also pull a permit and have our work inspected for your peace of mind. This simple and affordable project will add safety and value to your home.

The FPE breakers were manufactured in the 70's originally by a company called Reliant. Typically a dark brown breaker with an orange handle, the FPE logo on the breakers and panels stands for Federal Pacific Electric. There is a long history that includes an investigation by the U.S. CPSC back in the early 80's. That investigation basically came to an end due to funds. The circuit breakers don't always trip when they need to, during an overload, to prevent damage. There have been fires and the like due to the poor performance.

There are a lot of homes in the Denver Metro area that still have these electrical panels. Most home inspectors will strongly recommend that these panels are replaced and even some insurance companies will not give you home owners insurance if the panels are not changed.

Brook Spindler, General Manager, Master Electrician, McBride Lighting and Electrical Services