Table of Contents
The Problem
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panels were installed in millions of American homes between 1950 and 1990. Independent testing by CPSC and multiple engineering firms found that FPE breakers fail to trip in roughly 25–60% of overload and short-circuit tests — meaning the safety device that's supposed to prevent a fire simply doesn't operate.
How to Identify One
Look for a red or gray panel with the Federal Pacific or FPE logo, or breakers labeled 'Stab-Lok'. The breaker handles often have a distinctive thin, angular shape.
Need a licensed Orange County electrician?
Family-owned since 1974. C-10 #1050793 Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Serving all of Orange County.
What to Do
Replace the panel. There is no safe repair. Attempts to swap FPE breakers for other brands are not code-compliant — the bus bar itself is part of the failure mode. Full replacement is the only accepted fix.
Cost
$2,800–$5,500 in Orange County for a 200-amp replacement. Some home insurance carriers require replacement as a condition of renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
My FPE panel has been fine for 40 years — is it really dangerous?+
The risk is that failures happen only during a fault event, which may not have occurred yet. The panel appears to work perfectly right up until the moment it doesn't.