A panel many electricians recommend replacing
Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Panel Replacement Near You in Orem, UT
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels with Stab-Lok breakers were installed in millions of homes from the 1950s into the 1980s, including many in Orem. Independent testing has found Stab-Lok breakers that failed to trip under overload. Our licensed Orem electricians inspect FPE panels and replace them with modern load centers. Smell burning or see scorch marks? Call our 24 hour line now. Emergencies come first, and an electrician near you can often handle other Federal Pacific jobs same day.
How to tell if you have a Federal Pacific panel
- The label says Federal Pacific Electric, FPE or Stab-Lok.
- Breakers are thin and often have a red stripe or red tip on the handle.
- Common in homes built before 1990.
Do not remove the cover yourself. A photo of the closed door and label is enough for us to tell.
What is known about Stab-Lok breakers
A short, sourced summary. We stick to what reporting and testing have shown.
| Finding | What it means |
|---|---|
| Failure to trip in testing | NBC Bay Area testing found a Stab-Lok breaker that did not trip at double its rating. |
| UL listing concerns | UL removed its listing for the breakers after the controversy, per the same report. |
| CPSC review | The CPSC tested the breakers in the 1980s, but no recall was issued. |
| Not every breaker fails | Reports note many work. The problem is you can't tell which ones will. |
Source: NBC Bay Area investigation of Federal Pacific breakers.
Breakers hot or discolored
Overheating inside the panel.
Breaker trips, then won't reset
A failing breaker.
Buzzing or crackling
Arcing at the bus.
A breaker that never trips
With FPE, that is not a good sign.
How we replace a Federal Pacific panel
A complete, permitted replacement, usually in about a day of work.
Panel Upgrade
A modern 200-amp panel in place of the FPE, with permit and inspection.
Electrical Safety Inspection
A full check before and after the swap.
Whole-Home Surge Protection
Add surge protection while the panel is open.
Home Rewiring
Fix damaged or unsafe circuits found during the swap.
We are an independent, licensed electrical contractor. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Federal Pacific. Federal Pacific is a trademark of its owner, used here only to describe the equipment we work on.
Replace an FPE panel safely
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Federal Pacific questions
Are Federal Pacific panels dangerous?
Testing and reporting have found Stab-Lok breakers that failed to trip under overload. Many electricians and inspectors recommend replacing FPE panels.
Was there a Federal Pacific recall?
No. The CPSC tested the breakers in the 1980s, but no recall was issued.
Can I just replace the FPE breakers?
We don't recommend it. Replacing the whole panel removes the risk.
How long does an FPE panel replacement take?
The work usually takes about a day, plus permit and utility scheduling.
Will my insurance company care?
Some insurers ask about FPE panels. Check with yours. A replacement record can help.
Have a Federal Pacific panel?
Book a check. We will confirm it and give you a clear replacement plan.
Licensed through Utah DOPL and fully insured. Learn about our team.