Looking to upgrade my breakers!?

3/29/2020 at 12:08:04 AM

As memory serve, yes they are.. I remember stab-lok only have 1 type..

But to be safe.. remove the panel cover and there should be label on the breaker and it should have a part number or model number to match from.

But just because the breaker been 20+ year don't mean its bad.

However Stab-lok itself isn't great anyway.. If it's my home.. I will replace the whole panel

3/29/2020 at 1:41:24 AM

Yes those are the correct breakers , but replacing them isnt going to make the panel any safer. That is a federal pioneer no matter what breaker they're dangerous

3/29/2020 at 5:59:10 AM

Thanks but why are they dangerous I have read federal pacific the American version is the dangerous one not federal pioneer

3/29/2020 at 8:25:34 AM

So found a wire in my home that has the sheathing burned of it looks like or possibly ripped off from running the wire, the wire goes from the panel to a light switch which runs to the bulb it is the only thing on the circuit, so im assuming it wouldn't just burn through the 14/2 wire sheathing by its self, as it is not overload and it is on a correct 15 amp breaker, so im hoping it was when the wire was run it ripped the sheathing a bit, and caused it to open up, anyways I replace the wire cafelly not to rip it and hooked up a new light, just would like some peace of mind that theres no way it could overheat or instantly burst in flames by its own (again its the only thing on its circuit, on a correct 15 amp breaker and correct 14/2 wire, the old wire was the same as well)

3/30/2020 at 12:06:33 AM

No need to read up on the dangers . Ourselfs and many other electrical contractors go to service calls and panel replacements many times through out the year for house and business where these panels have caused damage. They're very well know to fail to trip to ground and causing fires . I have one in my new house as well which will be replaced soon so it isnt a rumor it is from experience

3/30/2020 at 12:09:44 AM

Federal Pioneer and Pacific are both very similar design as well, simply they're just a poor design.

3/30/2020 at 12:14:20 AM

In the end I would save your money instead of buying new fpe breakers, saveup for a panel swap

3/30/2020 at 6:25:47 AM

WhT would a cost be for a new panel 120 amp and for electricians to install also what brand is best

3/30/2020 at 11:56:06 AM

Tyler from Spartan is 100% correct. Federal panels in residential services are never a good idea as they are very well known in the industry to fail.

Here is a video comparison of the notorious federal pacific as a side by side:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swmCQOa22fA

Federal commercial and industrial switchgear was rather reliable on the other hand, however the residential line of stab lok panels and breakers are well known to be a fire hazard.

Your safest bet for your homes safety to have an electrical contractor give you a free in home estimate for your electrical service to be upgraded. That should include your grounding, bonding, a new safe panel, meter socket, and service cabling.

If it hasn't been done in over 20 years, it might be time for a change. Just another beauty of home ownership.

Stay healthy out there!

3/30/2020 at 1:28:19 PM

Federal Pioneer and Federal Pacific are not the same. The UL standard and the CSA standard are different; in Canada there was no wide scale reports of issues like the USA. I have an FPE panel in my own home and have no intention of changing it anytime soon.

There has been a recall for some of the breakers over the years. You should search for the recall notice and you should be able to replace the effected breakers at no cost. I am not sure why you think the breakers need changing; if you exercise them regularly (turn them on and off with the time changes) you should not have a problem.

If you are keen on changing the breakers, then I agree, save your money and do a complete panel change to a more modern panel.

Cheers

J.L. Kuehnl-Cadwell, CD, ME

Master Electrician

Datawise Solutions Inc