Understanding the Risks Behind Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Panels
October 20, 2025
At TRS Heating and Air Conditioning, we’re committed to keeping your home safe and comfortable. As certified electricians in addition to HVAC specialists, we understand the critical intersection between your home’s electrical and climate control systems. During our inspections, one electrical panel brand consistently raises red flags: Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok Panels.
If your home was built between the 1950s and 1980s, there’s a chance you may have one of these panels and it could be putting your family at serious risk.
What Are Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Panels?
Federal Pacific Electric was once a major manufacturer of circuit breaker panels in the United States. The Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Panels were installed in millions of homes, particularly during the post-war housing boom. These distinctive panels feature a red or orange strip on the breaker switches and were marketed as a reliable, cost-effective electrical solution.
However, decades of use and multiple investigations have revealed dangerous design flaws that make these panels a significant fire hazard. This company has since went out of business and we are now trying to identify the homes that these boxes are in and remediate them for safety reasons.
The Safety Issues: Why FPE Panels Are Dangerous
Breakers That Won’t Trip When They Should
The primary function of a circuit breaker is to “trip” (shut off) when it detects an overload or short circuit, protecting your home’s wiring from overheating and potentially catching fire. The critical problem with Federal Pacific Stab-Lok breakers is that they often fail to trip when they should.
Independent testing has shown that these breakers can fail to trip up to 60% of the time under overload conditions. This means that when your electrical system draws too much current, whether from a faulty appliance, damaged wiring, or an actual short circuit, the breaker may not shut off power as designed. According to the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, electrical failures are among the leading causes of residential fires, making proper circuit breaker function essential for home safety.
Overheating and Internal Damage
Even when Federal Pacific Electric breakers do attempt to function, they frequently experience internal overheating. This heat can cause:
- Melting of internal components
- Damage to bus bars and connections
- Deterioration of the breaker housing
- Weakening of the spring mechanisms that control the trip function
Over time, this damage compounds, making the breakers even less reliable and increasing the risk of electrical fires.
Signs You May Have a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Panel
You should check your electrical panel if your home was built between 1950 and 1990. Look for these identifying features:
- Brand name: “Federal Pacific Electric,” “FPE,” or “Federal Pacific” on the panel door or interior
- Breaker design: Red or orange strips on the circuit breaker switches
- “Stab-Lok” labeling: This term may appear on the breakers or panel interior
- Distinctive appearance: A boxy, industrial look common to mid-century electrical equipment
If you’re unsure, take a photo and consult with a licensed electrician. Never attempt to remove the panel cover yourself, as this can be extremely dangerous.
What Should You Do If You Have an FPE Panel?
If you discover you have a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Panel in your home, take these steps:
1. Don’t Panic, But Don’t Delay
While millions of homes have Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Panels, not all have experienced fires, the risk is real and documented. Treat this as a serious safety issue that requires attention, but remember that the panel has likely been functioning for decades.
2. Have It Inspected by Licensed Professionals
Contact qualified professionals who have experience with Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Panels. At TRS Heating and Air Conditioning, our certified electricians can:
- Perform a comprehensive electrical panel inspection
- Assess the condition of your specific panel
- Look for signs of overheating, damage, or deterioration
- Test breakers for proper function
- Provide a professional recommendation for replacement
- Offer a detailed quote for panel upgrade services
3. Plan for Panel Replacement
The safest solution is complete panel replacement. While this is an investment, it’s far less costly than repairing fire damage or, worse, losing a family member.Modern electrical panels from reputable manufacturers like Square D, Eaton, or Siemens offer:
- Reliable circuit protection
- Improved safety features
- Better capacity for modern electrical loads
- Peace of mind for you and your family
4. Consider Insurance Implications
Many insurance companies now refuse to insure homes with Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Panels, or they charge significantly higher premiums. If you’re buying or selling a home, an Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Panel will likely be flagged during the inspection and may need to be replaced before closing.
The Connection to Your HVAC System
You might wonder how TRS Heating and Air Conditioning became experts in both electrical and HVAC systems. The answer is simple: they’re inseparable. Your HVAC system is one of the largest electrical loads in your home, and proper electrical infrastructure is essential for safe, efficient operation.
Alongside our certified HVAC technicians, we have a group of certified electricians so we can provide comprehensive service that many contractors cannot. When we install or service HVAC equipment, we evaluate and address:
- Whether the electrical panel can safely handle the load
- If circuit breakers will protect the equipment from electrical faults
- Whether your new system will overtax an already compromised panel
- All electrical connections and wiring to your HVAC equipment
A failing Federal Pacific panel can damage your expensive HVAC equipment and create dangerous conditions during operation. You won’t need to find and vet a separate electrical contractor or coordinate between multiple companies. With TRS, you have one trusted partner for both your electrical and HVAC needs.
Protecting Your Home and Family. Take Action Today!
At TRS Heating and Air Conditioning, your safety is our priority. As both certified electricians and HVAC experts, we offer a unique advantage: comprehensive home system expertise under one roof. We don’t just identify problems, we can solve them.
Don’t wait for a problem to occur. If you have a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Panel, contact TRS Heating and Air Conditioning today:
- Schedule a comprehensive electrical and HVAC inspection
- Get a detailed quote for panel replacement from our certified electricians
- Make the upgrade a priority in your home maintenance plan
- Take advantage of our ability to handle both electrical and HVAC work simultaneously
Your family’s safety is worth the investment. While replacing an electrical panel isn’t glamorous, it’s one of the most important safety upgrades you can make to an older home.
Contact TRS Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule your electrical panel assessment at 716-825-9911 ext. 108!
Remember: A safe home is a comfortable home. Trust TRS Heating and Air Conditioning for honest, professional electrical and HVAC service that puts your family first.