Federal Pacific panel
An older brand of electrical panel (Stab-Lok breakers) with a known record of failing to trip. Many carriers decline homes that still have one or require replacement.
Also called: FPE, Stab-Lok
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) made a widely installed line of breaker panels, often called Stab-Lok, that have a documented history of breakers failing to trip during an overload. That failure can allow wires to overheat and cause a fire.
Because of that record, many insurers will not write a new policy on a home that still has an FPE panel, and some require it to be replaced within a set time. Zinsco panels raise similar concerns.
If your home has one, having it replaced by a licensed electrician and keeping the receipt can open up more carriers and often lower the price.
Common questions
How do I tell if I have a Federal Pacific panel?
Open the panel door. The brand name is usually printed on the label or on the breakers. If you are not sure, a licensed electrician can identify it.
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