Electrical panels are designed to keep power flowing through your home while also protecting it from overloads. However, there are a few too many that don’t do their job properly, most notably Federal Pacific panels. While they were the residential electrical panel of choice for many years, their affordability and widespread availability were overshadowed by the problems they were known to have.
The Dangers of Federal Pacific Panels
Many Federal Pacific electrical (FPE) panels are outfitted with Stab-Lok breakers – named after the fact that they “stab” into slots in the bus bar and “lock” into place – which are riddled with problems.
According to an investigation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), over half of Stab-Lok breakers don’t trip when a system is overloaded. What’s worse, this does not depend on the age of the breakers – new and old breakers failed the CPSC’s tests.
Because electricity is allowed to keep flowing during an overload, wires in the system overheat, which could lead to a fire. In fact, it’s estimated that the breakers are responsible for 2,800 fires, 13 deaths, and about $40 million in property damage every year.
Even if you fit a Stab-Lok breaker correctly, it may:
- Have a loose connection to the bus bar, which can cause:
- arcing and overheating
- internal damage to the panel
- Split when placed into a socket
- Be jammed into your panel’s sockets, which causes overcrowding
- Unexpectedly trip when the dead-front cover – which encloses the wiring and the breaker connections – is removed
And because they’re known safety hazards, most insurance providers will not cover a home with one.
The Pros and Cons of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel
Pro – Your Home Will Be Much Safer
The breakers in an upgraded electrical panel don’t just work; they’re more sensitive, which means they have a faster reaction time. Other components in the electrical panel are also monitoring the flow of electricity closely:
- Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) detect electrical arcs.
- Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) monitor the flow of electricity.
Con – The Cost of Upgrading Can Be Expensive
Replacing an FPE panel can cost between $1,500 – $4,000, but there are a few factors that may influence these prices:
- The cost of labor will change depending on how easy – or difficult – it is to reach your electrical panel.
- Getting a standard upgrade from a 100-amp to a 200-amp service can cost between $2,000 and $3,000.
- Wiring that’s suffered damage or isn’t large enough to handle the panel’s new amperage will need to be upgraded.
- If you have an older home, you need to ensure your electrical system:
- Is keeping up with AFCI/GFCI breaker requirements,
- Has a grounding system and meter upgrades.
Pro – The Electrical Capacity and Reliability of Your Electrical Panel are Improved
A panel with a higher amperage will distribute electrical power throughout your home more evenly, meaning you can power more devices and appliances simultaneously without worrying about overloading your panel.
This is especially necessary if you live in an older home and want to add a few powerful appliances to your electrical circuit.
Con – You May Discover Hidden Issues
While upgrading your electrical panel, you may find some unsafe or outdated wiring that will require repairs.
Pro – Your Property Value May Increase
If you’re planning to sell your home in the future, having an upgraded electrical panel will boost its marketability:
- Additional breaker space and flexibility for future expansions indicate that your home is future-proof, meaning there’s no need for immediate upgrades.
- Potential buyers are assured that the property is compliant with current building codes and energy efficient.
Pro – Reduced Insurance Premiums
Due to the lower risk of electrical fires, insurance providers may offer reduced premiums. If you’re already being covered, your provider may even reward these upgrades.
Con – Upgrades are Time-Consuming
The process of upgrading your electrical panel involves inspections, waiting for permits and parts, and installation. Each step takes time, especially the permitting process.
Replacement Options for FPE Panels
1. Complete Panel Replacement
When deciding on an upgrade, you need to ensure you pick a UL-listed panel that matches or surpasses current electrical codes:
- Square D panels – The reliable and widely available industry standard.
- Eaton (Cutler-Hammer) panels – The robust commercial-grade option that’s great for residential use.
- Siemens panels – The best option for smart home integration.
2. Retrofitting
Retrofitting involves upgrading different components in your electrical panel to enhance its capacity without the need for a complete overhaul. You can use an Eaton retrofit kit, which will convert your panel to a Bryant (BR) or Cutler-Hammer (CH).
The retrofitted components can be installed once the faulty ones have been removed. The only disadvantage is that you’ll have to manually install the right number of GFCIs, AFCIs and DFCIs (Dual Function Circuit Interrupters).
If you have an FPE panel and want to replace it, contact the Wires R Us team for an inspection, advice, and a quote.
