Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok Panels
FPE Stab-Lok residential equipment has a documented history of concerns about breaker operation. The CPSC’s decision to close its investigation did not establish that the equipment was safe. If your panel may belong to this family, professional identification and evaluation are appropriate before deciding on the next step.
Get clear options for your Florida home. Any paid diagnostic or inspection is explained before approval.
What equipment does this page discuss?
This guide concerns older Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok residential panels and breakers. A safely accessible FPE or Stab-Lok marking can be a useful clue, but an electrician may need to confirm the exact equipment. Do not transfer statements about this historical residential family to an unrelated company with a similar name.
Age, appearance and a familiar logo do not show whether the protective devices work correctly. If this family is identified, arrange a professional evaluation of the equipment and replacement options.
What the CPSC investigation established.
CPSC’s 1983 statement, revised in 2011, describes an investigation focused on certain pre-1979 two-pole residential circuit breakers. CPSC confirmed failures to meet certain calibration requirements. The agency closed the investigation without determining that the breakers were safe or issuing a blanket family-wide recall.
That limited investigation should not be presented as a measured failure rate for every installed Stab-Lok panel. Equally, the absence of a blanket recall is not evidence that an individual panel is suitable to remain in service.
Sources: CPSC closes FPE investigation.
Why a replacement breaker may not settle the question.
The protective device, its connections, the bus assembly and enclosure all matter. Finding a part for sale does not establish that it is correctly listed for the application or that the rest of the panel is sound.
Ask the electrician to explain any proposed replacement or complete retrofit using the applicable listing and manufacturer documentation. A history of apparently normal operation cannot, on its own, demonstrate how a breaker will behave during a fault.
What replacement planning involves.
- Confirm the actual panel family and condition through an appropriate professional visit.
- Determine whether the project is panel replacement, additional distribution, a service upgrade or a combination.
- Review future needs such as EV charging, renovation and backup power.
- Specify appropriate current equipment, circuit protection and any service or grounding work.
- Coordinate required permits, utility interruption and inspections for the agreed scope.
If an inspection or insurer raised the concern.
Ask for the written finding and any requested corrective work or documentation. Insurers have different underwriting practices; this page does not claim that all Florida insurers reject FPE equipment or that replacement guarantees coverage.
Bring the report to the discussion so the electrical scope responds to the identified issue. A full four-point inspection is different from an electrical evaluation, and eligibility decisions remain with the insurer.
Sources: Citizens property inspections · Citizens four-point inspection sample form.
Make the next step specific to your home.
Tell us about your existing equipment and plans. We’ll help clarify the appropriate scope and available options.
Ask About My Stab-Lok PanelQuestions homeowners ask.
Did the CPSC declare FPE safe?
No; the closure statement made no safety determination.
Was every FPE panel recalled?
This report does not establish a blanket recall; link the actual investigation.
Can a photograph prove safety?
No; exterior images may assist identification only.
Will a breaker replacement resolve everything?
The complete panel and proposed listed solution need evaluation.
Let’s talk about your panel.
Tell us what you have and what you want to change. You do not need to know the brand or the right technical term.
Estimate or evaluation?
Free estimates price defined installation or replacement work. Investigating an unknown fault or providing a diagnostic or inspection is a separate service. We explain the scope and any fee before you approve paid work.
Based in Zephyrhills and the Tampa Bay area, serving listed Florida service areas. We confirm availability for your address and project.
Our office answers 24/7. After-hours dispatch charges are separate from diagnostics and repairs. View scheduling and fee information.
Sources and further reading
Research checked September 10, 2026. Product details, recall remedies and local requirements can change. Exact model documentation and the scope for your property control the work.
View manufacturer and technical sources
- CPSC closes FPE investigation — 1983-03-03; revised 2011-02-18.
- Citizens property inspections — Undated current page.
- Citizens four-point inspection sample form — Form edition March 2025.
Clear answers. A plan for your home.
Ask Mister Safety about your panel and the work you’re considering.