Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels are one of the most serious electrical fire hazards found in American homes. Manufactured from the 1950s through the 1980s, these panels contain Stab-Lok breakers that are known to fail, overheat, and cause house fires. Despite decades of documented failures, no recall was ever issued. An estimated 25 million or more of these panels remain installed in homes across the country, including many throughout the Aiken, SC area. If your home has a Federal Pacific panel, the only safe course of action is a complete panel replacement.
Why Federal Pacific Panels Are Dangerous
Federal Pacific Electric lost its UL listing in 1983 after investigations revealed the company had committed testing fraud to obtain its safety certification. Independent testing since then has consistently confirmed that Stab-Lok breakers fail at alarming rates. The dangers are well-documented and serious.
Breaker Failure Rates of 51-80%
Independent laboratory testing by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and private engineers found that FPE Stab-Lok breakers fail to trip during overcurrent conditions between 51% and 80% of the time. When a breaker does not trip, wires overheat and insulation melts, creating a direct path to a house fire. A breaker that does not trip is not a breaker at all.
No Legitimate UL Certification
Federal Pacific Electric fraudulently obtained its UL listing by submitting breakers for testing that were different from the ones they mass-produced and sold. When this was discovered, the listing was revoked. Every FPE Stab-Lok panel in service today carries a certification mark that was obtained through deception and does not reflect actual safety performance.
Linked to 2,800 Fires Per Year
Industry estimates attribute approximately 2,800 house fires per year to Federal Pacific panel failures. These fires result in property damage, injuries, and deaths. Because the panels fail silently, with no visible warning, homeowners often have no idea they are at risk until an electrical fire starts inside the wall.
No Aftermarket Fix Exists
There is no repair, retrofit, or aftermarket breaker that makes a Federal Pacific panel safe. Some companies sell replacement breakers marketed as compatible, but these do not address the fundamental design flaws in the bus bar connections. The only solution recommended by electrical engineers, fire investigators, and home inspectors is a complete panel replacement.
How to Identify a Federal Pacific Panel
Many homeowners in Aiken do not realize they have a Federal Pacific panel because the brand name is not always prominently displayed. Here is what to look for on the outside of your electrical panel. Do not open the panel cover yourself, as live electrical components are exposed inside.
- Brand names on the panel label: Look for "Federal Pacific Electric," "FPE," "Stab-Lok," "Federal Pioneer," or "Challenger" printed on the panel door or inside label.
- Thin, narrow toggle switches: Stab-Lok breakers have distinctively thin toggle handles compared to modern breakers. They often feel loose or wobbly to the touch.
- Red or orange stripe on breaker handles: Many FPE breakers have a colored stripe, typically red or orange, across the toggle switch face.
- Panel installed between 1950 and 1985: If your home was built or rewired during this period, there is a higher probability it contains an FPE panel.
If you suspect you have a Federal Pacific panel but are not sure, we offer a free inspection. We will identify the panel make and model, assess its condition, and explain your options clearly. For more detailed information, read our blog post: Federal Pacific Panels in Aiken, SC: What Homeowners Need to Know.
Our Federal Pacific Panel Replacement Process
We have replaced dozens of Federal Pacific panels for homeowners across the Aiken area. Our process is straightforward, and we handle all the details so you do not have to.
Free Inspection and Identification
We come to your home, open the panel safely, confirm whether it is a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panel, and document its condition. We check for signs of overheating, arcing, or melted bus bars. This inspection is completely free with no obligation.
Flat-Rate Quote
You receive a written flat-rate quote that covers the entire replacement, including the new panel, breakers, labor, materials, and permit fees. No hidden charges and no surprises. The price we quote is the price you pay.
Permit and Utility Coordination
We pull all required permits with Aiken County and coordinate with Dominion Energy or your local utility provider to schedule the temporary power disconnect. We handle all the paperwork and scheduling so you do not have to make extra phone calls.
Same-Day Panel Replacement
On installation day, we disconnect the old Federal Pacific panel, remove it completely, and install a new modern panel in its place. Most replacements are completed in a single day, typically six to eight hours. Your power is restored before we leave.
Final Inspection and Approval
After installation, we schedule the required county electrical inspection. We are present for the inspection and address any questions the inspector may have. You receive all documentation for your records, including the permit, inspection approval, and warranty information.
What You Get with a New Panel
When we replace your Federal Pacific panel, you receive a complete, code-compliant electrical panel installation that meets current National Electrical Code and South Carolina requirements.
- Modern 200-amp panel: We install a new 200-amp main breaker panel from a trusted manufacturer such as Square D or Eaton, providing ample capacity for today's electrical demands.
- New circuit breakers: Every breaker is new, properly rated, and UL-listed. No reused breakers from the old panel.
- Proper grounding and bonding: We verify and upgrade your grounding system, including ground rods, bonding jumpers, and water pipe bonds, to meet current code requirements.
- Labeled circuits: Every circuit is clearly labeled so you and future electricians can quickly identify what each breaker controls.
- Code-compliant installation: The entire installation is performed to current NEC standards and passes county inspection.
For more details on panel upgrades and options, visit our Panel Upgrades service page.
Insurance and Resale Implications
Beyond the safety risk, keeping a Federal Pacific panel creates practical problems for Aiken homeowners. Many insurance companies in South Carolina now specifically ask about Federal Pacific panels during underwriting. Some will refuse to issue or renew a homeowner's policy if an FPE panel is present. Others will issue coverage only at significantly higher premiums or with exclusions for electrical fire damage.
When selling your home, a Federal Pacific panel will almost certainly be flagged during the buyer's home inspection. Many buyers will request replacement as a condition of the sale, and some will walk away from the deal entirely. Replacing the panel proactively eliminates this obstacle, protects your negotiating position, and can actually increase your home's value.
A panel replacement is one of the few home improvements that simultaneously eliminates a serious safety hazard, reduces your insurance costs, and increases your property value. It is not a repair you should delay.
Have a Federal Pacific Panel? Get It Replaced.
Serving Aiken, SC and surrounding communities including North Augusta, Graniteville, New Ellenton, Jackson, and Clearwater. Get your flat-rate quote today.