I think that FPE breakers manufactured in the U.S for U.S installations are different internally ... I have NEVER heard of an FPE breaker not tripping here in Canada.. I will be the first to admit they are SLOW to trip but they do trip and no damage results... I have heard the same story from a neighbour and electrician regarding other manufacturers whereby they have had dead shorts and the breaker did no more than hum!
" Fires caused because the breaker didnt trip"??? Maybe there was not enough current to actually trip the breaker?? Maybe there was arcing ( hence the manufacture and use of arc fault breakers!)...
I have seen piles of these breakers installed and I have seen them trip when required under short circuits or overloads ( at least they do here in Canada!)
A.D
