ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade Business Related Discussion Data on Hazard of FPE Panels

Having been an apprentice in the trade when these were being installed, I can recall the electricians complaining to the contractor about how junky they were. They proliferated due to low cost - and are no longer used for a reason. Hard to be a Sq D QO that has been around at least since the 70's.
We continually get reports from home buyers that home inspectors have written reports stating the they are not safe. In all honesty, I have blown apart some nice Kliens without the breakers tripping and have seen them burned up in panels.
As far as replacing them, I tell customer that they were never the best quality panels and I'd recommend replacing it if they're concerned, but it's not required.
As far as them not tripping in Canada...

FPE stab-lok is everywhere here in BC. 40yo homes right up to current - some of which I installed on spec'ed jobs within the past few years.

I don't *like* them, but that is my opinion. I think the stabs have poor pressure and contact area with the bus bars. However, it is by far the most common breaker/panel I deal with so its no surprise its the brand I run into with the most problems.

Why there is a witch-hunt for FPE south of the border, and virtually no cause for alarm (except for opinionated sparkies ) up here doesn't make sense. Insurance companies are busy condemning K&T and/or fuse boxes instead.

BTW: I install Square-D QO whenever possible.

The Canadian Federal Pioneer is a different breaker internally than the US Federal Pacific. I would be wary of the older Federal Pacific breakers that made it into Canada however.