|
1 members (Scott35),
25
guests, and
25
robots. |
|
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,056
OP
Member
|
When I come across an old, beat up looking Federal Pacific panel, I will insist that it be replaced. Usually they are the old, 8 ckt, main lug type and the breakers feel sloppy when operated manually. Sometimes however, I see one that looks and feels pretty good. The breakers all click nicely and they usually have a 100-amp main. I know this doesn't reflect reliable performance, and I would prefer not to connect to it, but it is harder to convince someone to change something that looks good.
Any thoughts?
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,140 Likes: 4
Member
|
Redsy,
I think that all you can do is mention what you have heard and personally experienced and point them torwards some sources of 'info' that they can look into themselves.
Bill
Bill
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 280
Member
|
Redsy, Bill
The amazing thing about FPE is they cost 3x as much as any other panel and breaker.
In one trade magizine I saw an advertisement for FPE and they were bragging that FPE protects Air-Force one now that is scary.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,056
OP
Member
|
motor-t,
I believe the FPE breakers now made are different than the infamous type of old.
They are a specialty, so that is why they cost so much. I guess most people would rather pay the inflated cost of a breaker than have a panel replaced.
Bill,
I have some information regarding FP in a book I have about inspecting residential systems. I will photocopy hte info. and leave it with customers in the future.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 28
Member
|
If they don't listen be very nice but present them with a form that says
"customer has been notified of the hazards of continued use of this equipement and releases contractor from all liability of continued use". This really gets their attention and may make them change their mind. And if nothing else, it could be of legal help for you if there is a problem from the equipement.
Don
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,044
Member
|
MAybe you should download a couple of articles & give them to your customers. Try this site http://www.inspect-ny.com/ scroll down to "Electrical Systems & Hazards." Tom
Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,393
Member
|
Here's some $$$$ aftermarket FPE wannabee's http://www.schneider-electric.ca/www/en/products/stab-lok/html/cb.htm A good link Tom. I would note how the CPSC sat the fence, rather disturbing..... ![[Linked Image]](https://www.electrical-contractor.net/ubb/eek.gif) A careful reading of the CPSC press release of March 3, 1984 suggests that the press release was very careful NOT to conclude that there is no hazard, but simply that the information at hand did not prove the hazard, and that the Commission did not have funds to pursue testing. In this document, the representation that no real hazard exists is made by the manufacturer of the device - not exactly a neutral party, and even that wording is cautious in tone: "FPE breakers will trip reliably at most overload levels [This message has been edited by sparky (edited 01-07-2002).]
|
|
|
|
Posts: 1,158
Joined: May 2003
|
|
|
|
