Are Federal Pacific panels a fire hazard?

Yes, Federal Pacific panels, particularly Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok panels installed in millions of homes from the 1950s to 1980s, are considered a significant fire hazard by electricians, home inspectors, and safety experts. Independent testing by engineers and investigations related to the Consumer Product Safety Commission found that Federal Pacific Stab-Lok breakers failed to trip during overload and short circuit conditions in up to 60 percent of tests, meaning they would not shut off power when wires overheated, allowing wires to melt, arc, and start fires inside walls. The panels also have design flaws including poor bus bar connections that overheat, breakers that can appear off while still energized, and breakers that can fall out or not make proper contact. There have been numerous reports of fires linked to Federal Pacific panels, and the company went out of business in the 1980s after lawsuits and loss of UL listing amid allegations of fraudulent testing to obtain approvals. Most electricians, home inspectors, and insurance companies consider Federal Pacific panels unsafe and recommend immediate replacement with modern panels from Square D, Eaton, or Siemens. Many insurance companies refuse to insure homes with Federal Pacific panels or charge higher premiums. So yes, they are widely regarded as a fire hazard.