Are Federal Pioneer breaker panels safe? The Federal Pioneer panel is the Canadian equivalent of the Federal Pacific panel, complete with fire hazards. An inspection of Federal Pioneer panels in 2017 showed that 38% of those tested failed to trip when there was intense electrical activity.
Are Federal Pioneer Stab-Lok® electrical panels safer than older FP panels&breakers?
Are Newer Federal Pioneer Stab-Lok® Electrical Panels Safer than Older FP or Federal Pioneer Panels & Breakers? NO. The Federal Pioneer brand of electrical panels and circuit breakers is a Canadian version of the Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok® equipment.
Are there any problems with the Federal Pioneer panel?
Federal Pioneer Panel Problems – The Electrical Safety Authority has revised and re-issued a Safety Flash that was originally published in 1997 – their concern is that potential problems might still exist for Federal Pioneer breakers that may not trip!
Are federal pioneer circuit breakers safe to replace?
DO NOT think that replacing circuit breakers is a useful alternative to panel replacement. It is not; the replacement breakers are not more safe than the originals. Update - The factory in Mexico that manufactures the Federal Pioneer breakers is closed due to the pandemic.
Do I need to replace my federal Pacific panel?
As a result, electrical companies recommend that homeowners replace any Federal Pacific panels with new, up-to-date circuit breakers. The breakers inside a circuit breaker panel guard your home against serious electrical problems and play a vital role in protecting your home against electrical fires.
Are new Federal Pioneer breakers safe?
Unless the breaker trips when the voltage exceeds its maximum capacity, wiring heat levels can become dangerous and cause a fire. This is why many independent electrical safety experts say you should replace your Federal Pacific or Federal Pioneer panel.
When did they stop making Federal Pioneer panels?
American-Pioneer or American FP stab-lok circuit breakers were produced by Canadian Federal Pioneer (Schneider Electric) and were sold under exclusive contract in the U.S. by ACBC, American Circuit Breaker Company, no longer in operation (2017) - Ed.
Are federal electrical panel safe?
Investigations indicate that Federal Pacific Electrical (FPE) panels contain defective circuit breakers that create a substantial risk of fires. Some estimates indicate that these dangerous electrical panels cause around 2,800 fires and more than one dozen deaths each year.
Should Federal Pacific panels be replaced?
The bottom line is that Federal Pacific breaker panels should almost always be replaced. The risk from having circuit breakers in your home that don't do their important job of preventing fire and overload is too great.
Who owns Federal Pioneer?
Schneider ElectricFederal Pioneer Ltd was acquired by Schneider Electric on Jan 1, 1990 .
Are Federal Pioneer Stab Lok breakers safe?
Federal Pacific breakers and electric panels (FPE Stab-Lok) have a high risk for unexpected circuit breaker failure. These breaker panels have high failure rates linked to thousands of house fires; thus, they are considered defective and unsafe by most inspectors and electricians.
Are Schneider and Federal Pioneer breakers the same?
Today, two companies still make Stab-Lok-type products: Connecticut Electric produces breakers under the name UBI, and a Canadian company, Schneider Electric, makes breakers and panels under the name Federal Pioneer.
Is federal pioneer the same as Federal Pacific?
Federal Pioneer is the Canadian brand name for electrical panels and circuit breakers of same design and history of origin as Federal Pacific Electric (FPE-Stab-Lok® ) equipment sold in the U.S.
Are Federal Pacific panels illegal?
The National Electrical Code currently bans the Federal Pacific Panel Breaker model. This means it's illegal to use this type of system in new homes or businesses, but you could still have one in your home that was installed years ago.
How much does it cost to replace a Federal Pacific electrical panel?
Generally speaking, you should expect replacement costs to be around $1500. Ultimately, the decision whether or not to replace your breaker box is one that only you can make.
Why did Federal Pacific go out of business?
FPE Falsified Safety Tests, But Breakers Never Recalled As with all electrical products, it went through a certification process to ensure it was safe, and it was approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). FPE went bankrupt (for unrelated reasons) and eventually ended up as part of Reliance Electric in 1979.
What is the problem with Stab-Lok breakers?
Experts also estimated that FPE Stab-Lok breakers may be responsible for as many as 2,800 fires, 13 deaths and $40 million in property damage every year.
What is difference between federal pioneer and Federal Pacific?
Federal Pioneer is the Canadian brand name for electrical panels and circuit breakers of same design and history of origin as Federal Pacific Electric (FPE-Stab-Lok® ) equipment sold in the U.S.
Is Schneider Electric the same as Federal Pioneer?
Schneider Electric acquires Federal Pioneer Ltd - 1990-01-01 - Crunchbase Acquisition Profile.
What breakers are compatible with federal pioneer?
Stab-lok breakers are fully interchangeable with all past breakers and deliver the same proven quality. The unique Stab-lok breaker design of only a 1/2 thick, allows for the reduction of the size and weight of the loadcentre. This breaker will work only in Federal Pioneer Stab-lok branded residential panels.
Will a Federal Pacific panel pass inspection?
Why Certain Electrical Panels (Such as Federal Pacific Breakers) Are Uninsurable. If you're wondering, “Will a Federal Pacific panel pass inspection?” the answer is no. Electrical fires are one of the top causes for residential fires, and cause an estimated 500 deaths and $1.3 billion in property damage each year.
What is a Federal Pioneer?
The Federal Pioneer brand of electrical panels and circuit breakers is a Canadian version of the Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok® equipment.
Why are the Pioneer breakers closed?
Update - The factory in Mexico that manufactures the Federal Pioneer breakers is closed due to the pandemic. I am waiting to hear from Schneider Electric.
What is the difference between breaker rating failures at different times and temperatures?
The difference between those breaker rating failures at different times and temperatures are simply how long the circuit has to heat up ( and thus what is the actual level of over-current in Amps) before it is considered unsafe.
What is the red dot on a Federal Pioneer circuit breaker?
Above: the Federal Pioneer circuit breakers marked with a red dot are those that failed the 135% Must Trip requirement.
Is Federal Pioneer Stab Lok breakers still in production?
It appears that Federal Pioneer Stab-Lok breakers are no longer in production. The breakers no longer appear on Schneider Electric's website.
Where can I buy Eaton panels?
I forgot to mention that Eaton panels and breakers are available at Home Depot in Canada as well as the United States. They are inexpensive, reliable, and popular.
Who bought Beaver Lumber?
they were bought out by Home Hardware (East Canada), which merged with Link Hardware (West Canada, on your other breaker tag) to create a national coverage chain.
When were Federal Pioneer circuit breakers recalled?
In May 1999 we learned from Schneider Canada that Federal pioneer circuit breakers sold by that company are re-named from Federal Pacific circuit breakers and that two 15-amp single-pole models NC015 and NC015CP made between August 1, 1996 and June 11, 1997 have been recalled.
When was the Pioneer warranty issued?
The Federal Pioneer Warranty Alert was issued by the Ontario New Home Warranty program in October 1997 and provides for circuit breaker replacement.
What was the FPE Stab-Lok case?
Fraudulent FPE Stab-Lok® ®practice: In 2002, in a class action lawsuit in New Jersey, the Court ruled that over many years FPE had violated the NY Consumer Fraud Act. Specifically, the court found that “….
How to contact Schneider Electric for a blue breaker?
Contractors/Electricians: For any suspect blue-handled circuit breaker replace the breaker and return it to Schneider Electric for full credit, or contact Schneider Electric Customer Care Centre at 1-800-565-6699 or the Schneider Electric Recovery Administration team, at 1-866-333-1490 for additional information.
What is Federal Pacific Electric?
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE Stab-Lok® ®) was a widely-distributed electrical panel brand throughout the United States and under the Federal Pioneer brand, also in Canada very similar product continues to be sold.
What is the red test button on a GFI?
If the date code is not legible, the AFI should be replaced. Red test button ONLY This is a ground fault interrupter (GFI) and is not affected by this notification – no further action required.
The Federal Pioneer breaker box and Stab-lok issue - US vs Canadian product & data
Thank you for the excellent website, which I’ve used to research many issues. In the course of researching an unrelated issue I came across the pages related to Federal Pacific/Pioneer breaker boxes and Stab-lok breakers.
Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia
Questions & answers or comments about the safety and reliability of older vs more contemporary Federal Pioneer FP Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers.
What is a Federal Pacific Electric Breaker Panel?
Reliance Electric, the parent company for Federal Pacific Electric Company (or FPE), produced some of the most widely used circuit breakers in North America between 1950 to 1980. You can find Federal Pacific Stab-Lok circuit breaker boxes in homes built until 2000.
Stab-Lok Breakers: The CPSC Recall Stance
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (or CPSC) had to take a stance on the issue; as a result, they started an investigation.
The Federal Pacific Electric Class Action Lawsuit
Due to the high circuit breaker failure rate to provide appropriate protection to homeowners in 2005, lawyers filed a class-action lawsuit against FPE.
What is the Purpose of an Electrical Circuit Breaker?
Today every home has electricity, and while it is vital for our wellbeing and comfort, it can also be deadly if mishandled.
Are Federal Pacific Breakers Dangerous?
So many FPE breakers are not working as intended because of their original design, specifications, and the cheap materials used in their production.
Will a Federal Pacific Panel Pass a Home Inspection?
There has been much debate and varying opinions on this throughout the years. While Federal Pacific Stab-Lok breaker panels are legal under the grandfather law into the electrical code, home inspectors aren’t building code inspectors and look at much more than just the building code when inspecting a home.
How to Identify Federal Pacific Panels and Breakers?
The first thing to point out is that since the FPE Company is no longer operating, the only way to come across Federal Pacific breaker panels is through buying (or renting) a house with an existing FPE panel.
What is Federal Pioneer?
Federal Pioneer is the Canadian brand name of the same Federal Pacific panels that were sold in the US. These panels are subject to the same failures as their Federal Pacific cousins, since they are simply the same design with a different name.
Why do insurance companies deny FPE panels?
The denials are because insurers run the numbers and if something is too big a risk, they will not offer coverage. With so many FPE panels leading to fires, insurance companies tend to opt out of coverage for these homes because they believe there is a good chance that they may have to cover fire-related damage for that homeowner in the future.
What type of circuit breaker did Federal Pacific use?
The style of Federal Pacific panels that used their Stab-Lok breakers were found to have a higher rate of failure over time than other panels. More and more house fires were traced back to a circuit breaker in the electric panel that failed to trip when an overload occurred. Federal Pacific panels and their circuit breakers were overwhelmingly the panels to blame.
Why are Zinsco panels unsafe?
What makes Zinsco panels so unsafe is that the circuit breakers inside the enclosure melt to the main bus bar, meaning the breaker no longer has the ability to even trip. That means, in the event of an overload or short circuit the power will remain on. A short or power surge could cause the wire to melt further and start a house fire. Look for the name Zinsco or rebranded Zinsco panels under the GTE Sylvania or Sylvania name on the panel. If you have one, have it inspected. You will most likely need to get it replaced.
Why did the CPSC close down their investigation?
Then, the CPSC, after finding that many panels failed, closed down their investigation as it proved too costly. One of the investigators continued to warn about FPE risks, but the government dropped the ball by placing money before consumer safety.
What happened to the breakers in the 1980s?
A 1980s court case revealed that not only were the breakers failing to pass the Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) guidelines, but that Federal Pacific committed fraud and cover-up regarding their testing. They labeled the breakers as meeting the UL standards when they clearly did not.
When can a breaker be on?
Breakers can be on when they are in a downward position. This makes for confusion. Is the breaker on or off? Does anyone really want to guess?
Why are Federal Pioneer panels the worst?
Federal Pioneer panels are the worst because you have to flip the breaker away from the center of the panel to turn them on. Every other panel I know of is the opposite. So often I look at a FP panel and think a circuit is off then got back and test it before I work on it and it's live.
How to contact Schneider Electric for a blue breaker?
Contractors/Electricians: For any suspect blue-handled circuit breaker replace the breaker and return it to Schneider Electric for full credit, or contact Schneider Electric Customer Care Centre at 1-800-565-6699 or the Schneider Electric Recovery Administration team, at 1-866-333-1490 for additional information.
Is a square handle a recall?
Check for a square / rectangular handle with a hole, as illustrated or a rounded / ribbed handle – these are OK and not impacted by the recall notice.
Is FPE a different story?
Yes FPE is a different story altogether as they lost their listing and went under. Many products have problems from time to time.
What is the risk of a Federal Pacific breaker panel?
If your home has a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) circuit breaker panel with Stab-Lok circuit breakers, you run a significant risk of breaker malfunction and fire.
What is the red strip on a Federal Pacific panel?
Intact Federal Pacific breakers will have a signature red strip that runs across the front. If you have a Federal Pacific panel or Stab-Lok breakers in your home, it’s important to replace them with a circuit breaker that meets modern safety standards.
Why are circuit breakers important?
Why Circuit Breakers Are Critical to Your Home’s Safety. The breakers inside a circuit breaker panel guard your home against serious electrical problems and play a vital role in protecting your home against electrical fires. They do so by preventing circuit overload, short circuits, and external power surges from coming into the panel.
What is the risk of a Stab-Lok circuit breaker?
If your home was built between 1950 and 1990 and is equipped with a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) circuit breaker panel with Stab-Lok circuit breakers, you run a significant risk of breaker malfunction and fire.
How many fires are caused by Federal Pacific breaker failures?
Federal Pacific panel breaker malfunctions are the cause of an estimated 2,800 fires each year. As a result, electrical companies recommend that homeowners replace any Federal Pacific panels with new, up-to-date circuit breakers.
Is a Federal Pacific breaker dangerous?
Produced by the Federal Pacific Electric company, these breakers are now considered a safety hazard. You should replace them with a circuit breaker that meets modern safety standards.
Did Pacific Electric issue a recall?
However, the Consumer Product Safety Commission did not issue a product recall due to budget issues.
