Will A Federal Pacific Panel Pass Inspection? (Explained)

Got a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panel in your home? Or maybe you’re thinking about buying a house that has one?

If so, you’re probably wondering how this might affect a home inspection.

Don’t worry, you’re not the only one asking these questions. A lot of homeowners and potential buyers are in the same boat, trying to figure out what to do about these FPE panels.

In this post, I’ll explain if a Federal Pacific Panel will pass inspection, and answer some FAQs. 

Will A Federal Pacific Electric Panel Pass Inspection?

A Federal Pacific panel won’t pass an inspection. These panels have a high failure rate and pose serious fire risks, which many inspectors and insurance companies consider unacceptable.

That said, home inspections don’t really work on a simple “pass” or “fail” system.

Home inspections are meant to give the buyer a detailed look at the condition of the home, including its systems and components.

The inspector’s job is to point out issues and give you some advice. 

Now, when it comes to FPE panels, most inspectors will raise a red flag. They’ll tell you it’s a big safety concern and strongly suggest you get it replaced because, well, these panels are known fire hazards.

Also Check Out Our Richmond inspection services

On the other hand, a home appraisal is for the mortgage company. It assesses the property’s value and checks if it meets safety and livability standards for a loan. 

Many mortgage companies have strict rules about electrical systems, and will refuse to approve a loan if the house has an FPE panel until it’s replaced. 

So in a way, this could make the house “fail” the appraisal process.

Why Are FPE Panels Considered A Safety Hazard?

Okay, so why all the fuss about Federal Pacific Electric panels? Well, in the world of electrical stuff and home inspections, these panels are seen as pretty dangerous. 

There are two main reasons for this:

Defective Breakers

The biggest problem with Federal Pacific panels is in their circuit breakers. 

These breakers have a bad reputation for not doing their job when they need to. 

Here’s what’s supposed to happen: when too much electricity flows through a circuit, the breaker should trip and cut off the power. This prevents overheating and potential fires. 

But FPE breakers? They have a high failure rate at this crucial task. 

This means there’s a much higher chance of electrical fires in homes with these panels.

Also Read: What happens if you don’t get a final inspection

Brittle Materials

Another issue with FPE panels is the quality of materials used in their construction. 

Over time, these materials can get brittle and start to break. As they degrade, it makes the panel even less safe and reliable. 

This just adds to the problems caused by those faulty breakers.

What Should You Do If You Have A Federal Pacific?

So, you’ve found out your home has a Federal Pacific Electric panel. What now? 

Your best bet is to call up a licensed electrician. They can take a look at your specific panel and give you expert advice on what to do next.

Most of the time, they’ll probably tell you to replace the whole FPE panel. 

Now, I know what you’re thinking – that sounds expensive, right? It can be. But think about it this way: weigh that cost against the risk of keeping an unsafe electrical panel in your home. 

There’s real value in knowing your electrical system is up to current safety standards. It’s hard to put a price on that kind of peace of mind.

Bottom Line

So, while an FPE panel might not technically “fail” a home inspection in the usual sense, it’s almost certain to be flagged as a major problem.

More importantly, it could prevent a mortgage from being approved during the appraisal process.

If you’re a homeowner and you’ve got an FPE panel, the safest thing to do is to start planning to replace it as soon as you can.

Better safe than sorry, right?

FAQs

Do All Federal Pacific Panels Need To Be Replaced?

Not every Federal Pacific panel will fail, but many have a higher chance of failing. Because of the safety risks, it’s a good idea to have an electrician check your panel. 

If your panel is found to be defective, you should replace it.

What Is The Failure Rate Of Federal Pacific Panels?

The failure rate of Federal Pacific electrical panels with Stab-Lok breakers is estimated to be around 33%, meaning that 1 out of 3 breakers in these panels is defective. 

This is due to a design flaw in the breakers, which can cause them to overheat and fail.

Are Federal Pacific Panels Illegal?

No, Federal Pacific panels are not illegal. However, many insurance companies and building codes now require them to be replaced due to the safety risks they pose.