Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panel

An electrical panel brand widely installed from the 1950s to the early 1980s whose breakers have been reported to fail to trip under fault conditions.

Glossary

What is Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panel?

Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok panels have been the subject of long-running dispute and independent testing suggesting an elevated rate of breakers failing to trip on overload. The consequence of a breaker that does not trip is that the wiring, not the breaker, becomes the limiting element. Practice varies: many inspectors report the panel by name, describe the reported concern without asserting that a specific panel is defective, and recommend evaluation by a licensed electrician, who will often recommend replacement. Zinsco and Sylvania-Zinsco panels carry similar reported concerns. Because insurers may decline these panels, identifying them accurately affects more than safety.

Related terms

AFCIAn arc-fault circuit interrupter is a breaker that opens the circuit when it detects the electrical signature of arcing, which is a common ignition source in residential fires.Aluminum branch circuit wiringSolid aluminum wiring used for 15- and 20-amp branch circuits in many homes built between roughly 1965 and 1973, associated with an elevated risk of overheating at connections.BondingConnecting metallic components of a building's systems together so they remain at the same electrical potential, reducing shock hazard.Double-tapped breakerTwo conductors terminated under a single breaker lug that is listed for only one conductor.

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