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.
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.