Federal Pacific Panels

Ford2001 · Oct 17, 2009

Hi Guys>

Got a call, to tie in the circuits left hanging by the electrical panels by another electrician. Two Federal Pacific Breaker panel, with a 200 amp. Service Disconnect Breaker.

I told the customer I would left him know Monday, but no later than
Tueday.

So would you take a job that all wired, and the only thing left if running
the wires into the panels. But I see one problem, you can purchase
AFCI FPE or GFCI FPE breakers.

So let hears your thoughts and opinions on this> THANKS

The guy that started the wiring, had to go Iraq.

Ian Gills · Oct 17, 2009

This sounds very suspicious.

Are you sure it wasn't a DIYer?

Even as a DIYer I always find time to tie a new circuit into the panel. That's a five minute job compared to the hours running the circuit.

But I can see many DIYers stopping just short of there.

Sponsor · 2022-01-29T12:20:58-0800

Cass · Oct 17, 2009

Yes...they can be found but I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole unless the customer wanted a pannel change out..

Speedy Petey · Oct 18, 2009

This has DIY written ALL over it. The ask an electrician to check their work and "do the tie ins". They think that tying into the panel is the hardest part.

FPE is FPE. You just deal with it however you can.

Are AFCI's required in your area?
And WHY GFI breakers? Why not devices?
FPE GFI breakers are available, but good luck finding them.

If AFCI's and/or GFI breakers are required you have two choices:
Replace the panel, or install a sub-panel.

Jimbo · Oct 18, 2009

I found a FPE GFCI breaker on google....$200. And you never know on this kind of search it that item is really even available. Did not find any AFCI. I think the handwriting is on the wall

Jar546 · Oct 18, 2009

Good luck finding a UL listed breaker for that panel which should be replaced.

Either this is a DIY OR

Another electrician ran the circuits but refused to tie into that panel and you are the fall guy.

Either way it stinks of something not good.

Speedy Petey · Oct 18, 2009

My supply house has brand new FPE replacement breakers.

Ford2001 · Oct 19, 2009

Fpe breakers panels, replace or not replace

Thanks to everyone who took the time to post a reply. Your comments
were greatly appreciated.

As far getting my hands on, FPE breakers, there available in my area.

FullySprinklered · Dec 11, 2014

How much for a ticket to Iraq?

Norcal01 · Dec 21, 2014

There were FPE GFCI breakers, but there are no FPE AFCI breakers, as to "new" FPE breakers, there are UBI UL classified FPE replacement breakers that are ChiCom in origin, UBI also makes knockoffs of Zinsco/Sylvania & ITE Pushmatic.

Note: UL listed is reserved for OEM breakers, UL classifies some competing makes to fit certain panels.

Federal Pacific Panels

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