Federal Pacific STAB-LOK Breaker Panels: What Homeowners Need to Know
- northwayhomeinspec
- Dec 16, 2025
- 2 min read
What Is a Federal Pacific STAB-LOK Panel?
Federal Pacific Electric (often labeled FPE or Stab-Lok) manufactured electrical breaker panels that were widely installed in homes from the 1950s through the 1980s. These panels were very common during that time and can still be found in many older homes today in Minnesota.
How to Identify a STAB-LOK Panel
You can often identify a Federal Pacific STAB-LOK panel by looking for:
The name “Federal Pacific Electric” or “FPE” on the panel door
The term “Stab-Lok” printed inside the panel
Breakers with distinctive red, blue, or orange handles or stripes
Inside the panel, breakers connect to the bus bar using a copper “stab” connection, which is unique to this design
Why Federal Pacific Panels Are a Concern
The primary issue with Federal Pacific STAB-LOK panels is the high failure rate of the circuit breakers. Circuit breakers are designed to trip when overloaded or when a short circuit occurs, cutting power to prevent overheating, electrical damage, or fire.
Numerous independent tests have shown that many FPE breakers fail to trip when they should. When a breaker fails to trip, wiring can overheat without warning, significantly increasing the risk of an electrical fire.
Why This Is a Red Flag for Home Inspectors
As a home inspector, I consider Federal Pacific STAB-LOK panels to be a serious safety concern. Even if the system appears to be functioning normally at the time of inspection, the documented failure rate means there is no reliable way to confirm that the breakers will protect the home when needed.
What Should Be Done
If your home has a Federal Pacific Electric STAB-LOK panel, the safest course of action is replacement of the electrical panel.
If the home’s wiring is in good condition, a qualified licensed electrician can replace the panel with a modern, code-compliant electrical service. This upgrade significantly reduces the risk of breaker failure and electrical fire and improves overall safety.
Bottom Line
Federal Pacific STAB-LOK panels are widely recognized as a safety hazard due to their history of breaker failure. Replacement is strongly recommended to protect the home and its occupants.
