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Safety 4 min read
Why You Need to Replace That FPE Stab-Lok Panel — Now
Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok panels are a documented fire risk. Here's how to identify yours and what replacement costs.
Warning
FPE Stab-Lok panels have been linked to thousands of house fires. If you have one, replace it.
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) made millions of Stab-Lok panels from the 1950s to the 1980s. Independent testing has shown the breakers fail to trip during overloads up to 60% of the time.
How to identify yours
- The panel cover says 'Stab-Lok' or 'Federal Pacific'
- Breakers are red, orange, or pink at the toggle tip
- Common in homes built 1955–1985
Replacement cost
A typical replacement with a Square D QO 200A panel runs $2,400–$3,400 in the Baltimore-DMV area. We replace these weekly — it's one of our most common jobs.
Tip
Insurance companies are starting to refuse coverage on homes with FPE panels. Replacing yours can lower your premium.