InspectAPedia ^®

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Panels - Reliance Electric Co. Press Release cites Product Defects, Improper Practices
FPEaPedia ^©

• Press Release cites improper practices used by FPE to obtain UL Listing for most of FPE's circuit breakers and notes testing which indicates "possible defects."

We recommend that the FPE Stab-Lok electrical panel be replaced entirely. We recommend against replacing individual FPE Stab-lok circuit breakers.

This web page explains the issues and recommends solutions for people looking for a replacement FPE Stab-Lok circuit breaker. We do not sell circuit breakers nor any other products.

From Reliance Electric Company
Date-Stamped July 7, 1980 Division of Product
Def....Compliance and Enforcement, CPSC [United States Consumer Product Safety Commission]

For more information contact:
Ricard B. Ainsworth, Jr.
(216) 266-5834

For release: Saturday, July 5, after 4 p.m.

Cleveland, Ohio -- Reliance Electric Company has notified the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that it is investigating a possible defect in the past production of the Stab-Lok line of two-pole, 220 volt circuit breakers made by its recently acquired subsidiary, Federal Pacific Electric Company, headquartered in Newark, New Jersey.

It appears that Underwriters Laboratories labels for most of FPE's circuit breakers were obtained through improper practices, a Reliance spokesperson said. Reliance emphasized that current production of these breakers meets the requirements of Underwriters Laboratories tests.

An in-house test by Reliance indicated the possible defect. Reliance has retained Southwest Research Institute, an independent testing laboratory, to conduct further tests.

Reliance has also identified similar problems with some three- pole Stab-Lok and molded case circuit breakers. Further testing on these breakers is being conducted. These type circuit breakers are used predominantly in commercial and industrial applications.

Reliance and Federal Pacific Electric will work with the CPSC in determining whether further action is required.

Although Reliance has not determined whether a significant hazard exists with regard to these devices, the company has stopped its shipments of the product in question and has requested that distributors stop further sales until tests are completed and evaluated.

...

Technical Reviewers & References

Search InspectAPedia

• Daniel Friedman - principal author/editor of the InspectAPedia^® Website
• InspectAPedia Bookstore lists recommended books, organized by topic & available for purchase. Most of our articles also include a list of recommended books for the specific article topic as well as other references, and information sources.
• Critique, contributions wanted: Contact Us to suggest corrections or additions to articles at this website, and if you wish, to receive online listing and credit as a contributor. Particular thanks are due to the many experts and also consumers who read and critique technical articles at InspectAPedia.com.
• Additional technical contributors & reference sources for this article are listed below.

Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

More Information on Building Diagnostic Inspections and Repairs

• The Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Electric Panel Hazard Website Safety Information for Consumers. 1983
• Home Inspection Reporting Language and discussion for FPE panels
• Schneider Canada Federal Pioneer circuit breaker recall
• Federal Pacific Electric Panels: Fires Waiting to Happen, Debate Waiting to Be Ended
• How to Identify Federal Pacific Electric Panels Stab Lok Breakers & History of the Federal Pacific Electric Stab Lok Hazard
• 1983 CPSC Investigation of FPE Circuit Breakers Safety Information for Consumers
• 1982 Reliance Electric Co. SEC Quarterly Report: Note C. reports litigation between Reliance and UV Liquidating Trust and contends that "... improper and deceptive practices were employed for many years to secure UL listings for Federal Pacific's circuit protective products..."
• 1980 Reliance Electric Co. Press Release: improper practices improper practices used to obtain UL Listing for most of FPE's circuit breakers and notes testing which indicates "possible defects." 1980, Reliance Electric Co.
• 1980 FPE - Exxon Buys A Scandal Along With A Company improper practices used to obtain UL Listing for most of FPE's circuit breakers and notes testing which indicates "possible defects." 1980, Reliance Electric Co.
• FAQ: Website Credibility

InspectAPedia® Home & Site Map - Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair, & Problem Prevention Advice: In-depth research & advice on diagnosing, testing, correcting, & preventing building defects & indoor environmental hazards. Unbiased information, no conflicts of interest.

The Mold Information Center: What to Do About Mold in Buildings, When and How to Inspect for Mold, Clean Up Mold, or Avoid Mold Problems

Use this simple, economical mold test kit by following our instructions on how to collect and mail mold samples to our lab

Environmental Inspection, Testing, & Diagnosis On-Site IAQ, Gas, Air Testing, Mold Investigation, Sick Building Diagnosis, Lab Services, & Remediation Plan Preparation - indoor air quality testing, problem source determination, supporting lab work, written remediation plan addressing removal of environmental and other hazards and prevention of their recurrence.

Building Inspection, Problem Diagnosis, Forensic Investigation & Testing, Repair Consulting

Contact Daniel Friedman for website content suggestions or for fee-paid consulting