Federal Pacific Breaker Panels-Stab-Lok Breakers/What You Should Know.

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In and around Fort Collins, while showing properties the last 3 years, I’ve found a number of homes, townhomes and condos built in the early to late 70’s which have Federal Pacific breaker panels with Stab-Lok breakers. They are known to have a higher than average failure rate. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has know about this problem for quite some time. They began testing these breakers as early as 1980 and found the failure rates quite high when testing them. There were class action law suits against the manufacture of this product in New Jersey and Texas after they discovered the failure rate of these breakers to be high, causing fires in many homes and attached dwellings from faulty breakers. The company went out of business because of this.

In and around Fort Collins, with the lack of inventory, and huge demand many people are waiving inspections to position themselves to get under contract. My position on this when working with buyers, especially first time home buyers is always get the inspection done. Health and saftey issues are two things I do not comprimise on, ever. At least the buyer will be able to make an informed decision on which way they want to proceed. The cost to change out these panels can range from $800.00 to $1600.00. It depends on the location of the panels, are they are behind a finished wall where sheetrock needs to be cut away to gain access or if they are in an open space such as a basement or garage with easier access. I’ve had quotes as high as $3200.00 which is unrealistic.

IMG_5353IMG_5352 There are two links at the bottom to more information on these panels.

IMG_5422http://www.texasinspector.com/files/FedPac-Aronstein-Article.pdf

http://ismypanelsafe.com/files/FPECircuitBreakerHazards070525.pdf

It’s alway a good idea to make sure the property you are buying is as safe as it possibly can be. Make sure you work with an agent who is well versed in areas of possible safety and health issues. Always, even if you do not plan to file any Inspection Objection, hire a home inspector so you know what you are fully getting into and possible hidden costs.