Federal Pacific panel
A recalled-by-reputation breaker panel (FPE Stab-Lok, ~1950–1980) whose breakers can fail to trip — a known fire risk worth replacing.
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) made breaker panels with 'Stab-Lok' breakers from roughly 1950 to 1980, and they're now widely regarded as a fire hazard. The breakers were found to fail standard Underwriters Laboratories calibration tests, meaning a breaker can fail to trip during an overload or short — the exact moment it's supposed to protect you. In 1980 the manufacturer reported to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that many breakers didn't comply with UL requirements, and a 2002 New Jersey court found the company had knowingly distributed breakers not tested to the UL standard their labels claimed. Zinsco (and rebadged Sylvania) panels of the same era have a similar reputation. Home inspectors and electricians routinely recommend replacing these panels, and some insurers won't cover a home that has one. If you find an FPE or Zinsco panel, treat replacing your [service panel](/glossary/service-panel) as a safety repair — see [the cost to replace an electrical panel](/guides/cost-to-replace-electrical-panel) and [electrical warning signs to never ignore](/guides/electrical-safety-warning-signs-homeowners).