I know the stories about FPE panels. A friend just bought a house with a FPE panel, and he wants to replace it. It is a 200 amp main lug, and has a FPE outside disconnect. Should we replace the disconnect as well as the panel or will we be ok just to replace the panel? Were all FPE products as bad as the panels?
FPE Main Lug Panel
- Thread starter jbfan74
- Start date
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hbiss
EC, New York NEC: 2017
- Location
- Little Falls, New York NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- EC
Re: FPE Main Lug Panel
The problem is with FPE breakers and I can only imagine how well one that has been installed outside for many years works.
Answer is if you are going to replace the panel inside because of the breakers the disconnect needs to go too.
-Hal
The problem is with FPE breakers and I can only imagine how well one that has been installed outside for many years works.
Answer is if you are going to replace the panel inside because of the breakers the disconnect needs to go too.
-Hal
jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: FPE Main Lug Panel
For piece of mind get rid of every piece of FPE that you can
For piece of mind get rid of every piece of FPE that you can
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Re: FPE Main Lug Panel
I would agree that all FPE stuff should go. For those interested there is a class action suit pending against FPE. You can get information @ www.yacoutclassaction.com.
I would agree that all FPE stuff should go. For those interested there is a class action suit pending against FPE. You can get information @ www.yacoutclassaction.com.
Re: FPE Main Lug Panel
I have run into an instance that shows that FPE 120 volt plug in circuit breakers worked when new and would develop arthritis after a few years. I had an instance where I replaced a broken receptacle quad for engine block heaters on diesel trucks. Turning the breaker off, then back on for receptacle replacement restored normal operation. the customer then discovered that they had 30 amps of load on a 20 amp circuit. I was called back to increase the number of circuits from 1 to 2. Just more money in my pocket.
Actually, before silicone lubricants most molded case circuit breakers would develop arthritis unless exercised once per year. The really old SquareD circuit breakers that predated their QO circuit breakers are really bad too.
I have run into an instance that shows that FPE 120 volt plug in circuit breakers worked when new and would develop arthritis after a few years. I had an instance where I replaced a broken receptacle quad for engine block heaters on diesel trucks. Turning the breaker off, then back on for receptacle replacement restored normal operation. the customer then discovered that they had 30 amps of load on a 20 amp circuit. I was called back to increase the number of circuits from 1 to 2. Just more money in my pocket.
Actually, before silicone lubricants most molded case circuit breakers would develop arthritis unless exercised once per year. The really old SquareD circuit breakers that predated their QO circuit breakers are really bad too.
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