Replacing FPE switchgear

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jimingram

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St Paul MN
I visited an apartment complex built in the 60's. The insurance company is requiring that the FPE Stablok breakers to be replaced for the House loads and Unit Main Breakers. Knowing the reputation of FPE breakers, I came to the conclusion that the entire FPE Switchgear, Panelboards, and Meter Banks would have to be replaced to comply with the insurance company demands. There are two buildings of 48 units each.

The order didn't apply to individual units. The buildings are condos. The owners replace the their loadcenters when they sell their unit.

I based my conclusion on an internet search to see if any UL listed replacement breakers were available. I found UBI breakers, but they seemed to be no better than what's in there already. I doubted the insurance company would accept them. I also was reluctant to take on the liability if (when) these replacement breakers failed.

I'm wondering if there's another alternative I'm not seeing. The consequences are a huge expense, including what to do with the residents during the project. During my 20 plus years on the service truck I saw a lot of apartment switchgrear and meter modules in terrible condition. I often wondered how long before they would have to be replaced.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Jim Ingram
 
I believe just the stablock loadcenters/breakers were what had listing issues at a certain point in time but the entire line plus other products with FPE name get a bad rep over this.

If you think there is non effected equipment by the listing issue, maybe try other insurance companies.

Also consider that putting currently available replacement breakers in these things isn't exactly cheap either.
 
Did FPE actually make switchgear that was the Stablok line?

I would be asking for clarification on what, exactly, they are asking to have replaced, and why.

You mentioned switch gear, meterbanks, and panelboards. Are those all distinct pieces of equipment? On first blush I would see no reason to replace switch gear just because there are downstream FPE panelboards.
 
jim

jim

jaggedben said:
Did FPE actually make switchgear that was the Stablok line?

I would be asking for clarification on what, exactly, they are asking to have replaced, and why.

You mentioned switch gear, meterbanks, and panelboards. Are those all distinct pieces of equipment? On first blush I would see no reason to replace switch gear just because there are downstream FPE panelboards.
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The insurance company wants the FPE Stablok circuit breakers to be removed.

The switchgear, as I call it, was actually built by a local manufacturer in Minneapolis. FPE Panelboards ,with Stablok breakers, were built into the switchgear. The meter modules were similarly built. The Main for each unit is an FPE Stablok breaker. If I attempted to replace the switchgear panelboards, it would be a modification. I believe this modification would be subject to 110.3 Examination, Identification, Use and Product Listing (Certification) of Equipment. Another local manufacturer confirmed this assumption with me and also said it was unlikely I would be able to get anyone to certify a 50 year piece of equipment after it was modified.
I thought of abandoning the switchgear panelboards in place and installing new panelboards elsewhere. The problem still existed with the meter modules and their FPE breakers.
 
I would dive deep into that before you bid, conductors insulation might crack while un-landing and re-landing. Usually breaks at the worst spot possible. Seen 60's era wiring a lot and lots of it has brittle insulation that breaks cracks easy. Its good till you start messing with it usually.
 
jimingram said:
The insurance company wants the FPE Stablok circuit breakers to be removed.

The switchgear, as I call it, was actually built by a local manufacturer in Minneapolis. FPE Panelboards ,with Stablok breakers, were built into the switchgear. The meter modules were similarly built. The Main for each unit is an FPE Stablok breaker. If I attempted to replace the switchgear panelboards, it would be a modification. I believe this modification would be subject to 110.3 Examination, Identification, Use and Product Listing (Certification) of Equipment. Another local manufacturer confirmed this assumption with me and also said it was unlikely I would be able to get anyone to certify a 50 year piece of equipment after it was modified.
I thought of abandoning the switchgear panelboards in place and installing new panelboards elsewhere. The problem still existed with the meter modules and their FPE breakers.
Click to expand...

OK so it is a panelboard. The only panelboard that used stab lok under the SOS program was NALP. Eaton should have a retrofit kit for that.
 
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