When to Replace a Federal Pacific Panel

The Hidden Danger in Your Electrical Panel

If you live in a home built between the 1950s and 1980s in Littleton, there’s a chance you have an outdated Federal Pacific Electrical (FPE) panel quietly lurking in your basement or garage.

At first glance, it looks harmless — just another gray metal box with breakers. But inside, these panels are infamous for failing to trip during overloads or short circuits.

That failure can turn a small electrical issue into a serious fire hazard.

In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and multiple independent studies have identified that Federal Pacific panels are unsafe and should be replaced.

So how do you know if your home has one? And when should you consider replacing it? Let’s break it down.

What Is a Federal Pacific Panel?

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels were a popular brand of electrical panels installed in homes across the United States from the 1950s through the 1980s.

These panels used Stab-Lok breakers, which were later discovered to have a critical flaw — many failed to trip when overloaded.

That means instead of protecting your home, these breakers could allow dangerous levels of current to flow, leading to electrical fires, melted wires, or shock hazards.

Even though Federal Pacific panels were discontinued decades ago, many are still in homes today — especially in older neighborhoods around Littleton, Centennial, Lakewood, and Denver.

Are Federal Pacific Panels Dangerous?

In one word — yes.

Federal Pacific panels are considered one of the most dangerous types of electrical panels ever installed in residential homes.

Studies have shown that about 25–30% of their breakers may not trip during an overload, which increases the risk of an electrical fire or electrocution.

Here’s what makes them risky:

• Faulty breaker mechanisms: Stab-Lok breakers often fail internally even when they appear to work.
• Overheating issues: Loose connections can cause wires and breakers to overheat.
• Fire hazards: A breaker that fails to trip can lead to wire insulation melting and sparking fires inside walls.

So if you’re asking, “Are Federal Pacific panels dangerous?” — the answer is a firm yes, and replacing one should be a priority.

How to Identify a Federal Pacific Electrical Panel

Before you call in an electrician, you can do a quick visual check to see if your home may have one of these panels. Here’s how to identify it:

1. Locate your electrical panel. It’s usually in your basement, garage, or utility room.
2. Look for the Federal Pacific name. The panel door may have “Federal Pacific Electric” or the letters “FPE.”
3. Check for Stab-Lok breakers. These are the distinctive red-tipped breakers labeled “Stab-Lok.”
4. Notice the age and style. If your home was built before 1990 and the panel has thin, double-stacked breakers, there’s a strong chance it’s an FPE.

If you see these signs, it’s time to call an electrician, Colorado’s trusted licensed electrical professionals, to inspect and replace your Federal Pacific panel safely.

When Should You Replace a Federal Pacific Panel?

If your home still runs on a Federal Pacific panel, the best time to replace it is now — even if it “seems” to be working fine.

These panels don’t give much warning before failure. However, you should definitely replace your panel if you notice any of these red flags:

• Breakers that feel hot to the touch
• A burning or smoky odor near the panel
• Buzzing or crackling sounds
• Lights flickering or dimming frequently
• Scorch marks or melted plastic around breakers
• Tripped breakers that won’t reset

Even without visible issues, age alone makes these panels unsafe. If yours is over 40 years old, it’s long past its intended lifespan.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Federal Pacific Electrical Panel?

The cost to replace a Federal Pacific electrical panel varies depending on your home’s size, electrical load, and the new panel’s capacity.

In Colorado, homeowners typically pay between $1,800 and $3,500+ for a complete panel replacement. This includes labor, materials, permits, and inspection.

At The Electricians, we provide free estimates and transparent pricing — no surprises, no upselling. We’ll assess your existing system, recommend the right panel for your home, and handle everything from permits to final inspection.

Pro Tip: If you’re upgrading to a 200-amp service, this is the perfect time to do it. You’ll future-proof your home for EV chargers, smart panels, or central air systems.

Are Federal Pacific Panels Illegal?

Technically, Federal Pacific panels are not illegal, but they are non-compliant with modern electrical codes.

That means while you won’t be fined for having one, you won’t pass inspection if you plan to sell, renovate, or upgrade your home’s electrical system.

Insurance companies are also catching on — many refuse coverage for homes with FPE panels due to the known fire risks.

So even if the law doesn’t force you to replace it, your insurer or future buyer probably will.

Why Replacing a Federal Pacific Panel Is a Smart Move

Beyond safety and code compliance, replacing your outdated panel offers several benefits:

• Improved home safety — drastically reduces fire risk.
• Increased home value — electrical upgrades appeal to buyers.
• Energy efficiency — modern panels distribute power more effectively.
• Peace of mind — knowing your home meets today’s electrical standards.

And because you’re in Littleton, you can count on The Electricians — one of Colorado’s top-rated electrical contractors — to handle the job quickly, cleanly, and professionally.

Why Choose The Electricians

At The Electricians, we don’t just replace panels — we protect homes.

As certified, licensed, and insured electricians serving Littleton and the greater Denver metro area, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners replace unsafe Federal Pacific panels.

We handle every step:

✅ Full inspection and load calculation

✅ Removal of your old FPE panel

✅ Installation of a modern, code-compliant system

✅ Permit handling and final inspection coordination

Plus, we’ll walk you through your new setup so you know exactly what’s powering your home.

Schedule your free estimate today and make your home safer, smarter, and ready for the future.

FAQs About Federal Pacific Panels

1. How much to replace a Federal Pacific electrical panel?

Most homeowners in Colorado spend between $1,800 and $3,500+, depending on the home’s size and the new panel’s amperage.

2. Are Federal Pacific panels dangerous?

Yes. Their breakers are known to fail to trip, which can lead to electrical fires or shock hazards.

3. How can I tell if I have a Federal Pacific panel?

Look for the FPE logo or red Stab-Lok breakers inside your panel. If you see either, schedule an inspection right away.

4. Are Federal Pacific panels illegal?

They’re not technically illegal but are not approved under current electrical codes, and many insurance companies won’t insure homes that have them.

5. What is the lifespan of a Federal Pacific panel?

They were designed to last about 30 years, which means every FPE panel in use today is well past its safe operating life.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

If your Littleton home still has a Federal Pacific panel, replacing it isn’t just a smart upgrade — it’s a safety must. Don’t gamble with your home’s electrical system or your family’s safety.

Let The Electricians handle your panel replacement with professionalism, transparency, and local expertise.

Contact us today to schedule your free estimate and discover why Colorado homeowners trust The Electricians for safe, modern, and code-compliant electrical service.