Any licensed electricians on the board?

[TRAXX]

Had some questions regarding problematic Federal Pacific breaker panels.

Thanks,
Trevor

[STANGGT40]

Had some questions regarding problematic Federal Pacific breaker panels.

Thanks,
Trevor

What do you want to know?

[petyweestraw]

Yeah lol. I got a buddy that would love some side work.

[TRAXX]

To cut to the chase, im selling my house. Inspection was done and now seller is asking that I replace the breaker panel as the Federal Pacific ones are known to be unsafe.

Just want to know if going back to the buyer and saying, "I will not replace, but I will have an electrician inspect and make sure the breakers trip" is doable as that seems to be one of the main issues with those panels/breakers.

Brad, I know you got guys in all the different trades so pass along his info if you dont mind. Likewise pety.

[Sean88gt]

To cut to the chase, im selling my house. Inspection was done and now seller is asking that I replace the breaker panel as the Federal Pacific ones are known to be unsafe.

Just want to know if going back to the buyer and saying, "I will not replace, but I will have an electrician inspect and make sure the breakers trip" is doable as that seems to be one of the main issues with those panels/breakers.

Brad, I know you got guys in all the different trades so pass along his info if you dont mind. Likewise pety.

You do know that Brad owns an electrical company...right?

[TRAXX]

You do know that Brad owns an electrical company...right?

No I didn't ...just knew he had some rental properties.

[Sean88gt]

Well now you know, and knowing is half the battle.

[STANGGT40]

You do know that Brad owns an electrical company...right?

Not anymore; I sold it. I'm workin' for the man, now! Haha

As far as federal pacific breakers and panels go; the media, home inspectors, etc have done a great job at really freaking people out about them. Hell, milestone electric has pretty much built a business on way overcharging people to replace them. A lot of the issues are with people that "thin down" their panel (use the thinner breakers to get more of them in the panel) and then either don't install the cover properly or don't put it back on at all. Those breakers (much like most other stab-in style) require the panel cover to be on and tight, to hold the breakers tight. If it's loose or not installed, the breaker is loose and tends to arc and create heat, which can cause fires or misc issues. You can test those things, and they'll likely work perfectly, but if they want you to change it out, testing is probably not going to put their mind at ease, and its just going to cost you money and time. I would personally offer them a 1-year home warranty, which will take care of the repair/replacement, if there is an issue later. If you can give me an idea of how/where the panel and meter base is located, I can tell you about how much would be reasonable to replace it.

[TRAXX]

Well now you know, and knowing is half the battle.

Dang!...just had a flashback of getting out of school and watching GIJoe while drinking HiC.

[STANGGT40]

Dang!...just had a flashback of getting out of school and watching GIJoe while drinking HiC.

I use that phrase all of the time...you either get a "wtf/blank stare" (20 y/o-ish) or a chuckle from the 30+ guys.

[TRAXX]

Brad,

You're probably right that I can fight it all I want but ultimately, Ill be replacing it. The panel is in the garage, directly opposite of the meter on the outside, so should be pretty straight forward. I heard that makes it a bit cheaper as some homes had them in interior closets which is a no-no by today's codes and thus requires for them to me moved.

edit: 200amp service have about 20 breakers

[Sean88gt]

Not anymore; I sold it. I'm workin' for the man, now! Haha

As far as federal pacific breakers and panels go; the media, home inspectors, etc have done a great job at really freaking people out about them. Hell, milestone electric has pretty much built a business on way overcharging people to replace them. A lot of the issues are with people that "thin down" their panel (use the thinner breakers to get more of them in the panel) and then either don't install the cover properly or don't put it back on at all. Those breakers (much like most other stab-in style) require the panel cover to be on and tight, to hold the breakers tight. If it's loose or not installed, the breaker is loose and tends to arc and create heat, which can cause fires or misc issues. You can test those things, and they'll likely work perfectly, but if they want you to change it out, testing is probably not going to put their mind at ease, and its just going to cost you money and time. I would personally offer them a 1-year home warranty, which will take care of the repair/replacement, if there is an issue later. If you can give me an idea of how/where the panel and meter base is located, I can tell you about how much would be reasonable to replace it.

WTF Wage slave?!

Dang!...just had a flashback of getting out of school and watching GIJoe while drinking HiC.

Indeed, and as Brad said....

I use that phrase all of the time...you either get a "wtf/blank stare" (20 y/o-ish) or a chuckle from the 30+ guys.

It has great effect

[STANGGT40]

Brad,

You're probably right that I can fight it all I want but ultimately, Ill be replacing it. The panel is in the garage, directly opposite of the meter on the outside, so should be pretty straight forward. I heard that makes it a bit cheaper as some homes had them in interior closets which is a no-no by today's codes and thus requires for them to me moved.

edit: 200amp service have about 20 breakers

I've got a friend reputable company; in business since 1963) that will do that replacement for about 1200...that's really the easiest one to do. I can give you instructions and a material list, if you want to try to tackle it yourself. You should try the home warranty route, though...even if you paid for 5-years, it would likely be cheaper, and it would cover everything in the house!

[STANGGT40]

WTF Wage slave?!


Indeed, and as Brad said....


It has great effect

Yep, I got a decent offer, so I decided to take some time off from chasing receivables and spend a little more time with my family.

[TRAXX]

Brad,
Thanks for that data point. Got a guy that is a neighbor/friend of my mil that said he would come take a look at it and said he would do it for not too much. If hes much over that, ill get your guy's info.

If its not too much trouble, send me the instructions. While I am not afraid of tackling it myself, the contract did say "to be done by a licensed electrician" and so I might have to produce paperwork to that end. I suppose I could do the work, get your guy or the family friend to inspect the work and approve that it was done correctly (not sure if they would be willing though).