If you live in an older home in the Kentuckiana area, your electrical panel may be outdated and potentially dangerous. One name that often comes up in electrical safety discussions is Federal Pacific Electric (FPE). These panels were once common in homes built between the 1950s and 1980s, but over the years, they’ve developed a reputation for serious safety risks.
At Laswell Electric, we’re committed to keeping Kentuckiana homes safe, up to code, and fully powered. Here’s how to find out if you have a Federal Pacific panel in your home and what to do next if you do.
What Is a Federal Pacific Panel?
Federal Pacific Electric panels, particularly those using Stab-Lok circuit breakers, were widely installed across the U.S. for decades. However, studies have shown that these breakers can fail to trip during electrical overloads or short circuits posing a serious risk of electrical fires.
Many electricians and safety experts consider these panels unreliable and recommend full replacement rather than repair.
How to Identify a Federal Pacific Panel
Not sure what kind of panel your home has? Here are a few signs to look for:
- Look for the Name
Open your electrical panel door and check for labels or embossing that says:
- “Federal Pacific”
- “FPE”
- “Stab-Lok” (this may also appear on the breakers)
- Check the Breakers
FPE panels often have narrow breakers with red or orange stripe indicators. If your breakers have these characteristics, you may have a Stab-Lok system. - Consider the Age of Your Home
Homes built between 1950 and 1985 are most likely to have these panels installed. If your home falls into that range and the panel hasn’t been upgraded, it’s worth investigating. - Frequent Electrical Issues
Do you notice lights flickering, breakers that don’t trip properly, or a burning smell from the panel area? These are signs of a bigger issue—and a possible FPE panel.
Why It Matters for Kentuckiana Residents
With Kentucky and Southern Indiana’s mix of historic homes and post-war construction, many houses in the Kentuckiana region still have original electrical systems. That means there’s a higher chance of older, and unsafe, panels still in place.
Beyond safety, outdated panels can also limit your home’s functionality. As we add more appliances, smart tech, and electric vehicles, your electrical system needs to keep up.
What Should You Do If You Have a Federal Pacific Panel?
If you think you might have a Federal Pacific panel, don’t try to inspect or remove it yourself. Electricity is dangerous, especially with equipment that may already be compromised.
- Schedule a licensed inspection – A certified electrician can confirm whether your panel is an FPE model and assess its condition.
- Plan for replacement – If you do have an FPE panel, replacing it is the safest and most reliable long-term solution.
Laswell Electric Is Here to Help
At Laswell Electric, we’ve helped hundreds of Kentuckiana homeowners upgrade their electrical panels safely and efficiently. Our team of licensed electricians can:
- Identify and evaluate your current panel
- Recommend safe, modern replacements
- Handle the entire upgrade process from start to finish
Whether you’re upgrading for safety, functionality, or peace of mind, we’re here to make it easy.
Ready for a Safer Home?
If you suspect you have a Federal Pacific panel, don’t wait. Contact Laswell Electric today! Keeping your home and family safe is always worth it. Call us at 502-373-4538 or fill our our contact form to get started.
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