Hello, I didn't know what category my question would fall under so I thought I should just pick one. My husband and I getting ready to sell our house and we had our house inspected. After the inspection the inspector stated we had to change our electrical breaker box panel, which could run $1,000. The inspector stated it has been known for failure and fire hazard. We lived in our house for 8 years and we never witness any faulty wiring, or fires. I was wondering how can I find out if my particular model is part of the fire hazard. All I've noticed on my fuse box is the issued number which is A-3758 and NO. LX112-24. I don't see anything else. If this panel was such a hazard, then why didn't our inspector notify us before we purchase the house 8 years ago.

Do a web search for FPE Recall or Federal Pacific Electric Recall.

You will find that there was a perception that they had problems, which there were a few, but there is no official recall.

Some the information can be found at Home Inspector Association websites.

Do a review and get back with what you found.

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Originally Posted by tammicrawford

hello, i didn't know what category my question would fall under so I thought I should just pick one. my husband and I getting ready to sell our house and we had our house inspected. After the inspection the inspector stated we had to change our electrical breaker box panel, which could run $1,000. The inspector stated it has been known for failure and fire hazard. We lived in our house for 8 years and we never witness any faulty wiring, or fires. I was wondering how can I find out if my particular model is part of the fire hazard. All I've noticed on my fuse box is the issued number which is A-3758 and NO. LX112-24. I don't see anything else. If this panel was such a hazard, then why didn't our inspector notify us before we purchase the house 8 years ago.

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Hi Tammi,
Federal Pacific (FPE) Panels have been known to have a 15% failure rate of not opening when a branch circuit is shorted especially on 15 and 20 amp rated breakers. One of the major concerns for failure is in the STABLOK type panel model. (I do not have a conversion list on the numbers you gave.) As a home inspector, in addition to being a retired electrical wireman, this is a negotiable call and not necessarilly a mandate. If the inspector recommended the change, this is usually a CYA for the inspector and really comes down to future liability and how the new homeowners lifestyle and electrical remods are needed for their updates and secure feeling.
It doesn't hurt to get a professional electricians opinion first before giving up compensatory bucks for conditions or repairs needed. JMO NMwirez