Federal Pacific Panels: What Every Neighbor Should Know

Many homes throughout our area, particularly in established neighborhoods like Panther Creek, Grogan's Mill, Cochran's Crossing and Indian Springs in The Woodlands, as well as Champion Forest, Cypresswood, Memorial Northwest and Northampton in the Spring area, may still have their original Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panel. If yours does, it’s worth replacing, but it isn’t necessarily an emergency. You have time to get good information and plan the work around your schedule.

How to check your panel

Open the panel door (not the cover) and look for “Federal Pacific,” “FPE,” or “Stab-Lok” on the label, or breakers with a red stripe across the handle. Not sure? Send us a photo of the label and we’ll tell you what you have.

Why it matters

Independent testing found many FPE breakers don’t reliably shut off when a circuit is overloaded, and some can stick in the on position. The panel also has weak connections a new breaker can’t fix. While these panels were never officially recalled, they were never cleared as safe either, so the standard recommendation is to replace the whole panel, not just the breakers.


One tip: please don’t flip your breakers on and off to “test” them. That actually makes them less reliable.


Insurance, cost, and next steps:

Insurance demands usually set the timeline. Many carriers require replacement within 30 to 60 days or won’t renew a policy. In the Houston area, a straightforward panel swap typically runs $3,600 - $4,500, permitted and built to current code. If a quote seems far lower, ask whether the permit and utility coordination is included. And as always, make sure that your contractor has a valid TECL number and insurance.


  • Take a photo of your panel label
  • Ask your insurance agent how they handle FPE panels
  • Get a couple of written, permitted quotes and compare what each includes
  • Call immediately if you notice a warm breaker, a burning smell, buzzing, or scorch marks near the panel. 


Questions? Send a photo or give us a call for a straight answer, no pressure.


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