Federal Pacific (Stab-Lok) Panels in Florence, SC — Why They’re a Fire Risk
Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels are a known fire risk — here's why we replace them.
Federal Pacific (Stab-Lok) in the Pee Dee
If your panel says Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) and uses Stab-Lok breakers, this is the one brand page worth reading closely. Independent testing has long linked FPE Stab-Lok breakers to a troubling failure: they can fail to trip during an overload or short, letting wires overheat and start a fire even though the breaker ‘looks’ fine. Palmetto Electric evaluates and replaces these panels across Florence and the Pee Dee.
We're not here to scare you into a sale — we'll show you what you have and explain the real risk. But for most homeowners with an FPE Stab-Lok panel, replacement is the safe, sensible decision.
Why it matters for your home
FPE Stab-Lok breakers have been associated in testing with high failure-to-trip rates. A breaker that doesn't trip can't protect the circuit, so an overload or fault that should cut power instead keeps heating the wire. Because you can't make an unreliable breaker reliable, replacing the panel is the dependable fix.
Related services & guides
Services that use Federal Pacific (Stab-Lok)
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Other brands we service
Need an electrician now?
Sparking outlets, a burning smell, a dead panel or no power? Call Palmetto Electric for fast, licensed help in Florence and across the Pee Dee — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call (843) 595-9236 Open 24 hours · Licensed & insuredFrequently asked questions
How do I know if I have a Federal Pacific panel?
Look for ‘Federal Pacific’, ‘FPE’, or ‘Stab-Lok’ on the panel or breakers, often with a red strip on the breaker handles. We can confirm it for you.
Is a Federal Pacific panel an emergency?
Not necessarily an active emergency, but it's a real, documented fire risk that's worth addressing promptly — especially before adding load like an EV charger.
Can't I just replace the FPE breakers?
Because the breakers themselves are the problem and reliable replacements are limited, replacing the whole panel is the dependable fix. We'll explain your options.
Does insurance care about Federal Pacific panels?
Some insurers flag or decline homes with FPE panels. Replacing it can simplify coverage and a future sale. Call (843) 595-9236 to plan it.