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join:2009-04-29
Parkville, MD

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Re: FP Stab-Lok news article....

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Federal Pacific; I've wondered whether the breaker controlling the sump pump should have tripped.

I

The apartments I've lived in for many years use FP Stab-Lok panels. My subpanel is located in the hallway and even has that screw in the center. I have managed to trip several of the breakers over time (including the double 30 amp to the AC) but obviously it's hard to know of the ones that should have and didn't. Fortunately my sub-panel is protected by a 60amp Square D breaker in the laundry room should I need to cut power to it in a hurry.

Interestingly, many years ago, the sump pump in our furnace room outside caught fire; of course nearby was a gas hot water heater and a gas furnace. Fortunately, we smelled it, found the source of the smell, and got the fire department there in time. This sump pump runs off of the "public" subpanel (located in the laundry room) and is also Federal Pacific; I've wondered whether the breaker controlling the sump pump should have tripped.

I don't think there is any chance in heck that I would be able to convince the landlord to replace all the panels given the number of apartment units.

Since I have become aware of the panel's "no-trip" features, I have been more vigilant about keeping track of the amount of electricity on a given circuit. But it is getting harder given that newer appliances seem to use more power. For example, my old Kenmore Microwave is about 1.1 cubic feet but uses only 700 watts so it can safely sit on the same 20 amp circuit as the fridge; I dread if I have to replace it.

I did have to replace my 7amp vacuum with a 12amp vacuum and I try to use it on a 20amp circuits but this is not possible once I reach the bedrooms.