If you own an older Florida home, the type of electrical panel in the property can affect your homeowners insurance options.
One panel that frequently raises concerns is the Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panel, commonly associated with Stab-Lok breakers. Because of documented concerns with some of these breakers failing to trip properly, many insurance companies have underwriting guidelines regarding Federal Pacific panels.
Why Are Federal Pacific Panels a Concern?
A circuit breaker is designed to shut off electricity when an electrical circuit becomes overloaded.
Federal Pacific Stab-Lok breakers have a history of failing certain testing requirements. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission investigated these breakers after testing found that some did not perform as intended. The CPSC ultimately closed its investigation without making a determination about their overall safety.
Because of these concerns, the presence of a Federal Pacific panel can be an important factor when an insurance company evaluates a home.
How Can a Federal Pacific Panel Affect Home Insurance?
Insurance guidelines vary by carrier. Some insurance companies may not accept a home with a Federal Pacific panel, while others may have different underwriting requirements.
This can limit the number of insurance options available for the property.
If the panel needs to be replaced to meet a carrier’s requirements, the work should be completed by a properly licensed electrician.
Federal Pacific Panels and Inspections
Electrical panels are one of the major systems reviewed during a 4-point inspection.
If an inspection identifies a Federal Pacific panel, that information may be included in the inspection report and reviewed by the insurance company during underwriting.
This is why knowing what type of electrical panel you have can be helpful before shopping for homeowners insurance.
How Do You Know If You Have a Federal Pacific Panel?
Federal Pacific panels may have markings such as:
- Federal Pacific Electric
- FPE
- Stab-Lok
If you are unsure what type of panel you have, check a previous inspection report or have the electrical system evaluated by a qualified professional.
Homeowners should not remove the panel cover or attempt electrical repairs themselves.
What Should Homeowners Do?
If your home has a Federal Pacific panel, speak with your insurance agent about the carrier’s requirements before making insurance decisions.
If replacement is necessary, consider working with a licensed electrician and keep documentation showing the work that was completed. An updated inspection may also be required depending on the insurance company.
Insurance Requirements Vary by Carrier
There is no single underwriting guideline that applies to every insurance company. One carrier may have different electrical panel requirements than another.
Working with an independent insurance agent who has access to multiple carriers can help you understand what options may be available for your property.
Need Help With Florida Home Insurance?
At HomeInsuranceFlorida.com, we work with multiple insurance carriers and can help homeowners explore available home insurance options based on their property and individual circumstances.
Coverage, eligibility, underwriting requirements, and availability vary by insurance company and policy. Contact a licensed insurance agent to discuss your specific property.