It's impossible to say definitively if your specific FPE panel is "burny" without further inspection and testing. However, the following information should help you assess the situation

Why FPE Panels are Considered a Fire Hazard:
Known Defects

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels and breakers have a well-documented history of failure to trip under overload conditions. This means that when there's a surge of electricity (e.g., from a short circuit), the breaker should trip to cut off the power and prevent overheating and potentially a fire. FPE breakers were shown in various tests to fail to do this a significant percentage of the time.

Fraudulent Listing

There's evidence that FPE fraudulently obtained UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listings for their breakers, meaning they didn't actually meet the safety standards they claimed to.

Stab-Lok Design

The design of the "Stab-Lok" breakers is often cited as a contributing factor to their failure.

Age

FPE panels are old. Age alone can degrade electrical components, increasing the risk of failure.

Factors To Consider



Visual Inspection

A licensed electrician should visually inspect the panel for any signs of overheating, corrosion, or physical damage to the breakers and bus bars. Look for discoloration, melting, or charring.

Breaker Testing

Special equipment can be used to test whether the breakers are tripping properly under overload conditions. This is not a simple test and should only be performed by a qualified electrician.

Panel Age

If your panel is very old (several decades), the risk of failure is higher simply due to age and degradation.

The Bottom Line

Given the history of FPE panels and breakers,

the safest course of action is generally to replace the panel. The potential risk of fire outweighs the cost of replacement for many homeowners. You're Not Opposed to Replacing It

This is good. It simplifies the decision.

Contractor Recommendation

An electrician recommending replacement is a strong indicator that they see a potential risk. They are putting their professional reputation on the line.

Next Steps


Get a Second Opinion (Maybe)

You could get another quote and opinion from a different licensed electrician for peace of mind. However, most electricians will likely recommend replacement due to the FPE issue.2.

Panel Replacement

If you proceed with replacement:

Choose a reputable licensed electrician. Ensure the new panel is properly sized for your electrical needs. Get all necessary permits. The electrician should perform a load calculation to ensure the new panel is adequate.3. Don't DIY

Electrical work is dangerous and should only be performed by qualified professionals.

In conclusion, while I can't definitively say your* panel is "burny," the well-documented history of FPE panels warrants serious concern. Replacing the panel is generally the recommended and safest course of action. Flag for review