Okay, I understand the situation. You're an IBEW journeyman/foreman and your church is in a leased space with old and problematic Federal Pacific (FPE) panels. That's a combination ripe for problems. Before giving specific advice, I need to understand what you're hoping to accomplish. Are you looking to: Replace the panels entirely? This is often the safest and best long-term solution, but can be more expensive and require landlord approval. Replace just the breakers? This is sometimes considered as a temporary fix, but is generally discouraged for FPE panels. Improve the overall electrical safety and reliability of the existing system? This could involve a combination of testing, repairs, and potentially some targeted replacements. Understand the risks involved with FPE panels? This is always a good first step. Just get the church's situation on my radar and ask for some advice?

Also, it would be helpful to know: What are the sizes of the panels? (Amperage and number of spaces) What's the electrical load like? Are there any known issues like tripping breakers or overloaded circuits? What does the lease say about electrical maintenance and upgrades? This is crucial to know what the church is responsible for and what the landlord is obligated to handle. What is the landlord's attitude towards addressing the electrical issues? Are they cooperative, resistant, or neutral? Budget? Any information you can share about the church's or landlord's budget will allow for more reasonable suggestions.

Important Considerations about Federal Pacific (FPE) Panels



Known Safety Issues

FPE panels and breakers have a documented history of failure to trip under overload or short circuit conditions. This poses a significant fire hazard.

Not Reliable

Even if they appear to be working, the reliability of FPE breakers is questionable due to their age and potential internal corrosion.

Replacement is Generally Recommended

Most electricians recommend replacing FPE panels due to the risks involved. Replacing only the breakers is generally NOT recommended as it doesn't address the underlying issues with the panel itself.

Insurance Implications

Some insurance companies may refuse coverage or require panel replacement due to the presence of FPE equipment.

Initial Thoughts (General Advice)


Safety First

The most important thing is to ensure the safety of the church members and staff. The presence of FPE panels is a genuine safety concern.2.

Documentation

Document everything related to the electrical system: panel sizes, any issues observed, conversations with the landlord, etc.3.

Professional Evaluation

Even with your experience, I strongly recommend bringing in a licensed and qualified electrical contractor to perform a thorough inspection of the entire electrical system. They can provide a detailed assessment, identify potential hazards, and offer recommendations for remediation. This is important for liability reasons as well as for your church's safety.4.

Communicate with the Landlord: Inform the landlord in writing about the safety concerns related to the FPE panels. Include the recommendation for a professional inspection and potential replacement. Document all communication.Looking forward to hearing more details so I can provide more targeted advice. Please understand, my advice is based on general knowledge, and this is not a substitute for advice from a qualified electrician who can assess the specific situation on site. Flag for review