Federal Pacific Panel Replacement · Arlington, VA
Federal Pacific Panel Replacement in Arlington, VA
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels with Stab-Lok breakers have a long history of breakers that may fail to trip during an overload or short circuit. Electricians commonly recommend replacing them, and many insurers ask about them.
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- Independent, licensed electricians
- Serving Lyon Park, Ashton Heights, Cherrydale and more
Why federal pacific panel replacement comes up in Arlington
Arlington's postwar neighborhoods, from Arlington Forest and Westover to the brick Colonials of Bluemont and Yorktown, were built from the 1940s through the 1960s, and many still have Federal Pacific panels. In Arlington's competitive housing market, inspectors flag them routinely and buyers often negotiate replacement. Electricians replace the whole panel rather than individual Stab-Lok breakers, often moving to 200 amps for a heat pump, an EV charger or an addition.
Dominion Energy schedules the meter pull. Permits come from Arlington County's permit office, and Virginia requires DPOR-licensed contractors.
- Permits in Arlington
- Electrical permits come from Arlington County's permit office, part of Community Planning, Housing and Development. Virginia licenses electricians and contractors through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).
- Electric utility
- Dominion Energy
Signs to look for
- "Federal Pacific", "FPE" or "Stab-Lok" on the panel label
- Breakers that feel loose or do not snap firmly into place
- A home inspector or insurer flagging the panel
- Warm breakers or a warm panel cover
- Plans to add major loads to an older home
How the work is done
1. Confirm the panel type
The electrician identifies the panel and checks the service, meter base and grounding.
2. Permit and utility disconnect
The permit is pulled and the utility shuts off power for the swap.
3. Replace panel and breakers
All circuits move to a new panel with listed breakers and required AFCI and GFCI protection.
4. Inspection and reconnect
The work is inspected and power is restored.
What moves the price in Arlington
Electricians set their own prices. Older single-family homes often have small services, ungrounded outlets and wiring added during many renovations.
- Panel size and number of circuits
- Whether the service amperage increases
- Meter base or service entrance replacement
- Panel relocation
- Grounding and bonding corrections
- Permit and utility fees
Federal Pacific Panel Replacement in Arlington: questions
Do I need a permit for federal pacific panel replacement in Arlington?
Usually, yes. Electrical permits come from Arlington County's permit office, part of Community Planning, Housing and Development. Virginia licenses electricians and contractors through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). The electrician normally pulls the permit and schedules the inspection.
Is the utility involved in Arlington?
If the work affects the meter or service, the electrician coordinates with Dominion Energy, which owns the meter and service drop.
How do I know if I have a Federal Pacific panel?
Look for "Federal Pacific Electric", "FPE" or "Stab-Lok" on the panel door or label, and thin breakers with red-orange tips.
Can I just replace the Stab-Lok breakers?
Electricians generally recommend replacing the whole panel, because the concerns involve how the breakers and panel work together, not only individual breakers.
Will my insurance cover an FPE panel?
Some insurers decline or surcharge homes with FPE panels. Ask your insurer directly; a permit and final inspection usually document the replacement.
Is a Federal Pacific panel an emergency?
Not by itself, but signs like heat, burning smells or breakers that do not reset are reasons to call promptly.
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