Why is this Electrical Panel a defect?
I came across this panel in a property in Hilo and immediately recognized it as a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panel, which is known to be a safety hazard. FPE panels, commonly installed in homes from the 1950s to the 1980s, have been linked to serious issues like failure to trip during electrical overloads, design defects leading to overheating, and a lack of available replacement parts. Home inspectors consider them defects due to these safety concerns, and homeowners with FPE panels should consider replacing them to avoid the risk of electrical fires and other hazards.