If your Haverhill, Methuen, or Merrimack Valley home was built between the 1950s and 1980s, there's a real chance it has a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panel. These panels were widely installed across Massachusetts — and they have a well-documented history of serious safety problems.
Federal Pacific Electric was a major electrical panel manufacturer from the 1950s through the late 1980s. Their Stab-Lok breakers were installed in millions of homes nationwide, including many throughout Essex County and the Merrimack Valley.
The problem: independent research and fire investigations found that Stab-Lok breakers fail to trip at a significantly higher rate than they should. A breaker that doesn't trip during an overload allows wiring to overheat — which is a primary cause of house fires.
If your home has a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panel, we recommend replacing it. This isn't a scare tactic — it's the consensus recommendation from electrical engineers, home inspectors, and fire investigators who have studied these panels extensively.
Many Massachusetts home insurance companies are now flagging or refusing to insure homes with Federal Pacific panels, which is an additional reason to address the issue proactively.
Giardi Electric replaces Federal Pacific panels throughout Haverhill, MA and the Merrimack Valley. Free on-site estimates — call or text us.
📞 Call 857-600-0093Replacing a Federal Pacific panel with a modern 200A panel in Massachusetts typically costs between $2,500 and $4,500 all-in, including permits and Eversource coordination. Some homeowners find that their insurance company will contribute to the cost — check with your provider.
Questions about your panel? Call or text Giardi Electric at 857-600-0093 for a free assessment.