get a sparky to do it and have him disconnect the heat panels at the same time. FPE panels are notorious for not tripping, thus creating a HUGE fire risk. don't try to put another brand breaker int eh panel, just replace the whole thing.

you could do it yourself, but a main panel change out is not something for the inexperienced to take on! it can be done DIY, but a pro is recommended.

Here is a good article I've found on the subject of FPE breakers. Bottom line, the full panel and breakers need to be replaced.

http://www.codecheck.com/pdf/electrical/240overcurrent/FPE%20Article%20from%20DH%20-%20Nov2003.pdf

http://www.inspect-ny.com/fpe/fpefire.htm

Shorting radiant heating will not nessecarily trip a breaker. It is not a direct short.

Here is a link.

FPE breakers and panels are both subject to more than the average number of problems. The breakers are legendary for the amount of overload they will endure and not trip, if in fact the breaker will trip at all. Many of these breakers just burn up when overloaded. The Stab-Loc buss allows breakers to be inserted incorrectly and for the contact on the breaker to be easily bent. I've removed many panels where a poor contact between the breaker and buss have been a near-fire experience. Further, although new breakers can be had for the panel, you will find the cost 4 or 5 may often exceed the price of a new panel - plus. GFCI and AFCI breakers aren't available, or haven't been. And, after replacing the branch circuit breakers there's still the matter of having a main braker thet is 30+ years old. A replacement for these generally isn't available, or isn't available new, and certainly isn't a common stock item - A real blessing if it fails during a cold snap, holidays, relatives visiting, etc., etc.

For what it's worth, the company that owns Square D (NOT GE!) bought the remains of FPE and still manufactures the junk in Canada, and indeed have had a recall up there for breakers that wouldn't trip. The same company manufactures the breakers sold here for whoever currently holds the license for the name use and design.

I used to keep breakers from old FPE panels to use when I ran into people who needed work done on FPE equipment and just absolutely didn't have the money to get it replaced. Nowdays I smash all removed breakers with a hammer. Let's just say I donate a bit back to the community every year and folks with FPE issues and money trouble might benefit from some of this. Anyway, I won't work on/in FPE panels any more. I just see too much liability.

Rant over: Just do yourself a favor and get the panel updated with something that is currently manufactured and will have parts available at most big box and neighborhood hardware stores.

Folks mainly do not know what trips a breaker. An overload of a circuit should trip a breaker. For the most part, this is not the case with FPE breakers. An arc such as a sparking appliance will not trip a good breaker because it does not creat an overload on the circuit. This is why arc fault breakers are now required in bedrooms and GFCIs are required in kitchens and bathrooms which is where small appliances and hairdryers are used.
In most cases where we have encountered FPE panels, none of the other safegards exist.

I live in a house built in mid-1950's. The breaker box brand is Federal Electric catalog #116-68C. The company was located in Newark New Jersey. It carries the Underwriters Lab Approval. Am I dealing with the same company as Federal Pacific? I have had a breaker trip from time to time. Are the risks the same as with FP procucts?