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Electrical Wiring

Which panel to use to feed subpanel?

17 years ago

I have two 200a main panels. One is an FPE Stab-Lok that is original to the house (1954). The other is a GE and was installed for a major addition in 1994. The GE is nearly full with only one full size slot available. The FPE panel is about 2/3 full as electricians have rerouted circuits to the newer panel during various renovation and remodeling projects. I plan to have the FPE replaced as a part of a master bath remodel in 2-3 years.

In the mean time, I am adding four circuits to a 2nd floor/attic that leaches power already from one over utilized 1st floor circuit. The walls are off, so nows the time to get it over with. I want to put in a subpanel for the second floor circuits. The GE panel is a 100 foot cable run to the nearest suitable place for a subpanel. The FPE panel is only 25 feet and a FAR easier pull. Would it be crazy to run the feeder from the FPE panel? I don't know how exaggerated or factual the whole FPE hazard issue is, but if it's not an idiotic move, I'd like to run the feed to it for a while until I can get it replaced. The shorter run and ability to balance the power between the panels makes this compelling. Are the 'new' FPE dbl poles from the local supply house less likely to be an issue?

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Comments (6)

doc8404
17 years ago
I would run (not walk) away from any FP stablok panel and not only not hook anything new up to it but remove and replace it as my first priority.

I've linked to a professional electrician forum below for you to begin your research. The problem with FP panels is real, ongoing and potentially deadly.

IMO - I'd replace the FP panel immediately and run the new circuits from there.

Here is a link that might be useful: Federal Pacific breaker thread
blinddog
17 years ago
I agree with doc, I have literally welded with a FPE panel and not tripped the breaker, BAD VERY BAD. If you have already moved some circuits out of FPE panel it may not be too expensive to change out NOW. You could go ahead and pull wires to this panel but change out before you connect. IMHO.
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A really, really, good time to ask about this stuff is before you start the work. Older code versions allow you to use a 3 wire feed from the main disconnect on the pole, but you have a 4 wire feed there you're not using. You should hook up the unused #2 and use it as the neutral and the #4 as the ground, both hooked to the same buss at the pole disconnect. Then at the shed the neutral buss should be isolated from the panel and the #2 and any neutrals attached to it and the #4 attached to a ground buss, installed extra if needed. The conduit from the shed to the cabin should have another #2 installed for a neutral (assuming aluminum here)and the #4 again used as a ground . There needs to be a ground rod or 2 at each panel (one panel per structure assumed). The neutrals and grounds need to be separated in the panels. Prior practice would allow you to use the neutral as the ground as well, and you probably could here but it doesn't make much sense as the 4th wire sounds like it is present in most of the installation. The whole idea is to get the metal housing of the panel out of the current carrying business, which it does in a 3 wire system. A neutral failure in this configuration puts line voltage on the metal housing where a 4 wire doesn't.
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hrdlabr
Original Author
17 years ago
Fair enough - Will replace this thing ASAP. Two follow up questions, pls.

What brand/model is preferred for long life, simple operation and long term part availability?

The docs linked est $1000 to replace, but they were written a while ago. What number sounds about right for the 200a FPE replacement? 16 circuits, 9 of them dbl pole.
blinddog
17 years ago
Is this a project a DIY or you having a contractor do it?
I prefer "Square D" but ITE/Seimans is a good brand. Another is Cutler Hammer. It comes down to budget and availability. Contractor preferrence also plays a part. Todays products are all UL listed and will do the job.
For a price put it out to bid, call three contractors and they should be able to give you a dollar figure.

Blinddog
hrdlabr
Original Author
17 years ago
The main panel replacement will be hired out. This is outside my comfort zone an I need it done fast since this panel services much of the houses living area and main furnace.
jason1083
17 years ago
depends on your area of the country and how involved the work is. In the Detroit area I had estimates ranging from $1000 to $1800 a few years ago for a service upgrade. SO I would say $1000 or so to replace a main panel is not bad.

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