⚡ Buffalo NY Federal Pacific Circuit Electric Panel, What Home Sellers Need to Know
- Anja Wright
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
If you're preparing to sell your home in Buffalo, NY, there’s a hidden hazard lurking in many older houses that could cost you the sale, or worse.
Meet the Federal Pacific Circuit Electric Panel, a common yet controversial component found in thousands of homes across Western New York. At Roncroft Realty, we recently encountered one during a transaction in Buffalo.
The kicker? We were representing the buyer, and yet it was the listing agent who missed the red flag.
🚨 What Is a Federal Pacific Electric Panel, and Why Is It a Problem?
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels, especially the Stab-Lok breakers, were widely installed from the 1950s through the 1980s.
However, they’ve since come under scrutiny for serious safety concerns.
Back in 1983, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) closed its investigation without declaring these panels dangerous due to insufficient data at the time [CPSC Report].
But decades later, the data is in, and it’s not good.
🔍 What the New Research Says
Dr. Jesse Aronstein, a leading expert in electrical safety, conducted extensive testing on FPE panels.
His findings?
51% of tested breakers failed to trip during an overload condition [AmTrust Report].
That means your breaker might not shut off during a surge, potentially sparking a fire inside your home.
In fact, additional studies suggest these panels may be linked to thousands of residential fires and extensive property damage every year [All Electric Blog].
💡 Why It Matters in Buffalo, NY
Buffalo has an aging housing stock, many homes built before the 1990s still have their original electric panels.
Sellers in East Buffalo, the West Side, Riverside, Kenmore, and Cheektowaga could unknowingly have this outdated equipment in place.
That’s why if you're selling, it's not just about staging and price, it's about avoiding the deal-killers that many agents overlook.
Our advice?
If your home has a Federal Pacific Circuit Electric Panel, replace it or be prepared to negotiate.
Many lenders, inspectors, and buyers will raise serious concerns, or walk away entirely.
🧠 Roncroft Knows: Seller Tip
We help you price ahead of the market, but we also look behind the walls.
At Roncroft Realty, we don’t just market your home, we prepare it.
Sellers: make sure your real estate team can spot the red flags before your buyer (or their attorney) does.
✅ What To Do If You Have One
Call a licensed electrician to assess your panel
Ask if it’s a Stab-Lok model
Request an estimate for a panel upgrade
If you can’t replace it, be transparent and price accordingly
📍 Selling a Home in Buffalo NY?
If you're a homeowner in Buffalo NY and suspect your home has a Federal Pacific Circuit Electric Panel, don't wait for it to derail your deal.
Contact Roncroft Realty today for a free consultation and a custom pre-sale strategy to help you move forward with confidence.
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