TOPIC: Are You Plugged In?

New to the business, Could someone tell me in a nutshell why a federal P. panel has problems. 

Check this out.

www.inspect-ny.com/fpe/fpepanel.htm

Drew, Thank you, that was interesting. It helped alot. Now I have another question. In looking over the sight it states that having a FPE evaluated by an electrician is worthless. Its says that they should be replaced entirely.  Question? In our report,  what is the preffered way of reporting these FPE's?

I always like to refer to and supply a copy of, a Consumer Product Safety Commission recall on the product. You could report that the panel is a known safety hazard and refer to the recall.

www.cpsc.gov/LIBRARY/FOIA/meetings/mtg08/Alumwire3_18.pdf

I had one of those in my own house (which I just sold yesterday and was inspected but not replaced).  Everyone is correct in saying hold on... pay attention to this problem...  maybe even replace this problem. 

When your looking at these panel, ask yourself, is anything look wrong or out of place?  If not, just mention what you know and see.  Say there is a recall on these panels (or some other cautionary phrase)  and that there is no signs of problems on this particular panel.  If there are problems, note them and recommend a licensed professional correct the problems.  They will do the rest.

Thanks Drew and John, Helps alot. Got another question, I've been researching the proper way to determine size of electrical service. Still for some reason I still am a bit uncomfortable reporting what I have found and kida chickin out and put "service amps undetermined".  Is this a common concern?