Please click link for 8/21/10 article from the Dallas Morning News.
The following is the comment I include when a home has an FPE panel.
The electric panel is a Federal Pacific with "Stab-Lok" breakers. "Stab-lok" load centers and their components are considered problematic by industry professionals. Failure of any component within an electrical system may result in fire and/or electrocution. Evaluation of this panel by a qualified electrician is strongly advised to determine its safety, integrity and performance. I also recommend studying all facets of the issue to gain further insight.
Please see the following websites for further information:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml83/83008.html
http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/meetings/mtg08/alumwire3_18.pdf
http://www.inspect-ny.com/fpe/fpepanel.htm
http://ismypanelsafe.com/fpe.aspx
Aronstein Document at March 2008 CPSC Meeting
Hansen FPE Document