I very much appreciate that your brother had to work in a budget. But, I agree with the others to consider replacing that system as soon as he can. This is not a "lose sleep emergency" but is a valid concern.
When you or he replaces, be certain to obtain a homeowner's permit and have inspection(s). This will ensure his insurance company does not balk at payment if anything goes wrong later. (And, the second set of eyes on the job is always welcome!)
Very Important Consideration-
I don't like to add more concerns, but many property insurance companies will not cover damages if a Federal Pacific load center is in the building. This applies even to downstream problems. Check with your instance company to ensure that your coverage is still valid.
Some cities, mine included, prohibit Federal Pacific load centers, panelboards or switch-gear. No grandfather clause applies. They find it- it's locked out and red tagged.
Tripping On Time? Not Always-
As WireWispered mentioned, their trip record is poor. The shelf in the parts department at work with FPE breakers had a sign: "FPE- Where a 20 is as good as a 50".
Replacement Breakers-
And, replacements are hard to find. One company of which I'm aware, UBIF, makes aftermarket replacements (if they still do) & they are expensive. If your brother needs a replacement breaker later, search Electrical Advertiser for ads. Salinger Electric in Troy, Michigan usually is well stocked with FPE and will mail. 248-585-8330
No GFCI or AFCI breakers are available for FPE Stab-Lok (as of my last check).
If the service conductors are aluminum be Absolutely Certain that anti-oxidation paste was used. FPE lugs can't handle aluminum without it- despite labeling. They get very, very loose, then hot.
On The Happy Side-
If the load center has copper bus bars, your concerns are fewer.
Where I worked, there were well over 100 Stab-Lok panels, each 200 amp 3-phase with mostly 20 to 40 amp loads. We were constantly replacing the aluminum bus load centers due to fire, but very rarely a copper bus unit.
And...
The cabinets are robust. Of all the fires that we had, none left the enclosure. (made a melted mess out of the conductors, but no escaped flames.)
If it's on a combustable wall, consider loosening the screws and putting spacers between the back of the tub and the wall for an air gap.
Low Priced Replacement Load Centers-
A very good place to shop for inexpensive replacement load centers is Habitat For Humanity stores. I've noticed many in the local stores when dropping off donations.
Failing that, try a place such as Salinger that I mentioned earlier. They may have a used load center with breakers in a more reliable brand for little money. (All they sell is tested by qualified people.) 248-585-8330.
Hope This Gives Some Wisdom-Of-Experience For You Guys To Consider (plus that good advice of others above)
Paul
PS: Oddly Federal Pacific transformers are excellent. We had dozens & dozens of 300 - 500 Kva, 480-Delta x 120/208-Wye and none failed after 36 years in service.
