FPE Panels: A Brief History of Popularity

Federal Pacific Fuse Box

B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, has been providing top-notch electrical services to the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. With a focus on community and customer service, we are dedicated to keeping your home and business safe and well-functioning. Our team of experienced electricians specializes in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, making us your go-to experts for all your electrical needs.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the history and issues surrounding Federal Pacific fuse boxes, and why it is crucial for homeowners to have them replaced. We will also discuss how B&K Electric can assist you in this process, ensuring the safety and efficiency of your electrical system.

Background on Federal Pacific Fuse Boxes

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) was a popular manufacturer of circuit breaker panels in the United States from the 1950s to the 1980s. Millions of homes were built with these panels, especially during the post-World War II housing boom. However, in the 1980s, independent studies revealed that FPE panels had serious safety defects, which led to their eventual downfall.

In 1983, a report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that FPE panels had a high likelihood of failing to provide proper protection in the event of an overload or short circuit, resulting in electrical fires. In fact, the report stated that FPE panels failed to trip, or shut off the electricity, in 25% of the cases tested.

Despite the report’s findings, the CPSC did not have the authority to mandate a recall of the FPE panels. As a result, thousands of homes across the country still have these potentially hazardous panels in place. This has led to numerous lawsuits and safety concerns from homeowners, electricians, and safety organizations.

Understanding the Issues

The main issue with FPE panels is their inability to trip and shut off the electricity when overloaded or short-circuited. This means that in the case of an electrical fire, the panel may fail to shut off the electricity, resulting in the fire spreading and causing more damage.

Additionally, FPE panels have been found to have major design flaws and inferior construction quality. The breakers are known to melt, causing sparks and explosions that can lead to fires. The buses, which are the main conductors that transmit electricity throughout the panel, have been found to be too thin, resulting in overheating and potentially causing fires.

Moreover, FPE panels have been found to have double-pole, or double-size, breakers that were not properly tied together. This can cause one side of the panel to trip, while the other remains energized, leading to severe damage to the electrical system.

The bottom line is that FPE panels are a serious safety hazard and pose a significant risk to homes and families. This is why it is imperative for homeowners in zip code 02906 and beyond to have these panels replaced by a licensed electrician.

Why Replace Your FPE Panel?

Replacing your FPE panel is an essential step in ensuring the safety of your home and family. According to the CPSC, FPE panels are not only more likely to cause an electrical fire, but they are also more likely to intensify the fire and cause more damage. This is due to their inability to trip and shut off the electricity, as mentioned earlier.

Additionally, homes with FPE panels may face difficulties when trying to obtain insurance or sell the property. Many insurance companies are aware of the potential dangers associated with these panels and may deny coverage or charge higher premiums. Similarly, potential buyers may be hesitant to purchase a home with an FPE panel due to safety concerns, which can significantly decrease the value of your property.

B&K Electric: Your Go-To Electrician

At B&K Electric, we understand the risks and consequences associated with FPE panels, and we are committed to providing our customers in zip code 02906 and the greater Providence area with safe and efficient electrical systems. Our team of licensed and experienced electricians can assess your home’s electrical system and determine if you have an FPE panel, and if so, recommend and implement the necessary steps for replacement.

We specialize in electrical panel maintenance and installation, and we will work closely with you to ensure minimal disruption to your home and daily routine during the replacement process. Our goal is to provide our customers with peace of mind and assurance that their homes and families are safe from any potential dangers associated with FPE panels.

The core message

As a homeowner in zip code 02906 East Providence, Rhode Island, it is crucial to understand the dangers associated with Federal Pacific fuse boxes. These panels have been linked to numerous safety concerns and have been deemed a potential hazard by the CPSC. By replacing your FPE panel with the help of a licensed electrician, you can ensure the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system.

At B&K Electric, we take pride in our commitment to our community and providing top-notch customer service. Our experienced electricians specialize in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, making us your go-to experts in the Warwick area and the greater Providence area.

Topics:

Federal Pacific fuse boxes,

safety concerns,

replacing FPE panels