The Hidden Danger: Federal Pacific Panel in East Providence

Federal Pacific Panel

As a homeowner in East Providence, Rhode Island, you take pride in your home and strive to maintain it in top condition. You regularly service your heating and cooling systems, perform routine maintenance on your appliances, and take care of any necessary repairs. However, there may be one aspect of your home that you are not aware of that could potentially pose a serious safety hazard – your Federal Pacific Panel.

At B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, we have been serving the residents of East Providence and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. Our team of licensed electricians specializes in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, and we have seen first-hand the dangers posed by Federal Pacific Panels. In this article, we will provide an in-depth look at these panels, their history, and why you should consider replacing them in your home.

Understanding Federal Pacific Panels

To understand the dangers of Federal Pacific Panels, it is essential to have a basic understanding of how they work and the role they play in your home’s electrical system. The panel, also known as an electrical distribution board or breaker box, is the central hub for your home’s electrical supply. It receives power from the utility company and distributes it to the various circuits in your home, providing electricity to your lights, outlets, appliances, and other electrical devices.

Federal Pacific Panels were popular in the United States from the 1950s to the 1980s and were installed in millions of homes during this time. They were known for their affordability and were installed in many new construction homes, as well as replacing older fuse boxes in existing homes. However, over time, it became clear that these panels had a serious flaw that posed a significant safety hazard.

The Hidden Danger of Federal Pacific Panels

One of the biggest concerns with Federal Pacific Panels is their lack of reliability in tripping circuit breakers. Circuit breakers are designed to trip when there is an overload or short circuit to prevent fires and electrical accidents. However, several independent studies have shown that Federal Pacific breakers are defective and often fail to trip when faced with an overload.

One study conducted by Dr. Jesse Aronstein, a leading expert in circuit breakers, found that up to 80% of the Federal Pacific panels tested failed to trip when overloaded. This means that in the event of an electrical fire or accident, the circuit breaker would not trip, and the flow of electricity to the overloaded circuit would not be disrupted, significantly increasing the risk of fire and electrocution.

The History of Federal Pacific Panels

The dangers of Federal Pacific Panels have been known for decades, and yet they remain a prevalent feature in many homes across the country. In 1980, a fire in a California home with a Federal Pacific Panel prompted an investigation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The results of this investigation were alarming – Federal Pacific Panels were found to be seriously flawed and potentially dangerous.

As a result of this investigation, the CPSC launched a voluntary recall of the Stab-Lok circuit breakers found in Federal Pacific Panels. However, the company quickly went out of business, rendering the recall ineffective. Despite this, many homes still have these panels installed, leaving homeowners at risk.

Should You Replace Your Federal Pacific Panel?

The short answer is yes. If you have a Federal Pacific Panel in your home, it is highly recommended that you have it replaced by a licensed electrician as soon as possible. While there is no guarantee that an incident will occur, the potential danger of these panels is not worth the risk of leaving them in your home.

Replacing a Federal Pacific Panel is not a DIY project and should only be done by a licensed electrician. At B&K Electric, we have extensive experience in replacing Federal Pacific Panels, making us the go-to electrician for homeowners in East Providence and the greater Providence area.

The process of replacing a Federal Pacific Panel involves a thorough inspection of your home’s electrical system, followed by the installation of a new panel that meets the current safety standards. This will not only provide you with peace of mind but also increase the value and safety of your home.

Don’t Wait – Prioritize Your Home’s Safety Today

Now that you are aware of the dangers of Federal Pacific Panels, it’s essential to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of your home and family. As a homeowner in East Providence or the greater Providence area, trust B&K Electric to handle all your electrical needs, including the replacement of your Federal Pacific Panel.

Our family-owned and operated business is committed to providing top-quality, reliable, and safe electrical services to our community. Contact us today to schedule an inspection of your Federal Pacific Panel and take the first step in making your home a safer place.

Topics:

Federal Pacific Panel,

Electrical Safety,

Rhode Island Homeowners.