Federal Pacific Panel: What You Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician

Federal Pacific Panel

In the world of electricity, proper panel maintenance and installation are crucial to ensuring the safety of your home or business. As a homeowner or business owner in the Washington Park area of Providence, Rhode Island (zip code: 02905), you may have come across the name Federal Pacific Panel. Whether you’re looking to hire an electrician for repairs or considering a panel upgrade, it’s essential to understand the potential dangers associated with Federal Pacific Panels.

At B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business in Warwick, RI, we understand the importance of community and customer service. For over seventeen years, we have proudly served the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island with our expertise in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation. As your go-to electrician in the Warwick and greater Providence area, we want to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when it comes to your home or business’s electrical needs, especially when it comes to Federal Pacific Panels.

What is a Federal Pacific Panel?

In simple terms, a Federal Pacific Panel (also known as a Federal Pacific Electric or FPE Panel) is a type of electrical panel that was commonly installed in homes and businesses throughout the 1950s to the 1980s. At the time, it was a popular choice due to its affordability and reliability. However, in the 1980s, it was discovered that Federal Pacific Panels posed potential safety hazards.

Potential Hazards of a Federal Pacific Panel

The main issue with Federal Pacific Panels is their failure to trip during an overload or short circuit, which can lead to electrical fires. This is due to the faulty design of the panel’s internal components, specifically the circuit breakers. Tests have shown that these breakers have a failure rate of up to 40%, meaning they may not trip when needed. This poses a significant risk as it can cause overheating, arcing, and ultimately, a fire.

Other issues with Federal Pacific Panels include the use of undersized wires, which can lead to overheating and melting, and a possible lack of ground fault protection, which can increase the risk of electrical shocks.

Another issue is that Federal Pacific Panels may not meet current building codes, as safety standards have improved since their installation. This means that if you have an FPE panel in your home or business, it may not be up to current safety standards.

How to Tell If You Have a Federal Pacific Panel

Identifying a Federal Pacific Panel in your home or business can be tricky, especially if you are not familiar with electrical systems. However, there are a few tell-tale signs you can look out for. Typically, Federal Pacific Panels have the name Federal Pacific Electric or FPE written on the front cover. They also have a distinctive layout, with two rows of breakers on the right and two rows on the left, with a red handle on the main circuit breaker. However, some of these panels may have new covers that make it challenging to identify them at first glance.

It’s best to hire a licensed electrician, like B&K Electric, to inspect your panel and determine if it’s a Federal Pacific Panel. They will have the necessary expertise and knowledge to identify any potential hazards and recommend the best course of action.

What to Do If You Have a Federal Pacific Panel

If you have a Federal Pacific Panel in your home or business, it’s crucial to take action to ensure the safety of yourself and others. The first step is to have a licensed electrician inspect and assess your panel. They may recommend either replacing the panel or upgrading it with new, safer circuit breakers. Upgrading the panel may be a more cost-effective solution than a full replacement if your panel is in good condition.

However, it’s crucial to note that if your panel shows signs of wear and tear, rust, or overheating, it’s best to replace it entirely. It’s better to invest in a new panel than risk the safety of your home or business. At B&K Electric, we can provide you with a detailed assessment and personalized recommendation for your Federal Pacific Panel.

The Cost of Replacing a Federal Pacific Panel

The cost of replacing a Federal Pacific Panel can vary depending on the size and location of your home or business. However, it’s essential to consider it as an investment in the safety of your property. The cost of replacing the panel is minor in comparison to the potential cost of a fire or electrical damage. Additionally, upgrading to a newer, safer panel can also increase the value of your property.

Safety First with B&K Electric

As a homeowner or business owner, your top priority is the safety and wellbeing of your family, employees, and property. Electrical systems are not something to take lightly, which is why it’s essential to hire a licensed and experienced electrician like B&K Electric for all your panel maintenance and installation needs. We are committed to providing quality and reliable service to the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island.

Don’t take chances with the safety of your property. Contact B&K Electric today for a comprehensive inspection and personalized recommendation for your Federal Pacific Panel. We are your trusted partner in all things electric.

Topics:

Federal Pacific Panel,

electrical safety,

licensed electrician