Federal Pacific Replacement Breakers: Understanding the Importance

Federal Pacific Replacement Breakers

Have you recently purchased or moved into a home in the 02908 zip code of Elmhurst, Providence County, Rhode Island? Or perhaps you have been living in this neighborhood for a while now and are looking to upgrade your electrical panel for safety reasons? As a homeowner, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to hire a licensed electrician for servicing your residence. Your home is your most valuable asset, and it is important to ensure that all its electrical components, including the panel, are functioning properly to avoid any safety hazards.

At B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, we understand the importance of reliable and safe electrical systems in your home. Our electricians, with over seventeen years of experience, have been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island. We specialize in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, making us your go-to electrician in the Warwick area and the greater Providence area.

One crucial aspect of maintaining a safe and efficient electrical system in your home is ensuring that the breakers in your electrical panel are functioning properly. One type of breaker that has been the subject of much debate and concern is the Federal Pacific replacement breakers. In this article, we will delve into the history and controversy surrounding these breakers and discuss the importance of replacing them for the safety of your home and loved ones.

History of Federal Pacific Replacement Breakers

Federal Pacific replacement breakers, also known as Stab-Lok breakers, were manufactured by Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) from the 1950s to the 1980s. They were widely used in homes across the United States during this time, as they were the go-to brand for electrical panels and breakers. However, in the early 1980s, experts started noticing an alarming trend – these breakers were failing to trip during an overload or short circuit, leading to house fires.

In 1983, a class-action lawsuit was filed against FPE, claiming that their breakers were not meeting the required safety standards and were responsible for numerous house fires and deaths. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) investigated these claims and found substantial evidence of the inherent danger of Federal Pacific replacement breakers. Despite this, the company did not recall the breakers, nor did they correct the safety issues. Instead, they declared bankruptcy in 1982 and went out of business.

Why Should You Be Concerned?

If you are living in an older home that was built in the 1950s-1980s, there is a high chance that your electrical panel contains Federal Pacific replacement breakers. These breakers have been deemed a major safety hazard due to several reasons:

1. Failure to Trip:

As mentioned earlier, the main issue with these breakers is that they fail to trip when there is an overload or a short circuit. This means that the breaker will not interrupt the flow of electricity, leading to overheating of wires and potentially causing a fire.

2. Inconsistent Manufacturing:

A study conducted by the CPSC showed that these breakers were poorly designed and manufactured, leading to inconsistencies in their performance. Some breakers may trip at a lower amperage than what they are rated for, while others may not trip at all, making it impossible to accurately predict how they will perform in a critical situation.

3. Heat Build-Up:

Another issue with these breakers is that they have a tendency to overheat, which can cause the insulation around the wires to melt. This creates a dangerous situation as the exposed wires can cause sparks and ignite a fire.

Replacing Federal Pacific Replacement Breakers

Given the history and safety concerns associated with Federal Pacific replacement breakers, it is crucial to have them replaced by a licensed electrician as soon as possible. At B&K Electric, we highly recommend replacing these breakers with newer, safer models. Our team of expert electricians will carefully inspect your electrical panel and replace any faulty breakers with high-quality, reliable models to ensure the safety of your home and family.

Furthermore, if you are planning to purchase a home in the 02908 zip code or are considering selling your home in the future, it is essential to have the electrical panel inspected by a licensed electrician to identify and replace any Federal Pacific replacement breakers. This will not only ensure the safety of the new homeowners, but it can also increase the value of your property.

As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of your home and loved ones. The replacement of Federal Pacific replacement breakers is a crucial step in maintaining a safe and efficient electrical system. At B&K Electric, we understand the importance of this process and are dedicated to providing top-notch, reliable services to our community. Contact us today to schedule an inspection of your electrical panel and replace any faulty breakers. Trust us to keep your home and family safe.

Topics:

federal pacific replacement breakers,

electrical panel safety,

licensed electrician.