Washington Park: A Must for Safe Electrics

Replacing Federal Pacific Breakers

As a homeowner based in zip code 02905 in the beautiful neighborhood of Washington Park, Providence, Rhode Island, you take pride in maintaining your property and ensuring the safety and functionality of all its components. However, when it comes to your home’s electrical system, sometimes there are hidden dangers that require urgent attention. One such issue is the presence of Federal Pacific (FPE) circuit breakers, which are known to be faulty and pose a significant risk of electrical fires.

B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, specializes in electrical repair, panel maintenance and installation. For over seventeen years, our team of expert electricians has been providing top-notch services to the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island. We understand the importance of a well-functioning electrical system for homes and businesses alike, and we take great pride in serving our local community. As your go-to electrician in the Warwick area and the greater Providence area, we are dedicated to providing you with the best solutions that ensure the safety and efficiency of your property.

In this article, we will dive deep into the topic of replacing Federal Pacific breakers and why it is a vital safety measure for homeowners in Washington Park and all over the United States. We will discuss the history of FPE breakers, their potential dangers, and the benefits of upgrading to a safer and more reliable electrical panel. So, let’s get started on this eye-opening journey to better understand the importance of replacing FPE circuit breakers.

The History of Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Breakers

In the early 1950s, Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) became one of the leading manufacturers of electrical equipment, including circuit breakers and panels, in the United States. FPE breakers were widely used in residential and commercial properties, and at one point, they accounted for approximately 60% of the circuit breaker market in the country.

However, in the late 1970s, concerns began to arise about the safety of FPE breakers. Independent and industry-funded researches revealed that FPE breakers had significant design flaws that caused them to fail to trip during an overload or short circuit, thus creating a serious risk of an electrical fire. An investigation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) confirmed that FPE breakers were indeed defective and a potential hazard to homeowners.

Although FPE eventually went out of business in 1980, many of their breakers are still present in homes across the country, posing a grave danger to property and life. As a result, many experts recommend that homeowners replace their FPE breakers as soon as possible.

Why are FPE Breakers Dangerous?

As mentioned earlier, FPE breakers have a design flaw that causes them to fail to trip during an overload or short circuit. This means that the breaker will not shut off the electricity supply to the circuit, even when it is overloaded, and it will continue to carry the excessive load until it either burns out or causes a fire.

Moreover, some tests have shown that FPE breakers may not even trip off during laboratory short circuit tests under normal conditions, which means they may not protect from electrical fires even in controlled environments. These potential dangers make it essential for homeowners to replace FPE breakers to ensure the safety of their families and properties.

Benefits of Upgrading to a Safer Electrical Panel

If you have an older home in Washington Park or anywhere else in the United States, chances are you may have an FPE electrical panel. Where technology and appliances continue to evolve and consume more energy, it is vital to have an electrical panel that can keep up with the demand and provide adequate protection. Upgrading to a safer electrical panel has many benefits, some of which are highlighted below:

1. Safer for You and Your Family

Replacing FPE breakers means eliminating the risk of electrical fires caused by faulty breakers. A new and updated electrical panel with properly functioning breakers will provide added safety and peace of mind for you and your family.

2. Protect Your Home

Your home is your most valuable asset, and it is essential to protect it from potential hazards such as electrical fires. By upgrading to a safer electrical panel, you can prevent any damage to your property and save yourself thousands of dollars in repair costs.

3. Modern Features and Technology

Most new electrical panels come equipped with modern features such as arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which provide added protection against electrical hazards. They can also help identify any electrical issues before they turn into a significant problem.

4. Meet Safety Standards

With constantly changing electrical codes and safety standards, it is crucial to have an electrical panel that is up to date and compliant with the latest regulations. Upgrading to a newer panel will ensure your home meets these safety standards and avoids any potential penalties or fines.

Concluding remarks

In today’s world, where home safety and efficiency are paramount, it is vital to address any potential hazards, including faulty FPE breakers. As a homeowner in Washington Park, Rhode Island, you deserve the best and safest electrical solutions, and at B&K Electric, we understand that. Our team of experienced electricians is here to help you replace your FPE breakers with a safer and more efficient electrical panel, ensuring the protection and functionality of your property.

Don’t put your family and home at risk by ignoring the potential dangers of FPE breakers. It’s time to take a proactive approach and make the necessary upgrade to ensure the safety of your property and loved ones. Contact B&K Electric today to schedule an inspection and let us provide you with reliable and professional services that meet your electrical needs.

Topics:

Federal Pacific breakers,

electrical safety,

panel upgrades