Keeping Your Cranston Home Safe: Replacing Breakers

Federal Pacific Breaker Replacement

If you’re a homeowner in the zip code 02907 area of Cranston Providence, Rhode Island, you may not have given much thought to the electrical system in your home. However, as a licensed and experienced electrician serving this community, B&K Electric wants to bring your attention to a potential safety hazard that may be present in your home: Federal Pacific breakers.

These breakers, which were commonly used in homes built from the 1950s to the 1980s, have been known to fail and not provide proper protection against electrical overloads and short circuits. This can lead to electrical fires and other dangerous situations. In this article, we will discuss the importance of replacing Federal Pacific breakers and how B&K Electric can help ensure the safety of your home.

Why are Federal Pacific breakers a safety concern?

We rely heavily on electricity for our daily lives. From lighting our homes to powering our essential appliances, we expect our electrical system to function properly and safely. However, in the case of Federal Pacific breakers, this may not be the case.

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) manufactured millions of circuit breakers, which were commonly installed in homes throughout the United States during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. These breakers were also used in commercial buildings and were considered to be a reliable and cost-effective option at the time.

However, in the early 1980s, serious concerns were raised about the safety of these breakers. Tests conducted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) revealed that the breakers had a high failure rate and did not provide adequate protection against electrical faults. This was due to a design flaw that caused the breakers not to trip when a fault was present, leading to potential fires and shock hazards. As a result, FPE went out of business in the late 1980s and is no longer in operation.

Although these breakers may have been installed in your home for many years without any issues, it is important to be proactive in replacing them to ensure the safety of your home and family.

How do I know if I have Federal Pacific breakers?

If your home was built between the 1950s and 1980s, there is a chance that your electrical panel contains Federal Pacific breakers. The easiest way to determine this is by visually inspecting the panel and checking for the brand name Federal Pacific Electric on the breakers. However, in some cases, the manufacturer’s label may have been removed or painted over.

If you are unsure or do not feel comfortable inspecting your panel, it is best to contact a licensed electrician, like B&K Electric, to perform an inspection and determine if you have these breakers in your home.

The importance of replacing Federal Pacific breakers

The safety concerns surrounding Federal Pacific breakers are not something to be taken lightly. Although they may have performed adequately in the past, they have not been tested and approved by the current safety standards and do not offer the same level of protection as modern breakers.

Additionally, these breakers are no longer produced, making it challenging to find replacements when needed. This could result in delays in repairs or replacements, which could compromise the safety of your home.

Moreover, if you are planning to sell your home in the future, having Federal Pacific breakers in your electrical panel may be a red flag for potential buyers. Many home inspectors are trained to identify these breakers and may recommend replacing them as a condition of the sale.

The solution: Federal Pacific breaker replacement by B&K Electric

At B&K Electric, we understand the importance of electrical safety and the potential hazards associated with Federal Pacific breakers. That’s why our team is highly trained and equipped to provide efficient and reliable Federal Pacific breaker replacement services to homeowners in the Cranston Providence area.

Our process starts with a thorough inspection of your electrical panel to determine if you have these breakers and assess their condition. If they are found to be Federal Pacific breakers, we will provide you with a detailed explanation of the risks involved and recommend a course of action to replace them.

Our electricians have years of experience and use only the highest quality materials to ensure that your electrical panel is up to code and providing the necessary protection for your home. We also offer a warranty on all our work to give you peace of mind.

Don’t compromise on safety – call B&K Electric today!

If you are a homeowner in the Cranston Providence, RI area, it is essential to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of your home’s electrical system. This includes replacing any Federal Pacific breakers that may be present in your panel.

At B&K Electric, we are committed to keeping the residents of Rhode Island safe by providing top-notch electrical services. Let us be your go-to electrician for all your electrical needs, including Federal Pacific breaker replacement.

Topics:

Federal Pacific breakers,

electrical safety,

home maintenance