Federal Pacific Electrical Panel: The Potential Danger in Your Home

Federal Pacific Electrical Panel

As a resident of East Providence, Rhode Island, you take pride in your beautiful home and the safety and comfort it provides for your family. However, what if we told you that your home could be harboring a hidden danger in the form of a Federal Pacific Electrical Panel? This may sound alarming, and it should, as these panels have been known to cause fires and electrocutions in homes across the country.

At B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated business based in nearby Warwick, RI, we have been serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. We specialize in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, and have seen first hand the dangers associated with Federal Pacific Electrical Panels. In this article, we will explore the history of these panels, why they pose a risk to your home, and what you can do to ensure the safety of your family and your property.

The History of Federal Pacific Electrical Panels

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) was one of the leading manufacturers of electrical panels in the United States. These panels were sold and installed in millions of homes across the country, including many in the East Providence area. However, in 1982, FPE went out of business after an investigation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that the panels had numerous design flaws and defects.

Despite this finding, it is estimated that there are still millions of homes in the US that contain Federal Pacific Electrical Panels. And although they have not been manufactured for nearly 40 years, they continue to present a serious risk to homeowners due to their faulty design and construction.

The Dangers of Federal Pacific Electrical Panels

So, what makes these panels so dangerous? It all comes down to the way they were designed and built. The breakers and units within the panel were not properly manufactured, resulting in faulty and unreliable circuit protection. This means that the breakers may fail to trip and cut off power to a circuit when there is an overload or short circuit, allowing the wires to overheat and potentially start a fire.

Additionally, the breakers themselves may not fit properly into the panel, leaving loose connections and causing sparks or arcing. This can lead to electrical shock or electrocution, as well as damage to appliances and electronics in your home. And because these panels were installed several decades ago, they may not be equipped to handle the increased demand for electricity that modern appliances and technology require, putting a further strain on the system.

What Can You Do to Keep Your Home Safe?

If you own a home built before 1990 and are unsure if you have a Federal Pacific Electrical Panel, it is important to have it inspected by a licensed electrician as soon as possible. At B&K Electric, we offer comprehensive panel maintenance and inspections to ensure the safety of your electrical system. We can also upgrade your existing panel to a more modern and reliable model that meets the demands of your home.

If a Federal Pacific Electrical Panel is found in your home, it is crucial to have it replaced as soon as possible. While this may be an expensive endeavor, the cost of not replacing it could be much greater in the long run. The safety of your family should always come first, and the peace of mind that comes with having a reliable and efficient electrical system is invaluable.

In Conclusion

As a homeowner, the safety of your family and property should always be a top priority. And with the dangers of Federal Pacific Electrical Panels, it is important to take action to ensure the well-being of your loved ones. At B&K Electric, we are dedicated to providing our community with top-notch electrical services and we have extensive experience in handling Federal Pacific Electrical Panel replacements.

Remember, if you suspect that your home may have a Federal Pacific Electrical Panel, do not delay in having it inspected and replaced if necessary. The risk of fire and electrocution is too great to ignore. Trust the experts at B&K Electric to keep your home and family safe. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and take the first step towards a safer and more efficient electrical system.

Topics:

Federal Pacific Electrical Panel,

Electrical Safety,

Home Upgrades