Replacing Federal Pacific Breakers: Protecting Your Home and Family

Replacing Federal Pacific Breakers

As a homeowner in the 02907 Cranston Providence, Rhode Island area, you may have heard about the potential dangers of Federal Pacific breakers. These breakers, commonly used in homes from the 1950s to the 1980s, have a history of being unreliable and prone to malfunction, putting both your home and family at risk. As a licensed electrician, B&K Electric understands the importance of keeping your home safe and functioning properly. In this article, we will discuss the dangers of Federal Pacific breakers, the signs of a faulty breaker, and the importance of replacing them with a licensed electrician.

At B&K Electric, we take pride in being a family-owned and operated business rooted in 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. Our goal is to be your go-to electrician for all your home or business needs in the Warwick area and the greater Providence area.

Federal Pacific breakers, also known as Stab-Lok breakers, were widely used in homes from the 1950s to the 1980s due to their affordability and ease of installation. However, these breakers were found to have a high failure rate, posing a serious fire hazard. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has declared Federal Pacific panels to be a defective product due to their inability to trip during overloads, leading to potential fires. With over 2,800 recorded incidents, including multiple deaths and injuries, it is crucial for homeowners in the 02907 Cranston Providence area to be aware of the potential dangers of these breakers and take action to replace them.

So, how do you know if you have Federal Pacific breakers in your home? The best way to determine this is to check your electrical panel for the manufacturer’s label. If it says Federal Pacific Electric Company or Federal Pacific Electric Circuit Breaker, you most likely have Federal Pacific breakers. However, it is important to note that the label may have been hidden or removed, so it is best to have a licensed electrician inspect your panel.

Aside from knowing the manufacturer, there are other signs that may indicate you have Federal Pacific breakers. If you experience frequent tripping of your breakers, flickering lights, or a burning smell around your panel, it could be a sign of a faulty breaker. Additionally, if you notice your breakers are warm or hot to the touch, that is also a warning sign. If you experience any of these issues, it is crucial to have your panel inspected by a licensed electrician, as these symptoms could lead to a potentially dangerous situation for you and your family.

As a licensed electrician, B&K Electric strongly recommends replacing your Federal Pacific breakers with modern, more reliable ones. It is not only a matter of safety, but also a wise investment for your home. By replacing these breakers, you are not only protecting your home and your family, but also increasing the value of your property. Many insurance companies may refuse coverage for homes with Federal Pacific panels, so replacing them can also prevent any issues with your insurance coverage.

Replacing your Federal Pacific breakers is not a DIY project, and should only be done by a licensed and experienced electrician. Attempting to replace these breakers on your own can not only be dangerous and potentially cause further damage, but it can also void your insurance coverage. B&K Electric takes pride in our expertise and adherence to safety protocols, ensuring that the replacement process is done correctly and efficiently.

In order to replace your Federal Pacific breakers, the electrician will need to remove the old panel and install the new one. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the wiring. It is important to prioritize this as a safety issue, as the longer you wait, the more at risk your home and family are.

At B&K Electric, we understand that replacing your Federal Pacific breakers can be a big expense, but it is a necessary one for the safety and well-being of your home and family. We offer competitive pricing and will work with you to find the best solution for your budget. Our goal is to provide top-notch service at an affordable price, so that you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and up to code.

As a homeowner in the 02907 Cranston Providence, Rhode Island area, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers of Federal Pacific breakers and take action to replace them with the help of a licensed electrician. With over seventeen years of experience serving the communities of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island, B&K Electric is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of your home and family. Don’t wait until it’s too late, contact us today for a consultation and let us help you protect what matters most.

Topics:

Federal Pacific breakers,

potential dangers,

replacement process