Upgrade Your Home’s Electrical Panel for Safety

Replacing Federal Pacific Breakers

As a homeowner, it is important to ensure that your home’s electrical system is safe and up to code. This is especially crucial when it comes to your electrical panel, which is responsible for distributing electricity throughout your home. In fact, an outdated or faulty electrical panel can pose serious safety hazards and even increase the risk of an electrical fire.

This is particularly relevant for those living in Elmhurst, Providence County, Rhode Island, with a zip code of 02908. B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, specializes in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation. With over 17 years of experience, B&K Electric has been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island, making them the go-to electrician for homes and businesses.

Where technology is constantly advancing, it is crucial to keep up with the latest safety standards for the well-being of your home and loved ones. One aspect of this is ensuring that your electrical panel is properly maintained and functioning. This article will discuss the importance of replacing Federal Pacific breakers, why it is necessary, and how B&K Electric can help ensure the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system.

Federal Pacific Breakers: What are They and Why are They Unsafe?

Federal Pacific breakers, also known as Stab-Lok breakers, were commonly used in homes from the 1950s to the 1980s. These breakers were manufactured by the Federal Pacific Electric Company and were popular due to their affordability and availability. However, these breakers have since been found to be defective and pose a serious safety risk for homeowners.

The main issue with Federal Pacific breakers is that they do not trip when overloaded or short-circuited. This means that in the event of an electrical surge or overload, the breaker will fail to shut off the circuit, which can lead to overheating and potentially cause an electrical fire. In fact, a survey by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that Federal Pacific breakers may fail to trip in almost 60% of cases.

Additionally, Federal Pacific breakers are not designed to properly fit into their panels, which can cause loose connections and increase the risk of electrocution. These breakers were also found to be sensitive to moisture and humidity, which can further increase the risk of electrical hazards.

Replacing Federal Pacific Breakers: Why is it Necessary?

Now that we understand the potential dangers of Federal Pacific breakers, it becomes clear that replacing them is essential for the safety of your home and family. Upgrading your electrical panel to newer, safer breakers can prevent serious electrical hazards and give you peace of mind.

Moreover, if your home still has a Federal Pacific panel, it is likely that it does not meet the current safety codes. This can be a major problem when it comes to selling your home, as inspectors and potential buyers may identify this as a hazard and may even require you to replace it before completing the sale.

Additionally, with advances in technology and the increasing demand for electricity in homes, it is important to have an electrical panel that can handle the load. Older panels, especially those with Federal Pacific breakers, may not have the capacity to meet the demands of modern homes, leading to frequent power outages and potential damage to your electronic devices.

How B&K Electric Can Help

As an experienced and licensed electrician, B&K Electric can help ensure the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system. With a team of skilled and knowledgeable professionals, they can thoroughly inspect your electrical panel and determine if it is time for an upgrade.

If your home still has a Federal Pacific panel, B&K Electric can replace it with a newer, safer panel that meets the latest safety standards. They use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, ensuring a safe and efficient installation process. Their team also provides regular maintenance services to ensure that your electrical panel is functioning properly and can make any necessary repairs or upgrades.

In addition to upgrading your panel, B&K Electric can also help with other electrical services, such as installing new lighting fixtures, troubleshooting electrical issues, and conducting safety inspections.

The bottomline

Replacing Federal Pacific breakers is crucial for the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system. These outdated breakers have been found to be defective and pose serious hazards, making it necessary to upgrade to newer, safer panels. With the help of industry experts like B&K Electric, homeowners in Elmhurst, Providence County, and other areas in Rhode Island can ensure the safety of their homes and loved ones. Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact B&K Electric today and schedule an inspection of your home’s electrical panel.

Topics:

Federal Pacific breakers,

safety hazards,

electrical panel upgrade.