Federal Pacific Breaker Panel: A Homeowner’s Guide

Federal Pacific Breaker Panel

When it comes to the safety and functionality of your home, properly maintaining and installing your electrical panels is an important task that should not be overlooked. As a homeowner in Zip Code 02905, Washington Park, Providence, you want to ensure that your electrical system is up to code and optimized for optimal performance. This is where B&K Electric comes in. As a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, we have been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. Our specializations in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation make us the go-to electricians for homeowners and businesses in the Warwick and Greater Providence area. In this article, we will be focusing on one of the most commonly used and heavily scrutinized electrical panels – the Federal Pacific Breaker Panel.

The Federal Pacific Breaker Panel, also known as the Stab-Lok panel, was a popular choice for residential homes built during the 1950s to the 1980s. It was manufactured by the Federal Pacific Electric Company and was installed in millions of homes throughout the United States. However, after years of use and multiple investigations, it has been deemed a safety hazard and is no longer sold. Despite this, there are still many homes in Washington Park, Providence that have these panels installed.

Why was the Federal Pacific Breaker Panel deemed unsafe? It all started in the early 1980s when engineers at the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) discovered that the breakers in the Federal Pacific panels were not properly tripping during electrical overloads. In simple terms, they were not protecting your home from electrical fires. It was also discovered that the panels had not been properly UL tested, meaning that they did not meet the required safety standards for electrical panels. This led to a massive recall of the panels and multiple class-action lawsuits against the manufacturer.

So what are the dangers associated with the Federal Pacific Breaker Panel? First and foremost, the failure of the breakers to trip during an overload can result in electrical fires. It has been estimated that malfunctioning Federal Pacific panels were the cause of nearly 2,800 electrical fires a year. These fires can result in extensive property damage and pose a serious threat to the safety of the residents. Additionally, the lack of proper UL testing means that the panels are not equipped to handle today’s modern electrical demands. This can lead to frequent tripping of breakers, causing inconvenience and potentially damaging your electrical appliances.

As a homeowner in Washington Park, Providence, it is crucial to have your Federal Pacific Breaker Panel inspected by a licensed electrician. Don’t wait for a potential disaster to occur before taking action. Signs that you may have a Federal Pacific panel include flickering lights, frequently tripping breakers, and a buzzing sound coming from the panel. If you discover that your home has this type of panel, it is important to have it replaced as soon as possible for the safety and protection of your home and family.

Replacing a Federal Pacific Breaker Panel should not be taken lightly and should only be done by a licensed and experienced electrician. At B&K Electric, our team of skilled electricians has the knowledge and expertise to safely remove and replace your Federal Pacific panel with a newer, safer model. We also offer regular panel maintenance services to ensure that your electrical system is functioning properly and up to code. Don’t take the risk of DIY-ing this task or hiring a less experienced electrician, as improperly installing an electrical panel can have catastrophic consequences.

The Federal Pacific Breaker Panel was once a popular choice for many homes but has since been deemed a safety hazard. As a homeowner in Washington Park, Providence, it is crucial to have your panel inspected and replaced if necessary. Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact B&K Electric for all your electrical panel needs. Our dedication to community and customer service, combined with our expertise in electrical repair, maintenance, and installation, makes us the ideal choice for homeowners in the Warwick and Greater Providence area. Trust us to keep your home safe and up to code.

Topics:

Federal Pacific Breaker Panel,

Electrical Panel Maintenance,

Electrical Installation.