Federal Pacific Breaker Box: A Potential Danger in Your Home

Federal Pacific Breaker Box

If you are a homeowner in the zip code 02909 of Providence, Rhode Island or anywhere in the United States for that matter, chances are you have a Federal Pacific breaker box in your home. These breaker boxes were once a popular choice for residential buildings in the 1950s and 1960s, but over time, their potential dangers have come to light.

As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of your family and property. This is where B&K Electric comes in. As a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, we understand the importance of community and customer service. Our team of experienced electricians has been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. We specialize in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation. Whether it is for your home or business in the Warwick area or the greater Providence area, make B&K Electric your go-to electrician.

But why is there so much concern surrounding Federal Pacific breaker boxes? In this article, we will delve into the history of these breaker boxes, their potential dangers, and what you can do to ensure the safety of your home.

History of Federal Pacific Breaker Boxes

In the 1950s and 1960s, Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) was one of the leading manufacturers of electrical panels and circuit breakers. These breaker boxes were known for their affordability and were popular among homebuilders and homeowners alike. However, in the early 1980s, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) conducted investigations into FPE after receiving reports of malfunctioning breakers causing fires in homes.

The investigations revealed that FPE violated safety standards and had been manufacturing and selling faulty breakers. Their breakers had a high failure rate, meaning they would not trip when there was an overload or short circuit, which could potentially lead to electrical fires. In 1983, FPE was forced to go out of business, and their breaker boxes were recalled. However, it is estimated that millions of these breaker boxes are still in use in homes across the United States.

Potential Dangers of Federal Pacific Breaker Boxes

The biggest danger associated with Federal Pacific breaker boxes is their inability to trip when there is an overload or short circuit. This means that if the electrical system in your home is overloaded or there is a short circuit, the breaker will not trip, and the wires will continue to carry electricity, potentially causing an electrical fire.

Furthermore, the design of FPE breaker boxes also poses a risk. The breakers are located too close to each other, which can cause them to overheat and malfunction. This problem is exacerbated when homeowners add additional circuits or appliances, putting more strain on the breakers.

What Can You Do?

If you have a Federal Pacific breaker box in your home, you may be wondering what you can do to ensure the safety of your home. The first step is to have an experienced electrician, such as those at B&K Electric, inspect your breaker box. Our electricians are trained to identify the potential dangers associated with FPE breakers and can advise you on the best course of action.

If your breaker box is found to be faulty, it is recommended that it is replaced immediately. Replacing your breaker box with a newer, safer model will not only give you peace of mind but will also increase the value of your home. Additionally, our team at B&K Electric offers expert panel maintenance services to ensure that your breaker box is functioning properly and efficiently.

Concluding remarks

The safety of our homes is often overlooked, but it is crucial to ensure that our families and property are protected. As a homeowner in the United States, it is your responsibility to educate yourself on the potential dangers of Federal Pacific breaker boxes. By having your breaker box inspected and potentially replaced by a licensed electrician, you can protect your home from potential electrical fires.

At B&K Electric, we understand the complexities of electrical systems and the importance of ensuring the safety of our clients’ homes. Our team of experienced electricians will provide you with reliable services, from electrical repair to panel maintenance and installation. Trust us to be your go-to electrician for any electrical needs in the Warwick area and the greater Providence area.

Topics:

Federal Pacific breaker box,

electrical hazards,

homeowner safety.