Fed Pac Panel: Maintaining & Upgrading Electrical Safety | B&K Electric

Federal Pacific Panel

As the owner of a home or business in the 02907 zip code of Cranston Providence, Rhode Island, you understand the importance of ensuring that your property is running efficiently and safely. One aspect of maintaining a safe and functional property is ensuring that your electrical panel is up to date and properly maintained. At B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, we have been serving the residents of Cranston and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. We specialize in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, making us your go-to electrician for all of your electrical needs.

Your electrical panel, also known as a circuit breaker box, is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It controls the distribution of electricity to all of the outlets, appliances, and lighting in your property. Think of it as the control center of your home’s electrical system. Without a functioning and properly maintained panel, the functioning and safety of your entire property can be compromised.

Unfortunately, many homes in the Cranston and Providence areas still have outdated electrical panels, including the notorious Federal Pacific panels. These panels were commonly installed in the 1950s and 1960s and were marketed as a space-saving solution. However, over the years, it has become clear that these panels are not only outdated, but also potentially dangerous.

The History of Federal Pacific Panels

Federal Pacific panels were manufactured by the Federal Pacific Electric Company (FPE), which was in operation from the 1950s to the 1980s. These panels were commonly installed in residential and commercial properties during the housing boom after World War II. FPE marketed their panels as being more compact, allowing for more room in the property, and also cheaper than other panel options on the market.

Unfortunately, it was later discovered that these panels were not only prone to malfunctions and failures, but also posed a significant fire risk. In fact, several independent studies have shown that Federal Pacific panels have a higher rate of failure, with breakers failing to trip during an overload and causing house fires.

The Risks of a Federal Pacific Panel

The primary concern with Federal Pacific panels is their failure to properly trip, or shut off, during an overload. This means that in the event of an electrical surge or short circuit, the panel may not shut off power, increasing the risk of an electrical fire. These panels were also found to have issues with their bus bar, the component that connects the breakers to the panel. This can cause the breakers to overheat and potentially lead to a fire.

In addition, Federal Pacific panels do not meet current electrical safety standards and may not be able to handle the increased electrical demands of modern appliances and technology. This means that overloading the panel with too many devices or appliances can also increase the risk of fires and other electrical hazards.

What You Can Do to Ensure Your Property’s Safety

If you own a property with a Federal Pacific panel, it is crucial to take immediate action to ensure the safety of your home or business. The first step is to have a licensed electrician, like B&K Electric, inspect your panel and assess its condition. Our team is well-versed in identifying Federal Pacific panels and can provide you with an honest evaluation of the risks associated with your panel.

If it is determined that your panel needs to be replaced, our skilled electricians can safely and efficiently install a new, updated panel that meets current safety standards. Investing in a new panel may seem like a costly endeavor, but it is a small price to pay for the safety and peace of mind of you and your loved ones.

In addition, even if you do not have a Federal Pacific panel, it is still essential to have your panel regularly inspected and maintained by a licensed electrician. Regular maintenance can help prevent potential hazards and prolong the life of your panel, ultimately saving you money in the long run.

Trust B&K Electric for All Your Electrical Needs

At B&K Electric, we understand the importance of maintaining a safe and functional property. As a licensed electrician, we take pride in our work and our commitment to providing top-notch services to the residents of Cranston and all of Rhode Island. Our team is knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, making us your go-to electrical solution provider.

Don’t put the safety of your home or business at risk by neglecting your electrical panel. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or upgrade your panel. Our team at B&K Electric is here to help you keep your property safe, efficient, and running smoothly.

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