Federal Pacific Panel Recall: Protecting Your Home from Electrical Hazards

Federal Pacific Panel Recall

As a homeowner based in zip code 02906 in East Providence, Rhode Island, it is crucial to ensure that your electrical system is safe and up-to-date. Electrical hazards are one of the leading causes of household fires and can cause serious damage to your home and pose a threat to your family’s safety. That’s why it is essential to stay informed about potential electrical hazards and take proactive measures to mitigate them.

If you are in need of a licensed electrician for servicing your residence in East Providence or the surrounding areas, look no further than B&K Electric. We are a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, Rhode Island, with over seventeen years of experience in the industry. Our team of skilled electricians is dedicated to providing top-notch services, including electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation. We pride ourselves on our strong values of community and customer service, making us the go-to electrician for homes and businesses in Warwick and the greater Providence area.

However, one significant issue facing many homes, particularly those built between the 1950s and 1980s, is the presence of Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels. These panels were once popular in many homes across the United States, including those in East Providence, but have since been proven to pose significant safety risks. In this article, we will discuss the Federal Pacific panel recall, its implications, and how you can protect your home from potential electrical hazards.

What is the Federal Pacific Panel Recall?

In the mid-1950s, Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels were widely used in homes and buildings across the United States. These panels were manufactured by the Federal Pacific Electric Company, and their main purpose was to distribute power throughout the building. However, over time, these panels have been found to have design flaws that could potentially lead to electrical hazards.

The most significant issue with FPE panels is their inability to trip during an electrical overload. In simpler terms, when an excess amount of electricity passes through the panel, it should trip to prevent damage and avoid overloading the circuit. This mechanism is meant to protect your home from potential electrical hazards, such as fires. However, with FPE panels, this mechanism often fails, leaving your home vulnerable to potential electrical fires.

Despite the numerous safety concerns raised by several organizations and experts, FPE panels were not officially recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). However, in 1983, the company that manufactured these panels went out of business, and the production of new FPE panels was discontinued. This prompted the CPSC to advise homeowners to have these panels replaced or inspected by a licensed electrician.

Implications of Having an FPE Panel in Your Home

As mentioned earlier, FPE panels have design flaws that make them a potential fire hazard for homes and buildings. These panels have been known to cause overloaded circuits, short circuits, and even explosions, which can lead to fires. Despite their widespread use in homes, FPE panels have been linked to numerous house fires and even fatalities.

Another implication of having an FPE panel in your home is its impact on your home’s insurance coverage. Most insurance companies view the presence of an FPE panel as a significant liability and may increase your insurance premiums or even deny coverage. This is because these panels pose a potential risk to your home’s safety and can result in costly damages.

How to Protect Your Home from Potential Electrical Hazards

As a homeowner, the safety of your home and family should always be a top priority. So, if you have an FPE panel in your home, it is crucial to have it inspected and replaced or repaired by a licensed electrician. As the leading electrical service provider in Warwick and the surrounding areas, B&K Electric specializes in panel maintenance and replacement. Our team of highly skilled and experienced electricians can thoroughly inspect your FPE panel and advise you on the best course of action to protect your home and family from potential electrical hazards.

Apart from replacing or repairing your FPE panel, it is also important to keep up with regular maintenance and safety checks on your electrical system. This includes checking for any loose or damaged wires, ensuring proper grounding, and having your system inspected by a licensed electrician at least once every few years. Precautionary measures such as these can significantly reduce the risk of electrical hazards and maintain the safety of your home.

The Federal Pacific panel recall highlights the importance of staying informed and proactive about potential electrical hazards in your home. If you live in East Providence or the surrounding areas and are in need of a licensed electrician, look no further than B&K Electric. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing top-notch electrical services, including panel maintenance and replacements, to keep your home safe and up-to-date. Don’t wait until it’s too late; protect your home and family by scheduling an electrical inspection today.

Topics:

Federal Pacific Panel Recall,

Electrical Hazards,

FPE Panel Safety