Federal Pacific Panels: A Hidden Electrical Danger in Your Home

Federal Pacific Panels

As a homeowner in zip code 02907 Cranston Providence, Rhode Island, you take great pride in maintaining your property and ensuring the safety of your family. Your home is a haven where you can relax and create countless memories with your loved ones. However, there may be a hidden danger lurking in your home that you are not aware of – your electrical panel.

At B&K Electric, 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 team of experienced electricians specializes in all aspects of electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation. We understand the importance of having a reliable and safe electrical system in your home, and we want to educate you on a potential risk that is often overlooked – Federal Pacific Panels.

< h3>Topics: Federal Pacific Panels, Electrical Repair, Electrical Panel Maintenance to Federal Pacific Panels

In the 1950s and 1960s, Federal Pacific Electric Company (FPE) manufactured and sold millions of electrical panels, primarily in the United States and Canada. They were known for their Stab-Lok design, which included a unique method of connecting breakers to the bus bar. These panels were popular due to their low cost and were installed in many homes and businesses during this time.

However, over the years, these panels have gained a notorious reputation for being unsafe and have caused many electrical fires. In the 1980s, investigations revealed that the Stab-Lok design was flawed, and the panels were not able to trip properly when there was an overload or short circuit. This could result in the panel overheating and potentially causing a fire.

Why Are Federal Pacific Panels a Hidden Danger?

You may be wondering why these panels have not been recalled or removed from homes if they are a known safety hazard. The answer lies in a lack of regulation in the electrical industry. Since FPE panels were approved by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), they were deemed safe to use. However, there have been numerous reports and investigations that have shown otherwise.

Additionally, the Consumer Product Safety Commission did not have the authority to recall these panels, and attempts to do so were met with resistance from FPE. In 2005, a class-action lawsuit was filed against the company, which resulted in a settlement that allowed homeowners to receive reimbursement for a portion of their panel replacement costs. However, this did not mandate the removal of these panels from homes, leaving many families at risk.

Identifying a Federal Pacific Panel

One of the challenges with FPE panels is that they do not have any distinguishing marks or labels. This means that many homeowners may not even be aware that they have one in their home. The only way to confirm if you have a Federal Pacific Panel is through a thorough inspection by a licensed electrician.

However, there are some visual cues that you can look for. These panels typically have the Stab-Lok logo on the front cover, and the breakers are arranged in two columns. Additionally, the panel may have an FPE nameplate on the inside of the panel cover.

The Risks of Not Addressing a Federal Pacific Panel

Ignoring the potential danger of a Federal Pacific Panel can have dire consequences. These panels are known to have a high failure rate, which increases the risk of a fire. In a study conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, it was found that FPE panels failed to trip properly in 60-80% of the cases investigated.

Furthermore, even if the panel does trip, the breakers are known to be difficult to reset, and this can lead to repeated attempts to reset the breaker or simply leaving it off, both of which are unsafe solutions.

Replacing Your Federal Pacific Panel

If your home has a Federal Pacific Panel, it is crucial that it be replaced by a licensed electrician as soon as possible. Our team at B&K Electric has extensive experience in replacing these panels, and we take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of your home during the replacement process.

We understand that replacing your panel may seem like an intimidating and expensive task, but it is a crucial investment in the safety of your home and family. It is also important to note that many insurance companies may not cover damages caused by a fire related to a Federal Pacific Panel, leaving you at risk of financial devastation in the event of an electrical fire.

As a homeowner in the United States, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of your home and family. If you live in Cranston, Warwick, or any area of Rhode Island, make B&K Electric your go-to electrician for all your electrical needs. Let us help give you peace of mind by replacing your Federal Pacific Panel and protecting your home from a potential electrical hazard.

Topics:

Federal Pacific Panels,

Electrical Repair,

Electrical Panel Maintenance.