Be Aware of Dangerous Panels in Cranston

Federal Pacific Electric Panels

As a homeowner in the lovely zip code of 02907 in Cranston Providence, Rhode Island, you take pride in your home and strive to maintain it in the best condition. However, there may be a hidden danger lurking in your home that you may not be aware of – a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panel. This crucial component of your home’s electrical system may potentially pose a grave threat to your safety and the safety of your family. It is essential to educate yourself about the potential hazards of FPE panels and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

At B&K Electric, we understand the importance of keeping your home safe and secure. As a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, we are dedicated to providing top-notch electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation services to our valued clients in Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island. With over 17 years of experience in the industry, we have seen our fair share of FPE panels and the dangers they pose. In this article, we aim to shed light on this issue and educate you, our valued audience, on the dangers of FPE panels and the necessary steps to take to ensure your home’s safety. So, buckle up and let’s dive into the world of FPE panels!

What is a Federal Pacific Electric Panel?

For those of you who may not be familiar with FPE panels, let us start with the basics. Federal Pacific Electric was a company that manufactured and distributed electrical panels from the 1950s to the 1980s. These panels were widely used in residential homes, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s when housing developments were on the rise. FPE panels are also known as Stab-Lok panels, named after the unique design of their circuit breakers. These panels were popular because they were less expensive than other options on the market, making them a favorite among homebuilders.

Why are FPE Panels a Cause for Concern?

Initially, FPE panels were approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), one of the nation’s largest and most recognized product safety organizations. However, in 1982, UL investigated FPE panels and found that they had numerous design and manufacturing flaws. UL concluded that these panels were not safe and recommended a full-scale recall, but FPE refused to comply. Eventually, they settled with UL, but the agreement only covered future panels, leaving thousands of existing FPE panels in homes across the United States.

The primary concern with FPE panels is that they have a high tendency to malfunction. The circuit breakers have been found to be faulty, failing to trip when overloaded. In simpler terms, when there is a short circuit or an electrical overload in your home’s wiring, the circuit breaker is supposed to trip and cut off the electricity supply, preventing a fire. However, in many cases, FPE panels have not been able to do so, resulting in electrical fires and serious safety hazards. In fact, reports suggest that FPE panels are responsible for thousands of electrical fires and multiple deaths in the United States.

What Makes FPE Panels Dangerous?

There are several reasons why FPE panels are considered dangerous. Firstly, as mentioned earlier, their circuit breakers have a high failure rate, making them unreliable in the event of an electrical overload. As a result, home fires can occur, risking the safety and lives of the occupants. Additionally, FPE panels were found to be mislabeled, with their circuit breakers having a much higher amperage rating than they could handle. This means that they can allow more electricity to flow through than they are designed to handle, leading to overheating, melting of wires, and ultimately, fires.

Furthermore, FPE panels also have a known issue with their bus bars, which are the metal strips that conduct electricity throughout the panel. These bars have been found to split or crack, causing electrical arcing or sparking, which can ignite fires. The most troubling aspect is that these hazards are not always visible to the naked eye. Many homeowners have no idea that their FPE panels pose a threat until it is too late.

The Importance of Replacing Your FPE Panel

Now that we have established the potential dangers of FPE panels, it is crucial to understand why it is essential to replace them. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of your home and the people living in it. Ignoring the risks of an FPE panel can have catastrophic consequences. Additionally, if you are looking to sell your home, having an FPE panel can drastically decrease its value and make it harder to sell. Most home inspectors are trained to identify FPE panels and will flag them as a potential safety hazard.

Moreover, some insurance companies have also started to deny coverage or increase premiums for homes with FPE panels. This is because they recognize the risks associated with them and do not want to take on that liability. This can be a significant issue for homeowners, especially in areas that are prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes. These situations often cause power surges, which can be dangerous if your panels are not up to code.

The Replacement Process

If you have an FPE panel in your home, it is essential to contact a licensed electrician immediately to schedule a replacement. At B&K Electric, we have a team of experienced and certified electricians who are equipped to handle the replacement process efficiently and safely. We will start by conducting a thorough inspection of your panel to determine its condition. If we find any signs of damage or defects, we will immediately advise you to replace the entire panel. If your panel is still in decent condition, we may be able to replace only the circuit breakers and other necessary components.

Once the replacement is complete, we will conduct multiple tests to ensure that your new panel is functioning correctly and that your home’s electrical system is safe and compliant with current codes and standards. We highly recommend that you opt for a complete replacement, as it guarantees the safety and peace of mind that you deserve as a homeowner.

Protect Yourself and Your Home Today!

In today’s world, safety is paramount, especially in a place as intimate and important as your home. As a licensed electrician, we have seen the consequences of homeowners neglecting the potential hazards of FPE panels. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take the necessary steps today and contact B&K Electric to schedule a panel replacement. Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch service and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our valued clients. Don’t put your family’s safety at risk any longer – make the switch to a safe and reliable electrical panel today.

Remember, it is never too early to prioritize your safety and the safety of those you love. Don’t wait for an accident to happen; be proactive and take control of your home’s electrical system. Trust B&K Electric to provide you with expert panel replacement services and secure your home’s electrical safety for years to come. Contact us today and let us be your go-to electrician for all your electrical needs in the Warwick, RI area and the greater Providence area.

Topics:

FPE panel dangers,

panel replacement,

electrical hazards