Cranston, RI Residents: Replace Federal Pacific Breakers

Replacing Federal Pacific Breakers

If you’re a homeowner in Cranston, Providence, or any other part of Rhode Island, chances are you’ve come across the name Federal Pacific. This company was once a leading manufacturer of circuit breakers, panels, and other electrical equipment. However, a series of safety concerns and recalls have led to many homeowners questioning the safety and reliability of Federal Pacific breakers. And with the majority of homes in Rhode Island being built between the 1950s and 1980s, many homeowners are faced with the question of whether they should replace their Federal Pacific breakers with newer, safer options.

At B&K Electric, we understand the importance of keeping your home’s electrical system up-to-date and safe. As 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 17 years. We specialize in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, making us the go-to electrician for homeowners and businesses in the Warwick and Providence areas. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about replacing Federal Pacific breakers and why it is a smart decision for homeowners in Cranston, RI.

The Safety Concerns Surrounding Federal Pacific Breakers

Before we discuss the process of replacing Federal Pacific breakers, it’s important to understand why homeowners should consider doing so. Over the years, Federal Pacific, also known as FPE, has been at the center of numerous safety concerns and recalls. In the 1980s, it was discovered that many Federal Pacific breakers failed to trip, or shut off, when they were supposed to. This posed a serious fire hazard for homes and businesses that used these breakers. In addition, it was found that some Federal Pacific breakers had faulty connections, which could lead to overheating and cause fires.

These safety concerns prompted a recall of over 28 million Federal Pacific breakers, but it is estimated that millions of homes in the U.S. still have these breakers in use. And with the age of most homes in Rhode Island, there is a high likelihood that many homes in Cranston still have Federal Pacific breakers installed. This poses a huge safety risk for homeowners, which is why it’s important to consider replacing these breakers.

Replacing Federal Pacific Breakers: What’s Involved

Now that we understand the safety concerns surrounding Federal Pacific breakers, let’s delve into what the process of replacing these breakers entails. The first step is to have a professional electrician, like B&K Electric, inspect your electrical panel to determine if you have Federal Pacific breakers installed. It is not recommended for homeowners to try to identify these breakers themselves, as it can be dangerous to handle electrical panels without the proper training and equipment.

Once it is determined that you have Federal Pacific breakers, the electrician will begin the process of replacing them with newer, safer options. This is a highly technical process that requires the expertise of a licensed electrician. The electrician will need to remove the old breakers, and potentially the entire panel, and replace them with new breakers that meet current safety standards. This may also involve updating wiring and other electrical components to ensure the system is up-to-date and working properly.

Why Replacing Federal Pacific Breakers is a Smart Decision for Homeowners in Cranston, RI

While the process of replacing Federal Pacific breakers can be time-consuming and costly, it is a necessary step to ensure the safety and integrity of your home’s electrical system. In addition, there are several other benefits that homeowners in Cranston, RI should consider when making the decision to replace their Federal Pacific breakers.

1. Improved Safety: As discussed earlier, the safety concerns surrounding Federal Pacific breakers are a huge cause for concern for homeowners. Replacing these breakers with newer, safer options will greatly reduce the risk of fires and other electrical hazards in your home.

2. Compliance with Current Codes and Standards: Electrical codes and standards are constantly evolving to ensure safety and efficiency. By replacing Federal Pacific breakers, you’ll be ensuring that your home meets current codes and standards, which can increase the value of your home and provide peace of mind for potential buyers.

3. Increased Energy Efficiency: Older breakers can cause your electrical system to be inefficient, leading to higher energy costs. By replacing them with newer, more efficient breakers, you’ll save on your energy bills and help the environment.

4. Easier Maintenance: Federal Pacific breakers have been known to malfunction, causing frustration and inconvenience for homeowners. By replacing them, you will have a newer, more reliable electrical system that requires less maintenance.

Replacing Federal Pacific breakers is a smart decision for homeowners in Cranston, RI. Not only will it ensure the safety of your home and family, but it also offers several other benefits. At B&K Electric, we understand the importance of having a safe and reliable electrical system in your home. Our licensed electricians have the expertise to replace your Federal Pacific breakers and bring your electrical system up-to-date. Contact us today for a consultation and to schedule a replacement.

Topics:

Federal Pacific breakers,

electrical safety,

home renovations