Critical Facts for 02906 Homeowners: Federal Pacific Breakers

Federal Pacific Breakers

If you are a homeowner in Zip Code 02906, East Providence, Rhode Island, chances are you have a Federal Pacific breaker box in your home. These breakers were popular in homes built between the 1950s and 1980s, and while they may seem like a small and insignificant part of your home’s electrical system, they can have serious safety implications.

As a family-owned and operated electrical business, B&K Electric has been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. We specialize in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, making us the go-to electricians for homes and businesses in the Warwick area and the greater Providence area. In this article, we will delve into the history of Federal Pacific breakers and discuss their potential dangers, as well as what you can do if you have them in your home.

What Are Federal Pacific Breakers?

Federal Pacific Electric Company (FPE) was a manufacturer of electrical panels and breakers from the 1950s to the 1980s. Their products were widely used in homes and businesses across the United States, as they were affordable and readily available. However, in 1981, the company was forced to close due to numerous reports of faulty products and safety concerns.

Federal Pacific breakers are a type of circuit breaker that is designed to protect your home’s electrical system from overloading. They are typically located in your home’s main electrical panel, also known as a breaker box. When there is an overload, such as too many appliances being used at the same time, the circuit breaker will trip, cutting off the electricity to that specific circuit and preventing damage or a potential fire.

What Are the Dangers of Federal Pacific Breakers?

Despite their widespread use, Federal Pacific breakers have been found to have significant safety issues. In a study conducted by Dr. Aronstein in the 1980s, it was discovered that these breakers had a high rate of failure, with 1 in 4 breakers being unable to trip when overloaded. This can lead to overheating, which can cause a fire in your home.

But why were these breakers not able to trip when overloaded? The main issue lies in their design. Unlike modern breakers, Federal Pacific breakers have a small, thin strip of metal called the bimetallic strip that is meant to sense when there is too much electricity flowing through the circuit. When this strip heats up, it will bend and trip the breaker. However, tests have shown that this strip can easily get stuck and not trip when it should, keeping electricity flowing to an overloaded circuit.

Aside from the issue of not tripping when overloaded, Federal Pacific breakers have also been found to have a higher affinity for arc faults. Arc faults occur when there is a small, unintentional electrical discharge, which can ignite surrounding materials and lead to fires. In fact, arc faults have been found to be five times more likely to occur in Federal Pacific breakers compared to modern breakers.

What Can Homeowners in Zip Code 02906 Do About This Issue?

If you are a homeowner in Zip Code 02906, the first step is to determine if you have Federal Pacific breakers in your home. You can do this by checking your main electrical panel and looking for the brand name. If you are unsure, you can also consult with an electrician to inspect your breaker box. It’s essential to know that even if you don’t have Federal Pacific breakers in your main panel, they may still be present in subpanels throughout your home.

If you do have these breakers in your home, the safest course of action is to have them replaced. However, this is not a DIY task and should only be done by a licensed electrician. At B&K Electric, we have experience in replacing Federal Pacific breakers and have seen firsthand the potential dangers they pose to homes.

In addition to replacing the breakers, it’s also recommended to have your entire electrical system inspected by a professional. This will ensure that there are no other safety hazards lurking in your home’s wiring. It’s also important to remember that even if you have replaced your Federal Pacific breakers, they may have caused damage to your electrical system, which will need to be addressed.

Final thoughts

As a responsible homeowner in Zip Code 02906, it’s vital to be aware of potential safety hazards in your home, including Federal Pacific breakers. These breakers, although popular and affordable, can pose a significant risk to your home and family’s safety. It’s crucial to have them replaced by a licensed electrician and to have your overall electrical system inspected. At B&K Electric, we are dedicated to keeping our community and customers safe, and we are here to help with all your electrical needs.

Topics:

Federal Pacific breakers,

electrical safety,

residential electrical systems.