Deciding on Federal Pacific Electrical Panels: Key Considerations

Federal Pacific Electrical Panels

As a homeowner in Downtown Providence, Rhode Island (zip code 02903), you have likely heard of Federal Pacific electrical panels. These panels were commonly installed in homes throughout the 1950s to the 1980s and were once considered reliable and trustworthy. However, in recent years, there has been significant controversy surrounding these panels and their safety. As an electrical business rooted in community and customer service, B&K Electric wants to provide important information for you to consider when it comes to Federal Pacific electrical panels.

B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, has been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. Our electricians specialize in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation. Our aim is to be your go-to electrician for your home or business in the Warwick area and the greater Providence Area. With our expertise and commitment to excellence, we want to ensure that you have all the necessary information to make informed decisions about your electrical system, including your Federal Pacific electrical panel.

So, what exactly is a Federal Pacific electrical panel? These panels were manufactured by the Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) company and were commonly installed in homes throughout the mid-twentieth century. They were popular due to their affordable prices and were installed in millions of homes across the United States. However, over time, concerns about the safety and reliability of these panels arose.

One of the major concerns with Federal Pacific electrical panels is their tendency to not trip when overloaded. This means that in the event of a short circuit or other electrical issue, the panel may not shut off the power, potentially leading to electrical fires. Additionally, FPE panels were found to have inherent design flaws that could cause them to malfunction. They were also prone to circuit breakers not properly fitting in the panel, which could lead to damaged breakers and a lack of proper circuit protection.

In fact, in the 1980s, testing done by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that FPE panels had a high rate of failure, leading to a recall of these panels. Despite this, FPE went bankrupt in 1980 and is no longer in business, leaving many homes still equipped with these potentially dangerous panels.

With advancements in technology and stricter safety regulations, there are much safer and more reliable electrical panel options available. So, if you have a Federal Pacific electrical panel in your home, you may be wondering what steps you should take next.

The first step is to have an experienced and licensed electrician, like those at B&K Electric, inspect your panel. They will be able to determine if your panel is functioning properly and if any repairs or replacements are needed. In some cases, a simple repair or replacement of faulty circuit breakers may be all that is needed. In other cases, a full replacement of the panel may be necessary.

When considering a replacement, many homeowners may be hesitant due to the potential cost. However, it is important to keep in mind that the safety and well-being of your home and family should always come first. And in the long run, investing in a new, safe electrical panel can save you from potential hazards and costly repairs in the future.

If you do decide to replace your Federal Pacific electrical panel, it is crucial to make sure it is done by a licensed and experienced electrician. This will ensure that the panel is installed properly and all necessary safety measures are taken. Our team at B&K Electric has the expertise and knowledge to safely replace your panel and ensure the protection of your home and family.

As a homeowner in Downtown Providence, Rhode Island, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with Federal Pacific electrical panels. If you have one in your home, it is crucial to have it inspected by a licensed and experienced electrician. And if replacement is necessary, remember that investing in a safe electrical panel is an investment in the safety and well-being of your home and family.

Topics:

Federal Pacific Electrical Panels,

Electrical Panel Replacement,

Electrical Safety.