East Providence’s Dangerous Electric Panel Revealed

Federal Pacific Electric Panel

Picture this scenario: you’re enjoying a peaceful afternoon at home in East Providence, Rhode Island, when suddenly, your lights flicker and the power goes out. You head to your electrical panel to check for any tripped breakers, but instead, you notice something alarming. The panel itself is hot to the touch and there is a strange burnt smell emanating from it. In a panic, you call B&K Electric, your trusted local electrician, only to find out that you have a Federal Pacific Electric panel in your home. This situation may sound extreme, but it is a reality for many homeowners across the country, including in Zip Code 02906 in East Providence.

B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, Rhode Island, has been serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. In that time, we have seen first-hand the dangers of Federal Pacific Electric panels and the importance of educating homeowners about this hidden fire hazard. As we specialize in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, we have all the expertise to guide you through this issue and ensure the safety of your home and family.

What is a Federal Pacific Electric Panel?

In the mid-1950s to the early 1980s, Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) was a popular manufacturer of electrical panels, also known as circuit breaker boxes, in the United States. They were widely used in homes all over the country, including in East Providence, Rhode Island. These panels were designed to distribute electricity throughout the home, but they have a notorious history of causing electrical fires.

At the time, FPE panels were advertised as safe and reliable, but it was later revealed that they were anything but. In 1980, a study conducted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that FPE panels were responsible for a significant number of electrical fires. In fact, the study showed that the panels had a high failure rate, with one out of every three not functioning correctly. This meant that homeowners were living with a potential fire hazard that they were not even aware of.

What Makes FPE Panels So Dangerous?

The main issue with FPE panels is their design and manufacturing flaws, which can lead to overheating and electrical fires. One particular issue with these panels is the failure of the circuit breakers to trip and shut off the power in case of an overload or short circuit. This was the main finding of the CPSC study, which pointed out that these panels were not in compliance with the requirements for a safe electrical panel.

Moreover, FPE panels have been found to have loose connections and poor current-carrying capacity, which further increases the risk of fires. These panels were also not designed to meet the growing electrical demands of modern homes. As a result, they are more prone to overheating and causing electrical fires, especially when appliances and electronics are being used simultaneously. In fact, it is estimated that FPE panels are responsible for over 2,800 fires, 13 deaths, and over $40 million in property damage each year in the United States.

How to Identify If You Have an FPE Panel

If you have a home built in the mid-1950s to the early 1980s, there is a high chance that it has an FPE panel. However, to be sure, you can check the label on your panel door, which should have the manufacturer’s name and the panel’s model number. Look for the name Federal Pacific Electric or FPE and if it is present, your panel is most likely an FPE panel. You can also check the breakers themselves, as they may have the FPE logo or name stamped on them.

Another way to identify if you have an FPE panel is to look at the appearance of the breakers. FPE breakers have a unique stablok design, with a red strip across the front of the breaker. This design is supposed to provide extra protection, but in reality, it has been found to be one of the factors contributing to the panels’ high failure rate.

What to Do If You Have an FPE Panel in Your East Providence Home

If you have identified that you have an FPE panel in your home, it is crucial to take immediate action. The safety and well-being of your home and family should always be a top priority. The first step is to contact a licensed electrician, such as B&K Electric, to conduct a thorough inspection of your panel. Our experienced electricians will assess the condition of your FPE panel and determine if it needs to be replaced. In most cases, it is recommended to replace the panel with a newer, more reliable model.

As a homeowner, the thought of having to replace your panel may seem daunting. You may also be worried about the cost implications. However, it is essential to keep in mind that this is an investment in the safety of your home and family. The potential consequences of leaving an FPE panel in your home far outweigh the cost of replacing it.

As a homeowner in East Providence, Rhode Island, it is crucial to be aware of the dangers of Federal Pacific Electric panels. These panels were once a popular choice but have since been found to be a significant fire hazard. If you have an FPE panel in your home, do not hesitate to contact B&K Electric for a professional inspection and replacement. Your safety and peace of mind are of utmost importance to us, and we are here to ensure that your home is electrically safe and sound.

Topics:

Federal Pacific Electric panel,

electrical repair,

panel maintenance