Federal Pacific Panel Replacement: Ensuring Safety for Your Home

Federal Pacific Panel Replacement

As a homeowner, the safety and well-being of your family and property is always a top priority. It is important to keep up with maintenance and repairs to ensure that your home remains safe and functional. One crucial aspect of maintaining a safe home is ensuring that your electrical panel is in good working condition. In the Elmhurst Providence County of Rhode Island, homeowners can rely on B&K Electric for all their electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation needs.

At B&K Electric, we understand the importance of having a reliable and safe electrical system in your home. As a family-owned and operated business, we have been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. Our commitment to providing top-notch services and excellent customer service has made us the go-to electrician for many homeowners and businesses in the Warwick and greater Providence area. One crucial aspect of our services is Federal Pacific panel replacement, and in this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about this topic.

What is a Federal Pacific Panel?

A Federal Pacific panel, also known as FPE panel, is an electrical panel that was widely used in homes and commercial buildings from the 1950s to the 1980s. These panels were produced by the Federal Pacific Electric Company and were popular for their affordable prices and compact size. However, in the 1970s, concerns started to arise about the safety and reliability of these panels. In 1982, it was discovered that the breakers in these panels were not functioning properly, which could lead to electrical fires and other hazards.

The Faulty Breakers

The main issue with Federal Pacific panels is that the breakers have a high tendency to malfunction, even when they appear to be working perfectly fine. These breakers have a design flaw that causes them to overheat and not trip when they are supposed to, leading to fires and other safety hazards. This issue of faulty breakers in Federal Pacific panels has been documented and proven through several tests and studies over the years. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has also concluded that these panels are a potential fire hazard and advised homeowners to get them replaced as soon as possible.

Why You Should Replace Your Federal Pacific Panel

If your home was built in the 1950s to 1980s, there is a high chance that it has a Federal Pacific panel. As these panels were widely used during that time, many homes in the United States still have them installed. The bottom line is if you have a Federal Pacific panel, it is time to get it replaced. Here are a few reasons why:

Safety and Fire Hazards – As mentioned earlier, faulty breakers in these panels are a potential fire hazard. Your home’s electrical system is responsible for the majority of fires in the United States, and a faulty electrical panel can easily contribute to this statistic.

Insurance Risks – Many insurance companies are now aware of the issues with Federal Pacific panels and may refuse to cover your home if you have one. If you do have a Federal Pacific panel, your insurance rates may increase, or you may be asked to replace it before they provide coverage.

Code Compliance – As per the National Electric Code, federal law requires that electrical panels be safe and reliable. Therefore, having a Federal Pacific panel in your home may result in code violations, and if you ever plan on selling your home, you may be required to replace the panel before the sale.

The Process of Federal Pacific Panel Replacement

Replacing a Federal Pacific panel is not a DIY project. It requires a licensed and experienced electrician to ensure that your home’s electrical system remains safe and functional. At B&K Electric, we have a team of highly trained and licensed electricians who follow a step-by-step process to replace your Federal Pacific panel, including:

1. Shutdown and Disconnection – The first step is to shut down the power to your home and disconnect it from the utility to ensure the safety of both you and our electricians.

2. Panel and Breaker Removal – Once the power is off, our electricians will remove the Federal Pacific panel and all the breakers from your electrical system.

3. Preparation and Installation – The next step is to prepare the space for the new panel and install it by connecting all the wiring and cables.

4. Testing and Inspection – After installation, our electricians will test the panel to ensure that it is functioning correctly and then conduct a thorough inspection to ensure it meets the safety standards.

5. Cleanup and Restoration – Finally, our team will clean up the working area and restore your power, leaving your home safe, functional, and free from any hazards.

To conclude

If you live in the Elmhurst Providence County in Rhode Island and have a Federal Pacific panel, it is crucial to get it replaced as soon as possible. At B&K Electric, we understand the importance of keeping your home and family safe, and we are dedicated to providing quality services to our community. With our team of expert electricians and our commitment to excellent customer service, you can trust us with all your electrical needs. Don’t wait until it’s too late; contact B&K Electric today for your Federal Pacific panel replacement.

Topics:

Federal Pacific Panel Replacement,

Electrical Repair,

Panel Maintenance & Installation