Federal Pacific Panel: Solving the Hidden Danger in Your Home

Federal Pacific Panel

If you are a homeowner in the zip code 02906 of East Providence, Rhode Island, then you know the importance of keeping your home safe and secure. From regular maintenance to upgrades and repairs, you do everything in your power to ensure that your house is in top-notch condition. However, there may be a hidden danger lurking in your home that you are not aware of – your electrical panel.

As a family-owned and operated electrical business, B&K Electric understands the importance of community and customer service. Our team of licensed and experienced electricians has been proudly serving the residents of East Providence and the greater Providence area for over seventeen years. We specialize in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, and we are here to help make your home and business safer.

What is a Federal Pacific Panel?

A Federal Pacific Panel (FPP) is an electrical panel that was manufactured by the Federal Pacific Electric Company from the 1950s to the 1980s. These panels were commonly installed in residential properties during this time and were thought to be a reliable choice for electrical distribution.

However, it was eventually discovered that these panels had significant design flaws and were prone to malfunction, leading to potential safety hazards. In 1982, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) conducted an investigation on FPPs and found that they had a high likelihood of not tripping off during an overload, which could result in electrical fires. As a result, production of these panels was discontinued, but millions of them are still in use today.

Why is it a Safety Concern?

The main safety hazard of FPPs is their inability to trip off during an overload. This means that if there is a short circuit or excessive current, the panel may not cut off the power to the affected circuit, potentially causing an electrical fire. These panels were also found to have issues with their breakers not being properly connected, leading to the same risk of fire.

Another concern is that FPPs are not equipped with modern safety features, such as ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) or arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), which protect against electrocution and arc faults respectively. This makes them dangerous and outdated compared to modern electrical panels.

How to Identify a Federal Pacific Panel?

If you are unsure whether your home has an FPP, there are a few ways to identify it. The most obvious is to look for the “Federal Pacific Electric” name on your panel. However, if the label has faded or been removed, you can also look for the FPE logo, which resembles the letters “FPE” enclosed in a rectangle or diamond shape.

Another method is to check for the red and orange-colored circuit breakers, which are common in FPPs but not in other brands. It is important to note that not all FPPs have the logo or colored breakers, so if you are uncertain, it is best to have a licensed electrician inspect your panel.

The Dangers of Ignoring an FPP

Many homeowners in East Providence and other parts of Rhode Island may not be aware of the dangers of FPPs and continue to use them without addressing the issue. However, this can be a dangerous mistake.

Aside from the risk of electrical fires, having an FPP can also significantly decrease the value of your home and make it difficult to sell. Many insurance companies are reluctant to cover homes with FPPs or may charge higher premiums, as they are viewed as a potential liability.

Moreover, if you are planning on renovating your home or adding new appliances, it is crucial to have an updated electrical panel that can handle the increased electrical load. FPPs are not equipped to handle modern electrical demands and can result in frequent tripping or overloaded circuits, and in some cases, even damage to your electrical devices.

The Solution: Panel Replacement with B&K Electric

The only way to ensure the safety of your home and family is to replace your FPP with an updated and properly functioning electrical panel. At B&K Electric, our team of licensed electricians has the expertise and experience to safely and efficiently replace your panel with a modern and reliable one.

We understand that replacing your FPP may seem like a daunting and expensive task, but the potential risks and costs outweigh the initial investment. Our team will work with you to find the best option for your home and budget, and we also offer financing options for our services.

By choosing B&K Electric, you are not only ensuring the safety of your home and family but also supporting a local business with strong roots in the community. As a family-owned company, we take pride in providing quality electrical services and excellent customer care.

Don’t Take Any Chances – Contact B&K Electric Today!

If you reside in East Providence, Rhode Island, or the greater Providence area, and suspect that you may have an FPP in your home, don’t wait for a potential disaster to strike. Contact B&K Electric today for a professional inspection and panel replacement services. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities.

Topics:

Federal Pacific Panel,

Electrical Panel Replacement,

Licensed Electricians