Fighting Fires: B&K Electric’s Home Safety Solutions

Federal Pacific Panel Recall

Attention all homeowners in East Providence, Rhode Island – have you checked your electrical panel lately? As a licensed electrician specializing in residential electrical services, B&K Electric has seen firsthand the dangers of outdated and malfunctioning electrical panels, particularly those manufactured by Federal Pacific Electric (FPE). In this article, we will dive into the details of the federal pacific panel recall, how it may affect your home, and what measures you can take to ensure the safety of your family and property.

As a family-owned and operated business based in Warwick, RI, B&K Electric has been serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. Our commitment to community and customer service has made us the go-to electrician for many homeowners and businesses in the Warwick area and the greater Providence area. We pride ourselves on staying up-to-date with industry news and regulations, which is why we want to bring your attention to the federal pacific panel recall that could potentially put your home at risk.

The Federal Pacific Electric Company was a manufacturer of electrical panels and circuit breakers from the 1950s to the 1980s and was one of the leading suppliers of electrical equipment in the United States. However, in 1982, an investigation by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) revealed that FPE panels failed to meet UL safety standards – their circuit breakers had a high likelihood of failing to trip during an overload or short circuit, which could lead to electrical fires. Despite these findings, FPE continued to produce and sell their panels and is estimated to have installed over 28 million panels in homes throughout the country.

The dangers of Federal Pacific panels were brought to light again in the 1990s when a number of homes with these panels experienced electrical failures and fires. As a result, in 2002, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall for all FPE Stab-Lok circuit breakers. While this was a step in the right direction, the recall did not address the main issue – the malfunctioning panels. To this day, there has not been an official recall for FPE panels, despite numerous reports of fires and electrical hazards caused by them.

So, why hasn’t there been a full federal pacific panel recall?

The answer is complex and controversial. Some experts argue that the panels may not be as dangerous as they are made out to be, citing that the high failure rate for FPE circuit breakers may be due to improper installation or lack of maintenance rather than inherent flaws in the panels. On the other hand, many electrical professionals and safety organizations stand by the fact that FPE panels do not meet safety standards and need to be replaced.

Regardless of the debate, one thing is clear – homes with FPE panels are at a higher risk of electrical hazards. As a homeowner in East Providence, RI, it’s essential to understand the potential dangers associated with these panels and take necessary precautions to protect your home and loved ones.

So, what steps can you take to ensure the safety of your home?

The first and most crucial step is to have your electrical panel inspected by a licensed and experienced electrician. At B&K Electric, our team of experts is well-versed in identifying and addressing issues with FPE panels. We will thoroughly inspect your panel, checking for any signs of wear and tear, improper installation, and outdated components. If we determine that your panel is an FPE panel, we highly recommend replacing it with a newer, safer model.

Additionally, regular maintenance and upkeep of your electrical panel is essential. Some simple steps you can take include:

– Keeping the area around your panel clear of any debris, dust, or clutter

– Not overloading your panel with too many electrical devices

– Having your panel inspected and maintained by a professional electrician at least once a year

Investing in a panel replacement may seem like a costly and unnecessary expense, but when it comes to the safety of your home and family, it’s a small price to pay. B&K Electric offers competitive pricing and flexible financing options to make it easier for homeowners to get a safe and reliable electrical panel.

The federal pacific panel recall may still be a controversial issue, but one thing is undeniable – these panels pose a significant risk to the safety of homes and their inhabitants. As a reputable and trusted electrician, B&K Electric is committed to keeping our community safe by bringing awareness to potential hazards and providing reliable solutions. If you are a homeowner in East Providence, Rhode Island, and have concerns about your electrical panel, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help and keep your home and family safe.

Topics:

Federal Pacific Panel Recall,

Electrical Panel Safety,

Residential Electrical Services