Homeowners’ Guide to Replacing Federal Pacific Breakers

Replacing Federal Pacific Breakers

B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated business based in Warwick, Rhode Island, takes great pride in serving the community and providing top-notch customer service. With its team of highly trained and experienced electricians, B&K Electric has been the go-to choice for electrical repairs, panel maintenance, and installations in Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. As a homeowner in Washington Park, Providence, you want to ensure the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system. One important aspect of this is ensuring that outdated and potentially hazardous Federal Pacific breakers are properly replaced. In this article, we will provide you with all the essential information and guidance on replacing Federal Pacific breakers.

Understanding Federal Pacific Breakers

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) was a manufacturer of electrical equipment, including circuit breakers, that was popular in North America from the 1950s to the 1980s. At one point, their products were used in millions of homes and businesses across the country. However, in the 1980s, FPE was found to have produced faulty circuit breakers that have been linked to electrical fires.

The issue with FPE breakers is that they have a higher failure rate compared to other brands, meaning they are more likely to fail to trip during an overload or short circuit. This can lead to overheating, sparks, and ultimately fires. In addition, FPE breakers have been found to not meet the standard safety requirements set by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a safety certification company.

If your home was built between the 1950s and 1980s, there is a high probability that it may have an FPE panel and breakers. This is especially important to note as Federal Pacific Electric went out of business in the late 1980s, meaning there is no longer any support or replacement parts available for these breakers.

Signs that Your Federal Pacific Breakers Need Replacing

As a responsible homeowner, it is essential to be aware of the signs that your Federal Pacific breakers may need to be replaced. First and foremost, if your home was built between the 1950s and 1980s, it is highly recommended to have an electrician inspect your panel and breakers immediately.

Other signs to look out for include flickering or dimming lights, tripping breakers, and breakers that feel hot to the touch. These are indications that your breakers are not functioning correctly, and you should have them inspected by a professional. Do not attempt to replace these breakers yourself, as it can be hazardous and should only be done by a licensed electrician.

Replacing Federal Pacific Breakers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you understand the importance of replacing Federal Pacific breakers, let’s dive into the steps involved in this process.

Step 1: Hire a Licensed and Experienced Electrician

The first and most crucial step in replacing Federal Pacific breakers is to hire a licensed and experienced electrician. It is not only a matter of safety but also ensuring the job is done correctly and to code. As a homeowner in Washington Park, Providence, you have access to top-quality electrical services from B&K Electric. Our team of expert electricians is highly trained and experienced in handling all types of electrical work.

Step 2: Inspect Your Panel and Breakers

Once you have hired a licensed electrician, the next step is to have them inspect your panel and breakers. This step is crucial as it will determine the condition of your breakers and whether they need to be replaced. Your electrician will also check for any potential hazards and make recommendations for necessary repairs or replacements.

Step 3: Plan for a Panel Upgrade

In some cases, simply replacing your Federal Pacific breakers may not provide a long-term solution if your panel is also outdated or faulty. Your electrician may recommend a panel upgrade along with replacing the breakers to ensure the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system.

Step 4: Replacement of Breakers

If your electrician determines that your Federal Pacific breakers need to be replaced, they will proceed to do so. This involves carefully removing the old breakers and installing new ones that are up to code and meet the safety requirements.

Step 5: Follow-Up Inspection

Once the replacement of breakers is done, it is crucial to have a follow-up inspection to ensure that everything is functioning correctly and safely. This is also an excellent opportunity to address any other concerns or questions you may have about your home’s electrical system.

The Consequences of Not Replacing Federal Pacific Breakers

As mentioned earlier, faulty FPE breakers have been linked to numerous electrical fires, which can cause severe damage to your home and put your family’s safety at risk. Additionally, having outdated breakers can lead to overloaded circuits, which can damage your appliances and electronics. By not replacing your Federal Pacific breakers, you are not only putting yourself at risk but also your property and loved ones.

Topics:

Replacing Federal Pacific Breakers,

Electrical panel maintenance,

Upgrading Electrical Systems