Important Recall Info for 02908 Elmhurst Residents

Federal Pacific Panel Recall

As a homeowner in the 02908 zip code of Elmhurst, Providence County, Rhode Island, you understand the importance of maintaining the safety and functionality of your home. One of the most critical components of any home is the electrical panel. This box is responsible for distributing electricity throughout your home, so any issues or malfunctions can have serious consequences.

In fact, there is a specific type of electrical panel that has recently come under scrutiny for its potential safety hazards: the Federal Pacific Panel. If your home was built between the 1950s and 1980s, there is a chance that it may have a Federal Pacific Panel installed. As a homeowner, it is crucial to understand the potential risks associated with this type of panel and what steps you should take to ensure the safety of your home and family.

At B&K Electric, we understand the importance of keeping your home safe and secure. We are a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, focused on providing top-notch electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation services to the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island. As a licensed electrician with over seventeen years of experience, we are well-equipped to guide you through the potential dangers of the Federal Pacific Panel recall and help you take the necessary steps to protect your home.

What is a Federal Pacific Panel?

To fully understand the implications of the Federal Pacific Panel recall, it is essential to first understand what exactly this type of panel is and how it functions. The Federal Pacific Panel, also known as the Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panel, was a popular panel brand used in homes and businesses from the 1950s to the 1980s. It was manufactured by a company called Federal Pacific Electric, which was based in New Jersey.

This panel was widely used because of its compact design and relatively low cost. However, it is essential to note that the Federal Pacific Panel was never tested or certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent organization that tests and certifies the safety of electrical equipment. This lack of certification was the first red flag that eventually led to the recall of these panels.

What are the Safety Concerns associated with Federal Pacific Panels?

In the early 1980s, a series of independent studies was conducted on the Federal Pacific Panel, including one by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The results of these studies were concerning. They revealed that the breakers in these panels had a high incidence of failing to trip, which is a safety mechanism that protects your home from electrical fires in the event of an overload.

In some cases, these breakers failed to trip even when the panel was overloaded with more than its rated capacity, resulting in an increased risk of electrical fires. This discovery prompted a series of lawsuits against Federal Pacific Electric, which, in turn, prompted the company to declare bankruptcy.

Aside from the risk of electrical fires, there is another safety concern associated with the Federal Pacific Panel: it may not be able to handle the electrical demands of modern homes. In the 1950s and 1960s, most homes had electrical systems that used a fraction of the electricity that modern homes do. With the increase in the number of electronics and appliances in homes today, the Federal Pacific Panel may not be equipped to handle the electrical load, causing it to overheat and potentially causing an electrical fire.

What is the Current State of the Federal Pacific Panel Recall?

In 1983, the CPSC released a statement acknowledging the potential safety hazards associated with the Federal Pacific Panel. However, to date, there has not been an official recall of the panels by the CPSC. This is because the CPSC does not have the authority to recall a product unless it is deemed an immediate danger to public health and safety.

Over the years, numerous class-action lawsuits have been filed against the Federal Pacific Electric company, and settlements have been reached. However, there has been no nationwide recall, leaving homeowners to take matters into their own hands.

What Should 02908 Elmhurst Homeowners Do If They Have a Federal Pacific Panel?

If you are a homeowner in the 02908 zip code, it is crucial to take action if you have a Federal Pacific Panel in your home. The first step is to determine whether your panel is indeed a Federal Pacific Panel. You can do this by looking for the brand name Federal Pacific Electric on the front of your panel.

Once you have confirmed that you have a Federal Pacific Panel, the next step is to have it inspected by a licensed electrician. At B&K Electric, we offer thorough panel inspections to determine the safety and functionality of your panel. If we find that your panel is indeed a Federal Pacific Panel, we highly recommend replacing it with a modern, reliable panel.

At B&K Electric, we understand the complexity and potential hazards associated with electrical panels, making us well-suited to handle the replacement of your Federal Pacific Panel. We will work with you to develop a customized plan that meets your specific electrical demands while ensuring the safety and functionality of your home.

The Importance of Taking Action

The dangers associated with Federal Pacific Panels are not something that homeowners can afford to ignore. The potential risks of electrical fires and the inability of these panels to handle modern electrical demands are concerns that should not be taken lightly. As a homeowner in the 02908 zip code, it is your responsibility to take action to ensure the safety of your home and family.

At B&K Electric, we are committed to helping homeowners in Rhode Island by providing reliable and trusted electrical services. If you have any questions or concerns about the Federal Pacific Panel recall, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of highly-trained electricians is here to provide you with the guidance and support you need to keep your home safe and secure.

Topics:

Federal Pacific Panel Recall,

Electrical Panel Maintenance,

Electrical Repair