North Providence, RI: Understanding Federal Pacific Panels

Federal Pacific Breaker Panel

As a homeowner in North Providence, Rhode Island, you want to ensure that your home is safe and functional. One crucial aspect of home maintenance is ensuring that your electrical system is up to standard. And when it comes to your electrical system, the breaker panel is at the heart of it all. This is where the main electrical supply is distributed throughout your home, and it is essential to have a reliable and safe breaker panel.

B&K Electric is a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, that has been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and the greater Providence area for over seventeen years. At B&K Electric, we specialize in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation. As licensed electricians, we have seen our fair share of issues with breaker panels, and we want to make sure that homeowners in North Providence, RI are aware of the potential dangers of having a faulty or outdated breaker panel. In this article, we will discuss the Federal Pacific breaker panel and what homeowners should know about it.

What is a Federal Pacific Breaker Panel?

The Federal Pacific breaker panel was a popular choice for electrical systems in homes built between the 1950s and 1980s. These panels were manufactured by the Federal Pacific Electric Company and were thought to be a reliable and affordable option for homeowners. However, over the years, it has become evident that these breaker panels have significant flaws and can pose a serious safety hazard.

The main issue with the Federal Pacific breaker panel is that it has a higher than average failure rate, meaning that it is prone to malfunction and can be a fire hazard. This is due to a design flaw that can cause the breakers not to trip when they are supposed to, which can lead to overheating and electrical fires.

Why is the Federal Pacific Breaker Panel a Safety Concern?

The main safety concern with the Federal Pacific breaker panel is that it can fail to trip, even when there is an overload or a short circuit. According to a study conducted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 2,800 fires, 13 deaths, and over $40 million in property damage can be attributed to this issue with the Federal Pacific breaker panel. This is a significant concern, especially for homeowners who still have this outdated panel in their homes.

Another safety issue with the Federal Pacific breaker panel is the Stab-Lok design of its breakers. These breakers have a slim design that is meant to fit more breakers into a smaller space, but this design has been found to have manufacturing flaws. The breakers may become loose and not make a proper connection, leading to overheating and potential fires.

What Should Homeowners in North Providence, RI Do if They Have a Federal Pacific Breaker Panel?

If you are a homeowner in North Providence, RI and your home was built between the 1950s and 1980s, there is a high chance that you may have a Federal Pacific breaker panel. The best course of action is to have a licensed electrician inspect your breaker panel to determine if it is a Federal Pacific panel and if it needs to be replaced.

At B&K Electric, we recommend that homeowners replace their Federal Pacific breaker panel with a modern and safe panel. This is not a DIY project and should only be done by a licensed electrician. Our team at B&K Electric has the expertise and experience to safely and efficiently replace your Federal Pacific breaker panel with a newer, safer panel.

In the meantime, there are some signs that homeowners can look for to determine if their Federal Pacific breaker panel may be faulty. These include:

1. Breakers that frequently trip or don’t trip at all.

2. Flickering lights or burning smells coming from the panel.

3. A panel with a buildup of rust or corrosion.

4. Black residue or burn marks on the panel.

If you notice any of these signs, it is crucial to have your breaker panel inspected by a licensed electrician right away.

The main takeaway

As a homeowner in North Providence, RI, it is essential to be aware of the potential dangers of having a Federal Pacific breaker panel. These panels can pose a significant safety hazard and should be replaced with a modern and reliable panel. At B&K Electric, we understand the importance of having a safe and functional electrical system, and we are here to help homeowners in North Providence, RI with all their electrical needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a professional inspection and replacement of your Federal Pacific breaker panel.

Topics:

Federal Pacific breaker panel,

home safety,

electrical systems