Older Homes may Have Dangerous FPE Panels

<h2 style = “font-size: 16px; display: inline;”>Federal Pacific Panel</h2><br><br><p>B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, that has been serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years, specializes in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation. As experts in the field, we have come across several homes with federal Pacific panels and have witnessed the potential dangers they pose to you and your family. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about federal Pacific panels and why it may be time to consider replacing them.</p><p>To begin with, let us understand what a federal Pacific panel is and how it differs from other types of electrical panels. A panel, also known as a breaker box, is a metal box that houses the main electrical service entrance for your home. It is where the power from the utility company is distributed to various circuits in your home. The federal Pacific panel, manufactured by the Federal Pacific Electric Company (FPE), was a popular choice for homeowners due to its affordable price and higher capacity than other panels in the market.</p><p>However, as years passed, several issues with federal Pacific panels began to emerge. The company was found to have violated the safety standards of the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a safety consulting and certification company that ensures the safety of electrical appliances. It was discovered that the breakers in federal Pacific panels were not tripping when they were supposed to, leading to potential electrical fires. This failure to trip can cause the panel to overheat, melt, and potentially start a fire in your home.</p><p>In fact, according to a study by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), homes with federal Pacific panels are at a higher risk of electrical fires compared to homes with other types of panels. The investigation found that the breakers in these panels failed in over 60% of the overcurrent situations, which is a significantly high number compared to the 0.05% failure rate of other brands. This is a major safety concern for homeowners, especially in a time where electrical appliances and devices are an essential part of our daily lives.</p><p>As a homeowner in the United States, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of your family and your home. If you live in an older home in the Washington Park Providence area, chances are you may have a federal Pacific panel. Even if your panel has not caused any issues yet, it is important to keep in mind that it may be a ticking time bomb, posing a serious danger to your home and loved ones.</p><p>While federal Pacific panels are not banned, they are no longer manufactured, and the company has gone out of business. This makes it difficult to find replacement parts in case of any issues. Moreover, if you are looking to sell your home, having a federal Pacific panel can significantly decrease its value and make it harder to sell.</p><p>Based on all these facts, it is clear that federal Pacific panels are not worth the risk. If you are a homeowner in Washington Park Providence, it is highly recommended to have your federal Pacific panel replaced by a licensed electrician as soon as possible. B&K Electric specializes in electrical panel replacements and can provide you with a safe and reliable alternative.</p><p>If you are in the residential industry and are looking for electrical services in Washington Park Providence, Rhode Island, do not ignore the potential safety hazards of a federal Pacific panel. The safety of your home and family should always be a top priority. Contact B&K Electric today for a professional and safe replacement of your federal Pacific panel.</p><p>Topics: </p><h3 style = “font-size: 12px; display: inline;”>Federal Pacific panel,</h3><h3 style = “font-size: 12px; display: inline;”> FPE panel,</h3><h3 style = “font-size: 12px; display: inline;”> electrical panel</h3>