Providence County’s Dangerous Circuit Breaker Panels

Federal Pacific Circuit Breaker Panel

As a homeowner in Elmhurst, located in the zip code 02908, it’s important to understand the intricate details of your home’s electrical panel. A crucial component of this panel is the circuit breaker, which is responsible for preventing electrical overloads and short circuits that can cause damage or even fires in your home. The standard circuit breaker panel has evolved from being a basic safety feature to a more complex and technologically advanced system. However, not all homes have an up-to-date and safe circuit breaker panel.

For residents in Providence County, Rhode Island, the Federal Pacific Circuit Breaker Panel is a reality that poses a danger to their homes and families. As a licensed electrician serving the communities of Warwick, Cranston, and all of Rhode Island, it has come to our attention that many homeowners are unaware of the risks of having a Federal Pacific Circuit Breaker Panel in their homes. In this article, we will delve into the history of this particular panel, its flaws, and why it is important to replace it with a newer and safer alternative.

A Brief History of Federal Pacific Circuit Breaker Panel

In the early 1950s, Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) was one of the leading electric panel manufacturers in the United States. Their circuit breaker panels were widely used in residential homes and commercial buildings, dominating the market with an estimated 28 million units installed. The FPE panels were considered affordable, reliable, and easily available, making them a popular choice among builders and homeowners.

However, in the late 1970s, concerns emerged about the safety and reliability of these panels. At the time, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) conducted a study that found FPE panels were not meeting the safety standards set by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The study discovered that FPE panels had a high rate of malfunction and failure to trip during an electrical overload or short circuit, posing a fire hazard to homes. In addition, these panels were also found to have design flaws that could cause electrocution.

Despite these alarming findings, FPE continued to manufacture and sell their panels without making any necessary changes. They even went as far as to falsify UL test results to make their panels appear safe. Eventually, in 1982, FPE was forced to go out of business after numerous lawsuits were filed against them for their faulty panels. Unfortunately, the damage was already done, and millions of homes across the country were potentially at risk.

Flaws of the Federal Pacific Circuit Breaker Panel

The main flaw of the FPE panels lies in their inability to trip during an electrical overload or short circuit. This means that in the event of a power surge or malfunction, the circuit breaker will not automatically shut off the flow of electricity, putting your home at risk of a fire. In addition, these panels have also been found to have design flaws, such as loose connections, that can cause arcing and create a fire hazard.

Moreover, FPE panels have been shown to have a higher than normal failure rate when compared to other brands. This means that their lifespan is considerably shorter, leading to more frequent replacements and expenses for homeowners. Additionally, with age, these panels can become worn out and corroded, further increasing the risk of malfunctions and fires.

Why Replace Your Federal Pacific Circuit Breaker Panel?

In today’s world, with the advancement of technology and safety standards, it is crucial to have an up-to-date and reliable electrical panel in your home. This is even more important for homeowners in Providence County, Rhode Island, who may have an outdated and potentially dangerous FPE panel.

Replacing your FPE panel with a newer and safer alternative not only ensures the safety of your home and family, but it also increases the value of your property. Many homebuyers are now aware of the risks associated with FPE panels and may be hesitant to purchase a home with one installed. By upgrading your panel, you are not only safeguarding your loved ones but also investing in the future of your home.

In addition, by replacing your FPE panel, you have the opportunity to make your home more energy-efficient. Older panels can have outdated wiring and technology, leading to higher electric bills. Upgrading to a newer panel can reduce your energy consumption and potentially save you money in the long run.

Choose B&K Electric for Safe and Reliable Electrical Services

As a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, Rhode Island, B&K Electric understands the importance of community and customer service. Our team of licensed electricians has been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. We specialize in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, making us your go-to electrician for all your needs in the Warwick area and the greater Providence area.

Our team at B&K Electric has extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with Federal Pacific Circuit Breaker Panels. We can inspect, replace, or upgrade your panel to ensure the safety and reliability of your home’s electrical system. All our work is done with precision and expertise, giving you peace of mind knowing that your home and family are in good hands.

Don’t take the risk of having a potentially dangerous and outdated Federal Pacific Circuit Breaker Panel in your home. Contact B&K Electric today to schedule an inspection and upgrade to a safer and more advanced electrical panel. Your family’s safety is our top priority.

Topics:

Federal Pacific Circuit Breaker Panel,

Electrical Safety,

Home Upgrades