Providence County’s Troubling Federal Pacific Panels: A Warning

Federal Pacific Electrical Panels

For the residents of Elmhurst, Providence County, Rhode Island, owning a home comes with a sense of pride and responsibility. From regular maintenance to timely repairs, homeowners ensure that their abode is safe and functional for themselves and their families. As a result, it is crucial to have a reliable and experienced electrician for all electrical needs. That’s where B&K Electric comes in.

B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, has been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and the greater Providence area for over seventeen years. Specializing in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, B&K Electric has established itself as the go-to electrician for homeowners and businesses in the area.

However, one issue has been the cause of concern for many homeowners in Providence County – the use of Federal Pacific Electrical Panels in their homes. In this article, we will delve into the details of these panels, their potential dangers, and how B&K Electric can help homeowners address this issue.

Understanding Federal Pacific Electrical Panels

In the 1950s and 1960s, Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) was one of the leading manufacturers of electrical panels in the United States, producing over half of the panels installed in homes at that time. These panels were popular due to their affordability and quick installation. However, over the years, these panels have gained a controversial reputation due to their faulty design and manufacturing.

The main issue with FPE panels lies in their breakers, which are designed to trip and cut off electricity in case of an overload or short circuit. However, numerous studies and tests have shown that these breakers have a high failure rate, meaning they often fail to trip under an overload or short circuit, leading to electrical fires.

This concern is exacerbated by the fact that FPE went out of business in the 1980s, making it challenging to replace or repair any faulty components in these panels. As a result, these panels continue to pose a significant safety hazard in thousands of homes across the United States.

Identifying FPE Panels

Homeowners in Providence County may wonder if their house is equipped with an FPE panel. The best way to determine this is by looking at the panel’s label, usually located on the door or inside the panel. If the label reads Stab-Lok or Federal Pacific Electric, then it’s most likely an FPE panel.

Another way to tell is by checking the panel’s breakers. FPE breakers are usually a different color from other brands, and the design of their handles is also distinct. However, it’s crucial to note that not all FPE panels have these identifiers, making it challenging for homeowners to determine if they have one in their home.

Dangers of FPE Panels

As mentioned earlier, the main danger of FPE panels is their high failure rate, which can lead to electrical fires. These fires can be caused by various factors, including overloaded circuits, damaged wires, and even something as small as a loose connection.

Furthermore, FPE panels were also found to have design flaws that can cause them to overheat, leading to house fires. As a result, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) conducted a study that found FPE panels to have a significantly higher risk of failure compared to other brands.

What’s even more alarming is that these panels were installed in millions of homes in the United States, including many in Providence County. This means that many homeowners may be living with a potential fire hazard without even realizing it.

Addressing the Issue

The only way to ensure the safety of your home and family is by replacing an FPE panel. However, this is not a DIY task and should only be handled by a licensed and experienced electrician. That’s where B&K Electric comes in.

The team at B&K Electric has the expertise and knowledge to properly identify FPE panels and safely replace them with modern, safe alternatives. As a licensed and insured electrical company, homeowners in Providence County can rely on B&K Electric for all their electrical needs.

Moreover, B&K Electric understands the gravity of this issue and the safety of their clients is their top priority. That’s why they offer free inspections to determine if a home has an FPE panel and provide an estimate for replacement. In addition, B&K Electric also offers a lifetime warranty on all panel replacements, giving homeowners peace of mind.

In the end

Owning a home in Providence County comes with numerous responsibilities, including ensuring the safety of your abode. While there may be many concerns to address, Federal Pacific Electrical Panels should not be taken lightly. With a high potential for failure and the risk of house fires, it’s essential to identify and replace these panels with the help of a reliable and experienced electrician.

B&K Electric, with its extensive experience, expertise, and commitment to customer service, stands out as the go-to electrician for FPE panel replacements in the Warwick and Providence area. As a family-owned and operated business, B&K Electric is rooted in the community, making it the perfect choice for homeowners in Providence County. Don’t wait for a disaster to strike, contact B&K Electric today and ensure the safety of your home and family.

Topics:

Federal Pacific Electrical Panels,

Electrical Panel Replacement,

Electrical Safety