Providence Homeowners: Choosing Federal Pacific Breaker Panel

Federal Pacific Breaker Panel

As a homeowner in the 02909 zip code of Providence, Rhode Island, you know that maintaining your home’s electrical system is vital for the safety and functionality of your residence. From powering your appliances and electronics to providing light and heat, electricity is an essential part of our daily lives. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the different components of your electrical system, including the breaker panel.

A breaker panel, also known as a circuit breaker panel or electrical panel, is the central hub of your home’s electrical system. It controls the distribution of electricity throughout your residence and protects your appliances and electronics from overloading. In simpler terms, the breaker panel is the main switch for your home’s power supply. This panel is crucial as it helps to prevent electrical hazards, such as fires and shocks, by interrupting the flow of electricity in case of an overload or short circuit.

It’s essential to have a reliable and efficient electrical system in your home. That’s where B&K Electric comes in. We are a family-owned and operated electrical business specializing in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation. With over 17 years of experience, we have been providing top-notch electrical services to the community of Providence, including Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island. In this article, we’ll discuss one of the essential parts of your home’s electrical system – the Federal Pacific breaker panel.

What is a Federal Pacific Breaker Panel?

A Federal Pacific breaker panel, also known as an FPE breaker panel, is an electrical panel manufactured by the Federal Pacific Electric Company (FPE) from the 1950s to the 1980s. FPE was one of the leading manufacturers of electrical equipment at that time and produced millions of breaker panels and other electrical components.

At first glance, a Federal Pacific breaker panel may seem like any other electrical panel. It consists of a metal box housing the main breaker, which controls the flow of electricity from the power source to the rest of the breakers and circuits in your home. These breakers are responsible for managing the electrical load in different areas of your home.

However, unlike modern breaker panels, Federal Pacific panels are known for their questionable quality and safety issues. In fact, these panels have garnered a lot of controversy, and many experts consider them to be a safety hazard. In today’s day and age, homes with Federal Pacific breaker panels are highly recommended to be replaced due to the potential dangers associated with them.

Safety Issues with Federal Pacific Breaker Panels

A major concern with Federal Pacific breaker panels is the risk of circuit overload caused by faulty breakers. These breakers have been known to fail due to their design flaws, leading to fires and even electrocution. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) conducted a study in the 1980s and found that FPE breaker panels had a high rate of failure, with 2 out of 10 panels not tripping during an overload, which is a significant safety hazard.

Another safety issue is the lack of proper protection against arc faults, a leading cause of home fires. Unlike modern panels, Federal Pacific panels do not have circuit breakers with arc fault detection, increasing the chances of electrical fire hazards in your home.

Furthermore, there have been multiple reports of Federal Pacific panels failing to properly trip in the event of a short circuit, leading to overheating and melting of wires, which can quickly escalate to a fire hazard.

How to Identify a Federal Pacific Breaker Panel?

The easiest way to identify whether your home has a Federal Pacific breaker panel is to take a look at the label on the panel. If it says Federal Pacific Electric or Stab-Lok, then it’s most likely a Federal Pacific panel. You can also look for these brand names on individual breakers inside the panel. If you’re still unsure, you can contact a licensed electrician from B&K Electric, and we’ll be happy to help in identifying your breaker panel and providing you with the necessary assistance.

Should You Replace Your Federal Pacific Breaker Panel?

If your home has a Federal Pacific breaker panel, it’s highly recommended to have it replaced as soon as possible. The safety risks associated with these panels are too great to ignore, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. As a homeowner, you may also face difficulties in selling your home or obtaining homeowner’s insurance if you have a Federal Pacific panel.

Moreover, even if your Federal Pacific breaker panel has not had any issues so far, it’s still recommended to have it replaced. As these panels age, they become increasingly susceptible to problems, and it’s better to address the issue proactively before it escalates into a safety hazard.

Let B&K Electric Help You with Your Breaker Panel Needs

At B&K Electric, we understand the importance of a safe and efficient electrical system in your home. That’s why we offer expert services in Federal Pacific breaker panel replacements, as well as panel maintenance and installation. Our licensed electricians are highly trained and equipped to handle any electrical issue with precision and utmost care.

We specialize in providing top-quality services to our residential clients in the Warwick area and the greater Providence area. Our commitment to providing excellent customer service and our dedication to making our community a safer place are what sets us apart from other electrical companies.

Topics:

Federal Pacific breaker panel,

safety hazards of FPE panels,

signs you may need a panel replacement