Federal Pacific Breaker Replacement: A Crucial Step in Protecting Your Home
Federal Pacific Breaker Replacement
As a homeowner based in East Providence, Rhode Island, it is your priority to ensure the safety and functionality of your home’s electrical system. With constant advancements and updates in technology, regular maintenance and upgrades are necessary to keep up with the demands of modern living. And one aspect of electrical maintenance that should not be overlooked is the replacement of Federal Pacific breakers.
If you have an older home, there is a high chance that your electrical panel contains Federal Pacific breakers. These breakers were commonly used in residential properties from the 1950s to the 1980s due to their affordability and availability. However, over the years, it has been discovered that these breakers are defective and pose a serious fire hazard. This has led to a nationwide campaign for homeowners to replace their Federal Pacific breakers with safer alternatives.
In this article, we will delve into the importance of Federal Pacific breaker replacement, the potential risks and consequences of neglecting this task, and how B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, can help you ensure the safety and functionality of your home’s electrical system.
Why Is Federal Pacific Breaker Replacement Important?
Federal Pacific breakers have a notorious history of being unreliable and prone to malfunctioning. This is due to a design flaw that causes the breakers to fail at a much higher rate than other brands. In fact, reports suggest that these breakers are responsible for a significant number of house fires in the United States.
The main issue with Federal Pacific breakers is that they do not trip or shut off when there is an overload or short circuit in the electrical system. This means that if there is an electrical surge or excessive current flowing through the wires, the breaker will not trip, leading to overheating and potentially causing a fire.
Additionally, the breakers have been found to lose their ability to operate properly over time. This could be due to a poor contact between the breaker and the bus bar, resulting in arcing and excessive heat. As a result, the breaker may fail to trip when needed, putting your home and family at risk.
What Are the Risks of Not Replacing Federal Pacific Breakers?
The risks of neglecting the replacement of Federal Pacific breakers cannot be overstated. These breakers have been found to be responsible for a significant number of house fires, causing property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. In fact, a study by the Consumer Product Safety Commission found that between the years 1982 and 1998, there were more than 2,800 incidents linked to these breakers, resulting in over $40 million in property damage.
Moreover, the National Electric Code (NEC) does not consider Federal Pacific breakers to be safe and recommends that they be replaced immediately. Insurance companies also view these breakers as a liability and may increase your premiums or deny coverage altogether if they are present in your home’s electrical panel.
What Can B&K Electric Do to Help?
At B&K Electric, our team of licensed electricians has been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. We understand the importance of regular electrical maintenance and are committed to ensuring the safety and functionality of your home’s electrical system.
As part of our comprehensive electrical services, we specialize in the replacement of Federal Pacific breakers. Our experienced electricians will carefully inspect your electrical panel and determine the best course of action. If we find Federal Pacific breakers, we will recommend a suitable replacement and handle the entire process, ensuring that your home is up to code and your family is safe from potential fire hazards.
We use only high-quality and reliable brands for our replacements, such as Square D and Siemens, to ensure that your home’s electrical system is well-protected. Additionally, we offer competitive pricing and timely services, making us the go-to electrician for your home or business in the Warwick area and the greater Providence Area.
Closing considerations
Federal Pacific breaker replacement is a crucial step in protecting your home and family from potential fire hazards. These breakers have a notorious history of malfunctioning and causing house fires, making it imperative for homeowners to replace them with safer alternatives. At B&K Electric, we offer reliable and professional services to ensure that your home’s electrical system is up to code and your family’s safety is not compromised. Don’t hesitate to contact us for all your electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation needs.
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