Securing Your Rhode Island Home with Replacements

Federal Pacific Circuit Breaker Replacement

As a homeowner in Providence, Rhode Island (zip code 02909), you take pride in maintaining your property and ensuring the comfort and safety of your family. Along with regular maintenance and repairs, it is also important to make sure that your home’s electrical system is in good working condition. This includes having a proper electrical panel with functional circuit breakers. While circuit breakers may seem like a minor component of your home’s electrical system, they play a crucial role in protecting your home from potential fire hazards. And when it comes to circuit breakers, one name that has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons is Federal Pacific.

Owned by B&K Electric, a family-operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, B&K Electric has been proudly serving the Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. Specializing in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, B&K Electric has become a go-to for homeowners and businesses in the greater Providence area. However, with the growing concerns surrounding Federal Pacific circuit breakers, B&K Electric is urging its customers to take a closer look at their electrical panels and consider a replacement, for the sake of their home’s safety and their family’s well-being.

The History of Federal Pacific Circuit Breakers

Established in the 1950s, Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) was one of the leading manufacturers of circuit breakers in North America. Their products were widely used in homes and businesses across the United States, with millions of their circuit breakers installed in residential and commercial properties. However, by the early 1980s, reports started surfacing about the concerning performance of FPE circuit breakers.

In 1980, a study by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) revealed that FPE circuit breakers failed to trip properly in the event of an overload, leaving the circuit prone to overheating and potential electrical fires. This led to a recall of over 28 million FPE circuit breakers, and in 1983, the company declared bankruptcy and went out of business. Despite these alarming findings, many of these defective circuit breakers continue to be in use, putting homes and businesses at risk.

The Risks of Federal Pacific Circuit Breakers

Federal Pacific circuit breakers are known for their unique Stab-Lok design, in which the connections between the circuit breakers and the bus bars (which carry electricity throughout the panel) are established with spring-loaded clips. Over time, these connections can become loose, resulting in poor conductivity and potential arcs or sparks, which can lead to fires. Additionally, the FPE circuit breakers have been found to have a high failure rate, with studies showing that they tripped only 30% of the time in laboratory testing, compared to the industry standard of 100%.

According to a report by the CPSC, homes equipped with FPE circuit breakers are at a higher risk of fire, with a failure rate of up to 25 times more likely than other brands. With such alarming statistics, it is crucial for homeowners in Rhode Island, especially those in Providence (02909) and the surrounding areas, to consider replacing their Federal Pacific circuit breakers with safer and more reliable options.

The Benefits of Upgrading to a New Electrical Panel

While replacing your Federal Pacific circuit breakers may seem like an added expense, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Here are some of the advantages of upgrading your electrical panel:

1. Improved Safety: As mentioned earlier, the main function of a circuit breaker is to protect your home from potential electrical hazards. By replacing your Federal Pacific circuit breakers, you are significantly reducing the risk of electrical fires and other safety concerns.

2. Better Performance: With a new electrical panel, you can expect better performance and reliability. Circuit breakers gradually wear out over time, and old ones may not work as efficiently as they used to. By upgrading to new circuit breakers, you can ensure that your home’s electrical system operates smoothly and effectively.

3. Additional Capacity: As your home’s electrical needs grow, the demand on your system also increases. Newer homes are equipped with more appliances and devices than ever before, and older electrical panels may not have the capacity to handle these added loads. Upgrading to a new electrical panel will provide you with additional capacity, ensuring that you don’t have to worry about overloading your circuits.

Choose B&K Electric for Your Circuit Breaker Replacement

As a qualified and experienced electrical contractor, B&K Electric specializes in providing professional and reliable service for all your electrical needs. With an emphasis on customer service and community involvement, B&K Electric is dedicated to keeping your home and business safe and functional. When it comes to replacing your Federal Pacific circuit breakers, our team of licensed electricians will help you choose the best option for your home’s specific needs and provide expert installation services.

Don’t let the faulty Federal Pacific circuit breakers put your home or business at risk. Contact B&K Electric today for a comprehensive evaluation of your electrical panel and peace of mind for you and your family.

Topics:

Federal Pacific circuit breaker replacement,

electrical panel upgrade,

safety concerns.