Federal Pacific Panel Recall: Understanding the Dangers and Ensuring Safety

Federal Pacific Panel Recall

Attention Washington Park Providence, Rhode Island homeowners, are you aware of the potential safety hazards lurking within your electrical panel? As a trusted and experienced electrician in the Warwick area, B&K Electric wants to raise awareness and provide important information about the Federal Pacific Panel Recall – an issue that could potentially affect the safety of your home. With over seventeen years of experience in the electrical industry, B&K Electric is here to inform and educate homeowners on the importance of addressing this recall.

B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated business, takes pride in serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island. Our team of highly skilled electricians specializes in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation. Our commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction has made us the go-to electrician for homes and businesses in the Warwick area and the greater Providence area. With our expertise and guidance, homeowners can rest assured that their electrical systems are in safe and capable hands.

But what exactly is the Federal Pacific Panel Recall, and why should homeowners be concerned? In the following article, we will dive deep into the history, dangers, and solutions surrounding this recall. Our aim is to arm homeowners with the knowledge and understanding necessary to make informed decisions about their electrical systems.

History of Federal Pacific Panels

Before we go into the details of the Federal Pacific Panel Recall, let’s take a step back and understand the history of these panels. Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) was a popular manufacturer of electrical panels from the 1950s to the 1980s. These panels were widely used in homes and commercial buildings throughout the United States. At the time, these panels were considered to be a reliable and cost-effective option for providing electricity to buildings.

However, over time, concerns about the safety of FPE panels began to arise. In the 1980s, tests conducted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) revealed that FPE panels had a significantly higher rate of failure when compared to other brands. This discovery raised red flags and prompted further investigation into the safety of these panels.

The Dangers of Federal Pacific Panels

The main issue with FPE panels is their tendency to malfunction and not trip during an overload or short circuit. This means that in the event of an electrical overload or short circuit, the panel may not shut off the power supply, leading to potential fires and electrocution hazards. In fact, it is estimated that FPE panels caused thousands of fires and related injuries every year.

One reason for this is the design of the FPE panels. Unlike other brands, FPE panels use bus bars made of Stab-Lok® technology. These bus bars are prone to overheating and warping, which can lead to arcing and melting of the panel’s components. This defect can cause the circuit breakers to malfunction and not trip, leading to a potential fire hazard.

Another concern with FPE panels is the lack of proper labeling and documentation. Many homeowners are not aware that they have an FPE panel in their home, as it may have been installed by a previous owner or contractor. Without proper labeling, homeowners may not know the potential dangers of their panel or how to properly maintain it.

Ensuring Safety for your Home

If your home was built between the 1950s and 1980s, it is highly likely that you have an FPE panel. This means that your home and family could be at risk if the panel is not addressed. The first step in ensuring safety for your home is to have a licensed and experienced electrician inspect your panel. An electrician will be able to determine the make and model of your panel and advise you on the necessary steps to take.

The most effective solution for homes with FPE panels is a complete replacement. While this may seem like a costly and time-consuming process, it is the only way to guarantee the safety of your home and family. Replacing an FPE panel with a newer and safer panel will not only prevent potential hazards but also increase the value of your home.

However, if a complete replacement is not feasible, there are two temporary options to address the issue. The first option is to have a licensed electrician install a second service panel to handle some of the electrical load. This can help alleviate some of the strain on the FPE panel and reduce the risk of overheating. The second option is to have a licensed electrician replace the Stab-Lok® bus bars with safer bus bars made by another manufacturer. While this may provide a short-term fix, it is not a permanent solution and does not guarantee the safety of your panel.

Final Thoughts

The Federal Pacific Panel Recall is a serious issue that requires immediate attention from homeowners. With the help of a licensed electrician, homeowners can ensure the safety of their homes and loved ones by addressing their FPE panels. Remember, prevention is always better than a cure, and in this case, it can make all the difference.

At B&K Electric, we take pride in our commitment to providing quality service and customer satisfaction. Our team of electricians is highly skilled in handling FPE panel replacements and will work with you to ensure a safe and reliable electrical system for your home. Don’t hesitate to contact us for all your electrical needs. Trust B&K Electric – your go-to electrician for the Warwick area and the greater Providence area.

Topics: Federal Pacific Panel Recall