Federal Pacific Breakers: An in-Depth Look from a Homeowner's Perspective | B&K Electric

Federal Pacific Breakers

As a homeowner in the zip code 02904 in North Providence, Rhode Island, you may have heard of the controversy surrounding Federal Pacific breakers. B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, has been servicing residents in Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years, making us the go-to electrician in the greater Providence area. With our experience in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, we have encountered and dealt with numerous issues related to Federal Pacific breakers.

But what exactly is a Federal Pacific breaker? And why has it caused much debate in the electrical industry? In this article, we will dive into the history of Federal Pacific breakers, their potential hazards, and what homeowners in North Providence and beyond need to know about this controversial electrical component.

History of Federal Pacific Breakers

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) was a company that produced circuit breakers and other electrical equipment from the 1950s to the early 1980s. They were one of the leading manufacturers of circuit breakers in the United States, with millions of homes across the country installed with their products. However, in the early 1980s, FPE was sued for producing faulty and unsafe circuit breakers that did not meet the standards set by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

It was found that FPE had been using faulty testing processes and had been falsifying test results to obtain the UL seal of approval. Despite this revelation, FPE continued to operate and produce circuit breakers until 1983, when the company was forced to declare bankruptcy due to numerous lawsuits and fines.

Potential Hazards of Federal Pacific Breakers

As mentioned earlier, Federal Pacific breakers have been found to be faulty and unsafe due to the company’s malpractices in testing and production. Studies have shown that these breakers have a significantly higher rate of failure compared to other brands, raising concerns about their fire and shock hazards.

One of the main issues with Federal Pacific breakers is their inability to trip when overloaded or short-circuited. This means that they can continue to conduct electricity even when there is a fault in the system, posing a fire hazard. Studies have also shown that these breakers have a high rate of failure in their internal components, which can lead to sparks and fires.

What Homeowners in North Providence Need to Know

If you are a homeowner in North Providence and your house was built between the 1950s and early 1980s, there is a good chance that your electrical panel contains Federal Pacific breakers. Some of the red flags to look out for include flickering lights, frequently tripping breakers, and a burning smell coming from the panel.

If you suspect that you have Federal Pacific breakers in your home, it is crucial to have them inspected and replaced by a licensed electrician. This is especially important if you are planning on selling your home, as most home inspectors will flag Federal Pacific breakers as a safety concern.

The Process of Replacing Federal Pacific Breakers

Replacing Federal Pacific breakers is not a straightforward task and should be done with caution by a licensed electrician. The process involves obtaining a new electrical panel, transferring all the circuits from the old panel to the new one, and rewiring any connections that were previously made to the old panel. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the size of your panel and the complexity of your wiring system.

It is essential to note that replacing Federal Pacific breakers can be a costly endeavor, and you may want to weigh your options before making the decision. However, considering the potential safety hazards and the impact it can have on selling your home, it is a worthwhile investment to ensure the safety of your home and family.

Concluding concepts

As a homeowner in North Providence, it is essential to be aware of the potential hazards of Federal Pacific breakers and to have them inspected and replaced if necessary. At B&K Electric, our team of experienced electricians specializes in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation. Let us be your go-to electrician for all your residential electrical needs in North Providence and beyond.

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