Upgrade Now: Protect Your House’s Electrical System

Federal Pacific Circuit Breaker Replacement

As a homeowner in the zip code 02905 area of Washington Park, Providence, Rhode Island, one of your top priorities is likely to ensure the safety and functionality of your home. This includes taking steps to ensure that your electrical system is working properly and without any potential hazards. One critical component of any electrical system is the circuit breaker, which acts as a safety mechanism to protect your home from electrical overload and potential fires. However, not all circuit breakers are created equal, and there have been concerns raised about the safety of certain models, particularly the Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) circuit breakers.

B&K Electric is a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, that has been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. We specialize in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, making us your go-to electrician for your home or business in the Warwick area and the greater Providence Area. In this article, we will dive into the topic of Federal Pacific circuit breaker replacement and why it is an essential step to ensure the safety and functionality of your home’s electrical system.

Understanding Federal Pacific Circuit Breakers

Federal Pacific Electric Company was a prominent manufacturer of electrical equipment in the United States from the 1950s to the 1980s. During this time, FPE circuit breakers were used in millions of homes across the country, including many in Washington Park, Providence, and the surrounding areas. However, in the early 1980s, concerns began to arise about the safety and reliability of these circuit breakers.

Several independent studies and investigations found that FPE circuit breakers had a significantly higher rate of failure compared to other brands, leading to potential electrical fires and other hazards. In some cases, these failures were found to occur even when the circuit breakers were not overloaded, which is their primary function. The problem was even more severe with FPE’s Stab-Lok circuit breakers, which were found to have design flaws and were more prone to failure.

Despite these safety concerns, FPE circuit breakers were not recalled, and the company did not address the issues adequately. The company ultimately went bankrupt in the early 1990s, leaving homeowners with these potentially hazardous circuit breakers in their homes.

Why Should You Consider Replacing Your Federal Pacific Circuit Breakers?

With FPE circuit breakers still present in many homes, including those in the zip code 02905 area of Washington Park, Providence, it is essential to understand the risks and why replacement is necessary. As mentioned earlier, these circuit breakers have a much higher rate of failure compared to other brands, making them a potential safety hazard. The issue is compounded by the fact that these circuit breakers were installed in millions of homes, often without the homeowners’ knowledge or understanding of the potential risks.

Furthermore, as these circuit breakers were installed primarily in homes built during the 1950s to 1980s, they are often not able to handle the modern-day electrical demand, leading to frequent tripping and potential damage to your electrical appliances. If you live in one of these homes and have not yet replaced your FPE circuit breakers, it is crucial to take action now to protect your home and family.

The Replacement Process: What to Expect

Replacing your Federal Pacific circuit breakers is not a simple task that can be done by just anyone. It requires the expertise and knowledge of a licensed electrician, such as those at B&K Electric, to ensure that the replacement is done safely and correctly. The process involves:

1. Properly identifying the type of FPE circuit breaker in your home

2. Shutting off the main power to your home

3. Removing the old FPE circuit breaker from the panel

4. Installing a new, suitable circuit breaker

5. Testing the new circuit breaker to ensure proper functionality

6. Turning the power back on and checking the rest of your electrical system for any potential issues

While the process may seem straightforward, it is not recommended for homeowners to attempt this replacement themselves. It is a job best left to professionals with the necessary expertise and training to ensure your safety and the integrity of your home’s electrical system.

To summarize

As a homeowner in the zip code 02905 area of Washington Park, Providence, it is essential to be aware of the potential hazards of Federal Pacific circuit breakers and to take the necessary steps to reduce the risks. Replacing these faulty circuit breakers with newer, more reliable models is crucial for the safety and functionality of your home’s electrical system. B&K Electric is here to help you with this process and ensure that your home is up-to-date and safe. Contact us today to schedule your FPE circuit breaker replacement.

Topics:

Federal Pacific circuit breaker replacement,

electrical safety,

home improvement