Upgrade to Safer Breakers for Your Home

Federal Pacific Replacement Breakers

As a homeowner in Providence, Rhode Island (02909), you understand the importance of maintaining your property. You take pride in your home and are always looking for ways to improve its functionality and safety. As such, when it comes to matters of electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, you know the significance of hiring a reliable and experienced electrician.

At B&K Electric, we are a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI. We are deeply rooted in our community and are committed to providing exceptional customer service. For over seventeen years, our team of licensed electricians has proudly served the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island. We specialize in a wide range of electrical services, including repair, panel maintenance, and installation.

There are countless electrical appliances and devices in our homes that require regular maintenance and inspection to ensure their safety and efficiency. One of the most crucial components of your home’s electrical system is the circuit breaker, which is responsible for protecting your home from electrical overloading and short circuits. In this article, we will delve into the world of Federal Pacific replacement breakers and why they are essential for every homeowner.

Understanding Federal Pacific Breakers

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) was a popular electrical supply company that operated in the US from the 1950s to the 1980s. During this period, they were one of the leading manufacturers of electrical panels and circuit breakers. As such, many homes built during this time were equipped with FPE breakers.

However, in the early 1980s, the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission declared that FPE breakers were defective and posed a significant fire hazard. The issue was with the breakers’ design, which had a tendency to malfunction and not trip during an electrical overload or short circuit. This defect led to numerous fires and other electrical hazards, resulting in a recall of millions of Federal Pacific breakers.

Unfortunately, many homes still have FPE breakers installed, as they were never fully recalled, and the company went out of business. This presents a significant safety risk for homeowners, making it crucial to have these breakers replaced with newer, safer alternatives.

Benefits of Replacing Federal Pacific Breakers

As mentioned earlier, Federal Pacific breakers have a history of malfunctions, making them extremely unsafe. Therefore, the most significant benefit of replacing these breakers is the safety aspect. By replacing FPE breakers, you can significantly decrease the risk of electrical fires and other hazards, providing you and your family with peace of mind.

Another advantage of replacing Federal Pacific breakers is the improved efficiency of your home’s electrical system. Outdated and defective breakers can cause appliances and devices to work harder, consuming more energy and leading to higher utility bills. By installing modern, efficient breakers, you can reduce your energy consumption, ultimately saving money in the long run.

Furthermore, newer breakers are equipped with advanced features that offer better protection against power surges and electrical overloading. These features include arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) and ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which are not present in older FPE breakers.

Choosing the Right Replacement Breakers

When it comes to choosing the right replacement breakers for your home, it is crucial to consult a licensed and experienced electrician. At B&K Electric, our team is well-versed in various breaker options and will provide you with expert recommendations based on your home’s specific needs.

One of the most common replacement breakers used today is the AFCI. These breakers are designed to detect and interrupt dangerous arc faults, which can cause electrical fires. GFCIs, on the other hand, are specifically designed to protect against ground faults, which can cause electrocution. Both of these breaker types provide an additional layer of safety for your home’s electrical system and should be installed in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor outlets.

Last reflections

As a homeowner in Providence, RI (02909), it is crucial to ensure the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system. If your home was built between the 1950s and 1980s, it is highly likely that you have Federal Pacific breakers installed. Given their history of malfunctions and safety hazards, it is essential to have these breakers replaced with newer, safer alternatives.

At B&K Electric, we are committed to providing top-notch electrical services, including the replacement of Federal Pacific breakers. Our team of licensed electricians has the expertise and experience to ensure your home’s safety and efficiency. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and upgrade your home’s electrical system.

Topics:

Federal Pacific Breakers,

Electrical Safety,

Home Improvements