Upgrade Your Fuse Box for Safety

Federal Pacific Fuse Box

As a homeowner in the Elmhurst Providence County area of Rhode Island, it is crucial to have a safe and reliable electrical system in your home. But, have you ever stopped to consider the state of your electrical panel? Is it outdated? Does it still have a federal pacific fuse box?

If your home was built before the 1990s, there’s a possibility that it still has a federal pacific fuse box. And while it may have been functioning properly for years, it may be posing a dangerous risk to your home and family. Electrical systems have become more advanced and efficient, making older fuse boxes and panels outdated and potentially hazardous.

At B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, we have been serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. As experts in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, we have seen firsthand the dangers and consequences of having a federal pacific fuse box. In this article, we will dive into the hazards of this outdated electrical system and the importance of upgrading.

What is a Federal Pacific Fuse Box?

Before we delve into the hazards and importance of upgrading, let’s first understand what a federal pacific fuse box is. Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) was a popular manufacturer of electrical panels and circuit breakers from the 1950s to the 1980s. These panels were widely used in homes during that time, and some can still be found in homes today.

The main purpose of an electrical panel is to distribute electricity throughout a home, and the fuse box or circuit breakers are responsible for protecting the home’s electrical system from overload. In the case of federal pacific fuse boxes, they were designed with a major flaw that makes them dangerous and outdated.

The Hazard and Dangers of Federal Pacific Fuse Box

Federal pacific fuse boxes are known for their faulty circuit breakers, also known as Stab-Lok breakers. These breakers were designed with a thin piece of metal that has a low melting point, intended to break and shut off the circuit during an overload.

However, in testing conducted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the late 1980s, it was discovered that these breakers often fail to trip when faced with an overload, causing a potential fire hazard. This is especially concerning as federal pacific fuse boxes have been found to have a higher than average failure rate of up to 80%.

Additionally, these breakers were not designed to be removed and replaced easily, making it difficult for homeowners to perform repairs or upgrades. This could result in improper wiring, which can also lead to the possibility of an electrical fire.

The Importance of Upgrading to a Modern Electrical Panel

Given the hazards and outdated design of federal pacific fuse boxes, it is crucial to upgrade to a modern electrical panel for the safety and reliability of your home’s electrical system.

Modern electrical panels use more advanced and efficient technology, such as circuit breakers with built-in safety features like ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs). These safety features provide added protection against fires and electrical shocks, making your home safer for you and your family.

Moreover, modern electrical panels are designed to handle the increased demand for electricity in today’s homes, with the use of multiple electronic devices and appliances. An outdated fuse box may not be able to keep up with this demand, resulting in frequent blown fuses or tripped breakers. Upgrading to a modern panel can prevent these inconveniences and provide a more reliable and efficient electrical system.

Trust B&K Electric for Your Panel Upgrades

As a licensed electrician in the Warwick area and the greater Providence area, B&K Electric is your go-to expert for upgrading your federal pacific fuse box to a modern electrical panel. Our team of skilled and experienced electricians will assess your electrical system and recommend the best panel to suit your home’s needs and ensure its safety.

We take pride in our excellent customer service and our commitment to providing safe and reliable electrical services. Don’t wait until it’s too late, contact us today to schedule an appointment and upgrade your home’s electrical panel.

Topics:

Federal Pacific Fuse Box,

Dangers of Outdated Electrical Systems,

Importance of Upgrading to a Modern Electrical Panel