Dangers of Federal Pacific Breakers in Providence

Federal Pacific Breakers

If you’re a homeowner in Downtown Providence, Rhode Island, then you know the importance of having a reliable and safe electrical system. And in order to ensure the safety of your home and family, it’s essential to have your electrical system regularly inspected and maintained by a licensed electrician.

As a leading electrical business based in Warwick, RI, B&K Electric is dedicated to providing top-notch electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation services to homeowners in Providence, Cranston, and throughout Rhode Island. With over 17 years of experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality, community, and customer service.

But unfortunately, not all homes in Providence have a safe and reliable electrical system. In fact, many older homes in the area may still be equipped with Federal Pacific breakers, which could pose a significant safety risk to both residents and their properties.

In this article, we will take a closer look at Federal Pacific breakers, their potential hazards, and what homeowners in Downtown Providence need to know to ensure the safety of their homes and loved ones.

What are Federal Pacific Breakers?

Federal Pacific breakers were popularly used in residential electrical systems from the 1950s to the 1980s. They were also commonly used in commercial and industrial buildings during this time period. These electrical panels were manufactured by Federal Pacific Electric Company (FPE), which was based in New Jersey.

At the time, Federal Pacific breakers were touted as a low-cost and reliable option for homes and buildings. They were even UL certified (Underwriters Laboratories), which is the gold standard for electrical safety in the United States.

However, as the years went by, these breakers proved to be anything but safe and reliable. In fact, they have been found to have significant design flaws and deficiencies, which can lead to serious safety hazards and even electrical fires.

The Hazards of Federal Pacific Breakers

One of the biggest concerns with Federal Pacific breakers is their inability to trip or shut off the power during an overload or short circuit. When an electrical system experiences an overload or short circuit, the circuit breaker is supposed to trip or shut off the power, preventing the wires from overheating and causing a fire.

But unfortunately, many Federal Pacific breakers have been found to not trip or shut off the power during an overload or short circuit. This can lead to the wires overheating and, in worst-case scenarios, causing a fire. In fact, it is estimated that Federal Pacific breakers may have been responsible for thousands of electrical fires in the United States.

Another issue with Federal Pacific breakers is their inadequate connections. As these breakers age, their connections can loosen and become more prone to arcing, which can also lead to electrical fires.

What Homeowners in Downtown Providence Should Know

If you live in Downtown Providence and your home was built between the 1950s and 1980s, there is a high chance that your electrical system is equipped with Federal Pacific breakers. And if that’s the case, it’s important to take action to ensure the safety of your home and family.

First and foremost, it’s recommended to have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system and determine if there are any Federal Pacific breakers present. They will be able to identify the brand and model of your breakers and advise on the next steps.

If Federal Pacific breakers are present in your electrical system, it’s highly recommended to have them replaced as soon as possible. As mentioned earlier, these breakers have design flaws that make them prone to overheating and causing fires. It’s not worth the risk to keep them in your home.

Another important aspect to consider is your home insurance. Many insurance companies are now aware of the dangers associated with Federal Pacific breakers and may require homeowners to have them replaced before providing coverage.

Choosing a Licensed Electrician in Downtown Providence

When it comes to replacing Federal Pacific breakers or any other electrical work, it’s essential to choose a licensed electrician that you can trust. In Downtown Providence and throughout Rhode Island, B&K Electric is known for our expertise, professionalism, and dedication to customer service.

Our team of licensed electricians has the skills and experience to safely replace any Federal Pacific breakers in your home and provide any other electrical services that you may need. We always prioritize the safety and satisfaction of our customers and will work diligently to ensure that your home’s electrical system is up to code and functioning properly.

So if you’re a homeowner in Downtown Providence, Cranston, or any other part of Rhode Island, don’t hesitate to contact us for all your electrical needs. We’re here to keep your home and family safe and secure.

Final notions

Federal Pacific breakers were once a popular and seemingly reliable option for residential electrical systems. However, they have proven to be hazardous and pose a serious safety risk to homeowners and their properties. If you live in Downtown Providence, it’s important to have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system and replace any Federal Pacific breakers to ensure the safety of your home and loved ones.

Topics:

Federal Pacific breakers,

electrical hazards,

licensed electrician