Federal Pacific Electric Panel Insurance: Protecting Your Home

Federal Pacific Electric Panel Insurance

As homeowners, we often take the safety and reliability of our home’s electrical system for granted. We trust that the electrical panel, the hub of our home’s electricity, will function properly and keep our homes running smoothly. However, what many homeowners in Cranston and Providence, Rhode Island may not be aware of is that their home’s electrical panel may pose a severe safety hazard. The culprit? Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels.

FPE panels were commonly installed in homes throughout the United States from the 1950s to the 1980s, including in the zip code 02910 area. These panels were popular due to their low cost and ability to handle a high electrical load. However, over time, it was discovered that FPE panels had significant design flaws that could lead to serious safety hazards, including electrical fires.

As a licensed electrician serving the Warwick and Providence areas for over seventeen years, B&K Electric has seen firsthand the dangers of FPE panels. We understand the importance of protecting your home and your loved ones from potential electrical hazards. In this article, we will dive deeper into the issue of FPE panels and explore the importance of having proper insurance coverage to safeguard your home.

What are Federal Pacific Electric panels?

Federal Pacific Electric panels, also known as FPE panels, were a popular brand of electrical panels manufactured from the 1950s to the 1980s. They were installed in millions of homes throughout the United States, including in our own community of Cranston and Providence, Rhode Island.

FPE panels were touted for their affordability, as they were significantly cheaper than other panel brands at the time. They were also able to handle a higher electrical load, making them appealing to homeowners. However, these panels soon gained a notorious reputation for their safety hazards.

Why are FPE panels considered a safety hazard?

FPE panels have been found to have design flaws that can lead to serious safety hazards, including electrical fires. These flaws were discovered in the 1980s, when a series of tests were conducted by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The results of these tests revealed that FPE panels had a high potential for breaker malfunction, which could result in overheating and potentially lead to electrical fires.

Another concern with FPE panels is that they often have inadequate or defective circuit breakers. This means that even if a circuit is overloaded or short-circuited, the breaker may not trip, which can result in dangerous electrical currents flowing through the circuit.

Furthermore, FPE panels may be unable to handle the electrical loads that today’s modern homes require. This can cause the panel to overheat and potentially lead to fires.

What steps can homeowners take to protect themselves?

If your home was built between the 1950s and 1980s, there is a possibility that it may have an FPE panel. The first step to protecting yourself and your home is to have a licensed electrician, such as B&K Electric, inspect your panel.

An electrician will be able to assess the condition of your panel and determine if it is an FPE panel. If it is, they will be able to provide recommendations for replacement or repair. It is essential to note that attempting to repair an FPE panel is not a safe solution, as the underlying design flaws will still be present.

Homeowners should also consider replacing their FPE panel with a modern panel that meets current safety standards. This will not only ensure the safety of your home but can also increase its overall value.

The Importance of Insurance Coverage for FPE Panels

When it comes to protecting your home, having proper insurance coverage is crucial. Many homeowners in the Cranston and Providence areas may not be aware that their insurance policies may not cover damage caused by FPE panels.

Most insurance companies consider FPE panels a known safety hazard and may exclude them from coverage. This means that in the event of an electrical fire caused by an FPE panel, homeowners may be left with significant financial losses.

However, some insurance companies do offer coverage for FPE panels, but it may come at a higher premium. It is essential to review your insurance policy and discuss any concerns with your insurance provider. You may also consider purchasing a separate rider for your FPE panel to ensure coverage in case of an incident.

What sets B&K Electric apart in addressing FPE panels?

As a family-owned and operated business, B&K Electric is committed to providing the highest quality of electrical services to our community. We understand the importance of protecting your home and your loved ones, which is why we go above and beyond in addressing FPE panels.

Our team of experienced and licensed electricians has extensive knowledge of FPE panels and can provide you with an accurate assessment of your panel’s condition. We also have the expertise and resources to safely replace or repair FPE panels, ensuring the safety and reliability of your home’s electrical system.

In addition to our expert services, our commitment to community and customer service sets us apart. We strive to build lasting relationships with our customers, treating each home as if it were our own. Our owner-operated business model means that you will always receive personalized and attentive service from our team.

In Conclusion

As homeowners, we put our trust in our home’s electrical system to keep our homes and families safe. However, FPE panels pose a significant safety hazard that can result in serious consequences, such as electrical fires. As a licensed electrician serving the Warwick and Providence areas for over seventeen years, B&K Electric has seen firsthand the dangers of these panels.

Homeowners in the 02910 zip code area and beyond must take the necessary steps to safeguard their homes and families from potential electrical hazards. This includes having a licensed electrician inspect their panel and ensuring they have proper insurance coverage for their FPE panel.

Don’t compromise on the safety of your home. Contact B&K Electric, your go-to electrician for all your electrical needs in the Cranston and Providence area. Let us help protect your home and loved ones from the potential dangers of FPE panels.

Topics:

FPE Panels,

Electrical Safety,

Home Insurance