Federal Pacific Electrical Panels: A Potential Fire Hazard

Federal Pacific Electrical Panels

If you are a homeowner in the Washington Park neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island, chances are you are familiar with the electrical issues that can arise in your home. From outdated wiring to malfunctioning outlets, electrical problems can not only inconvenience you, but also pose a serious safety threat. This is where B&K Electric comes in. As a family-owned and operated business with over seventeen years of experience, we have been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island. Our expertise lies in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, making us your go-to electrician for all your residential and business electrical needs in the Warwick area and the greater Providence area.

But there is one particular issue that we often encounter in homes in this area that we feel is important to address – the presence of Federal Pacific Electrical (FPE) panels. These panels were widely installed in homes in the 1950s and 1960s, but have since been found to pose a potential fire hazard. As an experienced and reputable electrician, we feel it is our responsibility to inform homeowners about this issue and provide the necessary solutions.

The Dangers of Federal Pacific Electrical Panels

Federal Pacific Electrical panels, also known as Stab-Lok panels, were popularly installed in homes across the United States from the 1950s to the 1980s. These panels were manufactured by the Federal Pacific Electric Company, which has since gone out of business due to numerous safety concerns surrounding their products. In the zip code 02905 of Washington Park, many homes may still have these panels installed.

So, what makes FPE panels so dangerous? The main concern lies in their faulty circuit breakers. These breakers were designed to trip when overloaded and cut off power to prevent electrical fires. However, an investigation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission found that these breakers have a high failure rate, with some failing to trip at all even when overloaded. This means that in the event of a power surge or a malfunctioning appliance, the breaker may not trip, and the wires leading to it can overheat, potentially causing a fire.

To make matters worse, FPE panels have also been found to have poorly manufactured bus bars, which are responsible for distributing electricity to the various circuits in your home. These bus bars can become loose over time, leading to overheating and arcing, which can also result in electrical fires. In fact, a study by the Independent Electrical Contractors Association found that FPE panels have a failure rate of up to 80%, making them one of the biggest fire hazards in homes today.

Addressing the Issue

As a homeowner, the safety of your family and property should always be a top priority. If you have a Federal Pacific Electrical panel in your home, it is crucial to have it inspected and, if necessary, replaced by a licensed electrician. At B&K Electric, we are experts in panel maintenance and installation, and we are familiar with the dangers of FPE panels. Our team will carefully inspect your panel and provide you with an honest and accurate assessment of its safety. If we determine that the panel needs to be replaced, we will handle the installation with precision and efficiency to ensure the safety of your home.

It is also important to note that FPE panels are not the only brand that can pose a fire hazard in your home. Zinsco, Pushmatic, and Bulldog panels are also known to have performance and safety issues. If your home has one of these panels, it is equally important to have it inspected and replaced if necessary.

Do Not Compromise on Safety

We often put convenience and cost above safety. However, when it comes to the electrical components of your home, it is crucial to not compromise on safety. As a licensed electrician, we have seen the devastating effects of electrical fires, and we believe that every homeowner has the right to know about potential hazards in their home. We urge all homeowners in the 02905 zip code, and across the United States, to have their electrical panels inspected by a professional and take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their homes.

The core message

Federal Pacific Electrical panels are a potential fire hazard that can be found in many homes, especially those in the Washington Park neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island. As a homeowner, it is important to have your panel inspected by a licensed electrician, and if necessary, replaced. At B&K Electric, we are dedicated to providing our community with quality and reliable electrical services. We understand the need for both convenience and safety, and we guarantee to prioritize the latter. Do not wait until it is too late – contact B&K Electric today to schedule an inspection of your electrical panel.

Topics:

Federal Pacific Electrical Panels,

Fire Hazard,

Electrical Safety