Federal Pacific Panel Recall: Protecting Your Home and Family

Federal Pacific Panel Recall

The saying better safe than sorry holds true when it comes to the safety and maintenance of your home. As a homeowner in zip code 02904 in North Providence, Rhode Island, you understand the importance of regular upkeep and repairs to ensure your home is a safe and comfortable place for you and your family. And when it comes to your electrical panel, you want to be sure it is reliable and functioning properly. However, there is a hidden danger lurking in some homes – a potential fire hazard that many homeowners may not be aware of. It’s known as the Federal Pacific Panel Recall.

As a trusted electrical business rooted in community and customer service, B&K Electric has been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over 17 years. Our team of licensed electricians specializes in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, making us the go-to professionals for homes and businesses in the greater Providence area. Our goal is to keep our community safe, and that includes bringing awareness to potential risks, such as the Federal Pacific Panel Recall.

The Dangers of Federal Pacific Panels

In the 1950s and 1960s, Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels were widely installed in homes in the United States. These panels were deemed affordable and efficient, making them a popular choice among builders and homeowners. However, it was soon discovered that these panels were not up to standard when it came to safety regulations. In fact, a federal investigation in the 1980s found that the FPE panels were defective and could potentially cause fires. Yet, despite the findings, FPE continued to manufacture and sell their panels for many years, putting countless families at risk.

The main issue with FPE panels is with their breakers. When a circuit becomes overloaded, the breaker should trip and cut off the electricity flow to prevent an electrical fire. However, due to a design flaw, the breakers in FPE panels often fail to trip, leaving the circuit overloaded and potentially causing a fire. Additionally, the FPE panels do not have proper insulation, which can also lead to fires. It is estimated that homes with these panels have a 25% higher risk of a house fire.

Signs That You May Have a Federal Pacific Panel

If your home was built or renovated during the 1950s or 1960s and has not had any updates to the electrical system since, there is a high likelihood that you have an FPE panel. However, even if your home was built more recently, it is still possible to have one of these panels, as they were sold for several decades. Some common indicators that you may have an FPE panel include flickering lights, breakers that trip frequently, and a burning smell coming from the panel. If you suspect that you have an FPE panel, it is crucial to have a licensed electrician inspect it immediately.

How to Protect Your Home and Family

If you have determined that your home has an FPE panel, it is essential to take action immediately. The first step is to contact a licensed electrician, like the professionals at B&K Electric, to inspect and assess the panel. If it is indeed an FPE panel, it should be replaced as soon as possible. Do not attempt to remove or replace the panel yourself, as this could be dangerous and could potentially cause more harm.

At B&K Electric, we understand the urgency and severity of this issue, and we are dedicated to helping our community remain safe. Our experienced electricians will thoroughly inspect your panel, educate you on the risks, and provide you with options for replacement. We use only high-quality, reliable panels in our installations, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our customers.

In Conclusion

As a homeowner, ensuring the safety and maintenance of your home should always be a top priority. The Federal Pacific Panel Recall is a serious issue, and it is crucial not to ignore the potential risks that come with an FPE panel. If you suspect that your home may have one of these hazardous panels, do not wait. Contact a licensed electrician to inspect and replace it immediately.

At B&K Electric, we take pride in providing our community with dependable, professional, and affordable electrical services. Let us be your go-to electrician for all of your home or business needs in the Warwick area and the greater Providence area. Remember, when it comes to the safety of your home and family, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Topics:

Federal Pacific Panel Recall,

Electrical Panel Safety,

Licensed Electrician