Understanding Your Federal Pacific Electrical Panel Today

Federal Pacific Electrical Panel

If you are a homeowner in Cranston, Rhode Island, chances are you have heard of Federal Pacific electrical panels. These panels, also known as FPE panels, were once widely used in homes across the United States, including Cranston and the greater Providence area. However, over the years, they have gained a controversial reputation for being a potential fire hazard. As a result, many homeowners in Cranston have been left wondering: What exactly is a Federal Pacific electrical panel and is it safe for my home? In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to Federal Pacific electrical panels, from their history and function to their safety concerns and replacement options. So if you are a homeowner in Cranston, zip code 02910, looking for a licensed electrician for your home, read on to find out more.

History of Federal Pacific Electrical Panels

Federal Pacific Electrical Company, or FPE, was a manufacturer of electrical equipment that operated from the 1950s to the 1980s. In its heyday, it was one of the largest manufacturers of circuit breakers and electrical panels in the United States, and its products were widely used in homes and buildings across the country.

The Federal Pacific electrical panel was a mainstay in the housing industry in the 1960s and 1970s, especially in the booming suburb of Cranston. These panels were known for being affordable and efficient, making them a popular choice for both builders and homeowners.

Function of Federal Pacific Electrical Panels

A Federal Pacific electrical panel is the main distribution point for the electricity in a home. It is responsible for receiving the power from the utility company and then sending it to different circuits throughout the house. These circuits, in turn, are responsible for providing electricity to different areas and appliances in the home.

A typical Federal Pacific electrical panel has a main circuit breaker, which is designed to trip and cut off the power supply in case of an overload or short circuit. It also has several smaller circuits, each with its own circuit breaker, that control the electricity to specific areas of the house, such as the kitchen, living room, or bedroom.

Safety Concerns and Controversy

Despite their widespread usage, Federal Pacific electrical panels have been the subject of controversy and safety concerns for decades. In the 1980s, there were reports of these panels malfunctioning and failing to trip during an overload or short circuit, resulting in fires and electrical hazards.

Several studies and investigations have been conducted over the years, and the consensus is that Federal Pacific electrical panels have a higher chance of malfunctioning and not detecting overloads or short circuits compared to other brands. This means that in the event of an electrical problem, the panel may not trip and cut off the power supply, potentially leading to a fire.

Furthermore, there have been allegations that FPE knew about the issues with their panels but failed to take appropriate action to address the problem. As a result, in 1983, the company was found guilty of fraud and ordered to pay $5.3 million in damages to homeowners who had experienced fires due to faulty panels.

Replacement Options for Federal Pacific Electrical Panels

Given the safety concerns surrounding Federal Pacific electrical panels, many homeowners in Cranston are now faced with the decision of whether to replace their panels or not. The recommended course of action is to replace the panel with a newer, safer model.

Replacing an electrical panel is a complex and potentially dangerous task that should only be done by a licensed electrician. B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, specializes in electrical repair, panel maintenance and installation. We have been proudly serving the residents of Cranston and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years, and we are well-equipped to handle the replacement of your Federal Pacific electrical panel.

At B&K Electric, we understand the importance of safety and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home’s electrical system is working properly. That’s why we offer reliable and efficient panel replacement services using the latest technologies and techniques.

Our licensed electricians are well-versed in the electrical codes and regulations of Cranston and the state of Rhode Island, ensuring that your new panel installation is up to standard and complies with all safety regulations. We also offer regular maintenance services to ensure that your panel continues to function safely and efficiently for years to come.

The core message

Federal Pacific electrical panels, once a popular choice in the housing industry, are now facing concerns over safety and reliability. As a homeowner in Cranston, it is important to understand the function and potential hazards of these panels and to take appropriate action to ensure the safety of your home and family.

If you have a Federal Pacific electrical panel in your home, it is recommended to have it replaced with a newer, safer model. This is a complex task that should only be done by a licensed electrician. B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, specializes in electrical repair, panel maintenance and installation, and is your go-to electrician for your home or business in the Warwick area and greater Providence area.

Don’t wait any longer – ensure the safety of your home and family by contacting B&K Electric today to schedule a panel replacement and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a properly functioning electrical system.

Topics:

Federal Pacific electrical panel,

FPE,

panel replacement