Hazards of Federal Pacific Electric Panels
From the 1950s until the 1980s, Federal Pacific Electric Company (FPE) was one of the most popular producers of circuit breaker panels in North America. Their panels were installed in countless homes across the nation. However, as time went on, electricians and home inspectors frequently discovered that Federal Pacific Electric panels did not adequately protect homeowners and their families. According to experts, FPE panels may seem to function properly for years, but after just one overcurrent or short circuit, they can overheat and pose a fire risk.
Extreme amounts of electricity from the external electrical supply surge into a home’s panel and circuits when a breaker fails to trip. After that, it cannot be manually turned off or halted. Electricity will continue to burn until the wires melt or the fuel runs out. The panel may overheat and catch fire, endangering a house and its residents severely. Panels and breakers from Federal Pacific Electric frequently last for many years in good condition. But if and when they do, a catastrophe could happen.
Federal Pacific Electric Panels Imposing Damage
For years, a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) circuit breaker panel may seem to be operating normally. However, experts caution that in the event of an overcurrent or short circuit, a Federal Pacific Electric panel may not be able to prevent the electrical circuits from overheating and may even provide a fire hazard.
A study found that during power surges, some Federal Pacific Electric panels malfunctioned around 60% of the time. One illustration of a Federal Pacific Electric panel is shown to the right. The loud burst was followed by a sizzling sound and a burning odor, according to the homeowner. This is what the electrician discovered after she phoned him.
The fact that too many electrical devices were hooked into one area was unknown to the homeowner. More electricity was needed by the devices than the circuit could deliver. The electrician said, “The wiring got hot enough to fry an egg.” The circuit breakers ought to trip normally to turn off the energy and stop a fire. Due to improper operation of the Federal Pacific Electric breakers, two circuit breakers and a bus bar were destroyed.
WHY ARE THEY SUCH A RISK?
Current safety regulations are not met by Federal Pacific panel breakers, which are also known to overheat, blow fuses easily, and lack a ground wire. If your property has other electrical issues, this might be quite dangerous.
According to investigations, Federal Pacific Electrical (FPE) panels have faulty circuit breakers that pose a serious fire risk. According to some estimations, each year, more than a dozen fatalities and 2,800 fires are attributed to these hazardous electrical panels.
An important safety component that lowers the possibility of electrical fires is your circuit breaker panel. The breaker should shut off the electricity if your panel is affected by a power surge, short circuit, or circuit overload. If the machinery malfunctions, the wires can overheat and catch fire.
Let’s say that breaker trips lead you to lose electricity in a certain area of your house. The system is being overloaded by the electrical power, which is the cause of this. Although the power outage may appear annoying, it is essential for preventing fires.
Have You Got an FPE Panel?
Many homeowners are unaware of the type of panels that are in their buildings. It doesn’t take long to determine whether you have an FPE panel. The following information can be found on your panel:
The FPE logo, which is frequently on the panel’s exterior
It says “Federal Pacific” on the panel.
“Federal Pacific Electric Company” is denoted by a sticker within the panel.
“Stab-Lok” is written on the breakers of the panel.
There might not be any of the indicators in some comparable models or older FPE panels. Additionally, occasionally the sticker disappears. If you are unable to identify the manufacturer, you might wish to engage a specialist to check your electrical panel for any possibly dangerous components.
Never attempt to access the panel or disassemble your breakers in order to discover the manufacturer of your system. If you start looking into your panel, you risk electrocuting yourself or damaging the wiring, increasing the risk of fire.
The Best Alternative Is to Replace the Entire Panel
An electrician can advise you to save money by only replacing the breakers if you have an FPE panel. Breakers from the aftermarket can be added to an existing system. This, however, is not the best choice. The central unit, as well as the breakers, are defective in the FPE systems. In addition, if you ever decide to sell your house, a knowledgeable home inspector will point out the FPE panel as a danger.
A complete panel replacement will comply with all applicable electrical codes and provide improved protection for your family. Additionally, you can lower your risk of fires and power outages by making an investment in panel modifications. Contact us at Phoenix Electric to give you information on replacing your panel.
