Question: I noticed that I have an electric panel which was made by Federal Pacific Electric. Are these panels safe or should I consider an electrical panel upgrade?

Answer: This is a good question and the answer is a short one! Yes. It is time to consider an electrical panel replacement! FEDERAL PACIFIC ELECTRIC PANELS COULD FAIL!

One of the most common manufacturers of circuit breaker panels in the United States from the 1950s to 1980s was Federal Pacific Electric Company. Their panels were installed in millions of homes across our country. Over time, home inspectors and electricians noticed that these panels failed to provide proper protection to homeowners and their families. Although these panels can appear to work properly for years, one overcurrent or short circuit can cause them to overhead, posing a significant fire hazard! When a breaker fails to trip, an extreme amount of power from the outside electrical supply surges into a home’s panel and circuits. Once that happens, it cannot be stopped or shut off manually. Electricity will burn until it runs out of fuel or the wires melt. The panel could overheat and catch fire, causing serious harm to a home and its occupants. When they do malfunction, a disaster could occur.

These Federal Pacific brand electrical panels have been outlawed (see attached photo) for these reasons. With the upcoming hurricane season when homes often lose power, homeowners should check the brand of their electrical panel and may consider an electrical panel upgrade if these unsatisfactory panels are now installed.

Call American Mechanical for more information and to schedule a no cost in home consultation for an electrical panel upgrade today!