You should consider upgrading your service panel

A service panel upgrade is usually required to enhance the units capacity. The technical devices and appliances that we use are constantly improving and fluctuating in terms of power usage. In order to keep up with the increasing energy requirements of daily life, upgrading your service panel is a necessity.

Better Performance: Service panels, like any other home unit must be regularly serviced in order to ensure peak performance. The increasing electrical needs of the average home has made it absolutely essential to keep your service panel updated. Outdate technology and obsolescence are other common reasons as to why you will need a service panel upgrade.

A specific type of panel called Federal Pacific Electric Panels could potentially fail to provide proper safety and protection for homes.

A Federal Pacific Electric Panel (FPE) was one of the most common manufactures of circuit breaker panels in North America from the 1950s to the 1980s. Millions of their panels were installed in homes across the county. Yet, as the years passed, electricians and home inspectors often found FPE panes failed to provide proper protection to homeowners and their families. Experts now say that FPE panels can appear to work fine for years, but after one overcurrent or short circuit, they can overheat and become fire hazards.

Here are two major reasons why Federal Pacific Electric Panels tend to malfunction:

1. FPE panels may not meet today's updated safety codes:

• Wires may be crowded inside the box
• Bus bars may be spring-mounted
• Breaker may be still active when in the down position
• Split-Bus breakers may no longer meet updated safety codes.

2. FPE panels may have significant design flaws:

• Breakers may unexpectedly trip when the deadfront cover is removed.
• Breakers may have loose connections to the bus bars
• Breakers are often jammed within their sockets, which can cause overcrowding within the panel
• Breakers can easily split when placed into sockets.

These Panels can be dangerous. A FPE circuit breaker panel can appear to be working properly for years. But experts want that if a FPE panel experiences and overcurrent or short circuit, it may not keep the electrical circuits from overheating and could possible pose a fire hazard. According to a report, some Federal Pacific Electric Panels failed to operate properly nearly 60% of the time in the event of a power surge.

The circuit breaker panel is one of the most important parts of a home's electrical system. It constantly distributes and receives electricity. The panel protects homes from power surges and other possible hazards. With regular maintenance, experts say that today's electrical panels can function properly and protect homes for 30 years or more.

If you suspect you may have a Federal Pacific Electric panel or an outdated circuit breaker panel in your home, or in any event, you have not had your panel inspected recently, do not hesitate to contact us and we will be glad to help you! We care about our customers and want them to be safe!

Quality Electric Service
www.qualityelectricservice.com
609.861.1409


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