Outdated Electrical Panels
Your electrical panel is something you do not think about much. It just hangs on the wall quietly doing its job year after year for decades. And in most cases, all is well.
However, some older electrical panels, although they seem to be functioning correctly, pose risks, and should be replaced.
This series of posts will examine various brands of outdated electrical panels that require replacement, beginning with the Federal Pacific electrical panel. Due to its well-documented safety concerns, it is recommended that this panel be replaced in both residential and commercial properties.
Why you Should Replace Your Federal Pacific Electrical Panel
FEDERAL PACIFIC electrical panels were installed in homes and commercial locations from about the 1950s through the 1980s. Due to a class action law suit these panels are no longer in production and it is advised that homeowners and businesses who still utilize them consider the significant fire risks associated with their continued use.
Issues with Federal Pacific Electrical Panels
The design had several problems:
- Compact size causing heating issues.
- Compact size leading to tight bends in wires entering breakers.
- A “floating” bus that is not structurally sound.
- Stab-lock circuit breakers that often do not trip on overload.
Risks of Keeping Your Federal Pacific Panel
While all the issues above are cause for alarm, item #4 is the most severe. If a circuit breaker does not open in an overload situation the wires supplying the circuit will overheat and if pushed too far will start to burn. If this happens inside a residential wall or near combustible materials a fire is likely.
I have worked on and replaced several of these panels in commercial and industrial settings, so I can confirm their dangers. I’ve encountered melted breakers several times and witnessed two instances of receptacles catching fire (with actual flames!) and the breaker not tripped.
Don’t Just Take My Word for It
Here are links to some very good articles about these panels:
- 2024 Federal Pacific Breaker Panel Recall: You Should Know
- Are Federal Pacific Breaker Panels Safe? Dangers and Cost to Replace | Upgradedhome.com
- The Dangers of Federal Pacific Panels – The Craftsman Blog
Conclusion:
If you have one of these panels in your home or business, you need to start planning to have it replaced as soon as you can. Please give us a call or the licensed electrical contractor of your choice and get the ball rolling. I cannot stress how dangerous these panels are.