FPE Panels

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 Electrical panels literally fade into the wallpaper in many   homes. They are rarely noticed until there is an electrical problem,  such as a  tripped breaker, or when an inspector or electrician needs  to visit the home. An  electrical panel is basically the point where  all of the wiring for homes or  businesses comes together at one single  point. This allows for the electricity coming  from the outside to be  discontinued, via breakers, to one room or the entire  dwelling. Also,  the electrical panel holds the breakers that will ‘trip’ in the  case of  an overload, automatically cutting off the areas that caused the   overload. An example of this is like not being able to use your  microwave and  hair dryer at the same time, because they will cause a  breaker to trip. This  means that somewhere in the electrical lines  there is a problem. The breaker  tripping is in effect an effort to stop  an overload of electricity, and possible  fire.

Panels they produced  were installed in homes and businesses  all over the States, and no one knew the  sleeping dragon they had  introduced into their home or place of business. Even  electricians did  not understand the full dangers of the FPE panels until  problems  started cropping up in spectacularly dangerous ways. Malfunctions in   FPE breakers were extremely common, and lucky home owners would catch  this  problem just as it was occurring at the panel.

Many rumors laced with a large grain of truth started to   circulate in the inspecting and electrician community. Some inspectors  were  told not to touch an FPE panel because they were notorious for  arcing, causing  electrocution that many were lucky enough to walk away  from. On the downside,  the arcing also caused painful injuries, and  even death, as well. The panels  would smoke, and in some cases, catch  fire. This was another deadly,  frightening aspect. Home owners would go  to sleep, blissfully unaware that they  may or may not wake up with  their home burning down around their ears. For home  owners aware of the  dangers, but not quite willing to believe them fully, these  panels  often became no touch zones, better for their electrician to tinker   with. A point of fact is that it is always safer to allow an electrician  to  work on a panel box of any brand or type.

FPE dangers still exist for the homes they remain installed   in. An FPE panel may work well for years with no complications  whatsoever, but  when they malfunction, the results can be terrifying.  Unchecked, with FPE  breakers not doing their job, a massive surge of  electricity could infiltrate a  home, until electrical wires short or  melt, generally in the walls or at the  panel. What is the response time  for your fire department?

As stated before, while many FPE Panels continue to work  with  no problem for years, it may be a good idea to talk with an electrician   about possibly changing this panel out to one that is safer, or about   inspecting its current safety. It is never wrong to overestimate the  safety of  loved ones and possessions where electricity is a concern.  The dangers  associated with the panels are not an event isolated to one  or two cases.  Replacing an FPE Panel or having it thoroughly inspected  should be a real  priority on your list. Get an opinion on yours from a  professional, licensed  electrician and listen to what he or she has to  say. Do not underestimate the  dangers of these panels. It may just  save your home, your possessions, and your  life.

The danger is real. If you have one of these panels in your  home you need to   put the safety of your family first and have it  replaced. They are a known fire   hazard.  They work just fine-right up  to the point where they burn your house   down. We are not trying to  scare you, you just need to know the facts.Don't take our word for it, visit the link below and see for yourself.

http://www.inspect-ny.com/fpe/fpepanel.htmIf you would like more information about your FPE electrical  panel call and speak with   our master electrician or call  to schedule  an appointment to see about replacing your   FPE panel.

Call Nick Electric

nickelectric@charter.net