Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Circuit Breaker Panels Notice
From the 1950s through the 1980s, Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) circuit breaker panels were installed in countless homes across the country. However, these panels are now identified as a significant safety hazard by modern standards. Over time these panels often fail to function correctly, especially during power surges. Many breakers in the panels don’t trip when they should, which can lead to electrical fires.
If your home is still running one of these panels, you should consider replacing it as soon as possible.
If your home was built between the 1950s and 1980s, there’s a chance it might have an FPE panel. Here are a few ways to tell:
Look for the brand name: The circuit breaker panel will have a label with the manufacturer’s name. If it says, “Federal Pacific Electric” or “FPE,” you likely have an outdated panel.
Consult your home’s inspection report: If you have access to your home’s original inspection report, it might mention the type of breaker panel installed.
Contact a qualified electrician: A certified electrician can definitively identify your panel type and assess its functionality.
There are several important reasons for replacing outdated FPE panels in addition to the safety concerns. Some insurance companies hesitate to provide coverage for homes with outdated electrical components, including FPE panels. Upgrading your panel can ensure you maintain comprehensive insurance and will certainly add to its value when or if the home is being sold in the future.
Historic Homes for Today's Living
The Washington DC area is known for its great neighborhoods, full of houses with charm and character. Unfortunately, many of these houses are equipped with undersized electrical systems from decades ago. As a result, we occasionally encounter cloth-wrapped service cables and wiring, which become frayed, brittle, and potentially hazardous.
OLD ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS CAN BE UNSAFE
These 100 amp systems originally installed weren’t built to handle the electrical needs of today’s homeowners. Central air conditioning, modern appliances, and always-on computers can overload a weak system at the circuit panel and cause catastrophic results. Most older panels do not have a main breaker, so a short circuit doesn’t just turn off the electricity; it can result in a major electrical fire.
UPGRADE YOUR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM’S CAPACITY
A heavy-up replaces your old service panel with one of larger capacity. It requires a permit, and a licensed, highly experienced electrician must perform this task. Next, a county official inspects and approves the work, followed by Pepco or another utility company making the final connection at the line side of the meter. The result is stable power, better grounding, space for additional circuits, and the main breaker shut-off for emergencies.
CONTACT US about your service panel needs.
"We have worked with Wilcox for a number of projects and had their help on a heavy up. They were wonderful in coordinating with PEPCO and following up with them to make sure they followed through when PEPCO repeatedly dropped the ball. They also rescued us when PEPCO left the job without removing old hanging wires that looked like a potential safety hazard. They had someone out to help us within an hour of my call even when it wasn't on the schedule. Wilcox is the only electrician we'll use at this point."
LF, Angi
Work Completed: Heavy up
Rated Best Electrician in Washington DC
