There are problems with Federal Pacific Electric "Stab-Lok" panels.

Most homeowners don't think about a breaker panel.It is assumed that it is doing its job and keeping them safe.There are many popular brands that have been recalled and could pose a serious threat to the safety of your home and family.

An electrical panel or breaker splits the electrical feed into separate circuits.The same enclosure provides protection for each circuit.

It's where you'll find breaker switches for different appliances.A lever can be used to turn on a circuit breaker.In case of an emergency, each breaker is labeled so you know which to look for.The electrical power of the house is controlled by a main circuit.The electrical panels are usually installed in the utility rooms.

The circuit breakers are used for safety.They will trip in the event of an overload.Each breaker can only handle a certain amount of current, and it shuts the flow to prevent overheating which can lead to fire.

A single circuit breaker has a limit.It's used for lights, television, and smaller devices.The larger the appliance, the more volts it needs so separate breakers are allocated for each of them.

The levers can be used to reset the panels.The damaged fuse needs to be replaced in homes that still have it.

breakers are designed to keep you safe, but they are not.Accidents can be prevented with maintenance.The panel should always be covered.Dust and small animals can enter and cause damage.

You can schedule an inspection with a licensed electrician.This should be done at least once a year.A licensed electrician can make necessary repairs.

There have been reports of accidents and deaths with some brands of electric panels.If your home still uses any of these brands, you should call a qualified electrician.

Many homes were built in the 70s.A design flaw made this brand obsolete.According to an accident report published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an electrical contractor sustained second and third degree burns while working on a Zinsco electric panel.Thousands of fires have been linked to this brand in the past 20 years.

It would be more economical to just replace the entire panel.You can see the brightly-colored breakers on the electrical panel.Their breakers are thinner than modern ones.

There is a chance that your home was built before 1990 and has a Federal Pacific electric panel with Stab-Lok breakers.1 out of 4 Stab-Lok breakers couldn't trip after reports of electrical fires in the 1980s.They couldn't prevent overloading.According to a paper published in 2012 there may be 2,800 fires and 13 deaths.

To find a Federal Pacific electrical panel, look for the Stab-Lok label around the breaker.There are red strips across the Federal Pacific circuit breakers.

The GTE Corporation launched an electric panel design in 1973.The Challenger panel was installed in thousands of homes.It brought safety issues and was recalled.Some Challenger breakers have a GTE-Sylvania label instead of their brand name.

It is a good idea to bring in an experienced electrician to verify your knowledge of the panel brand.Shutting off the power supply while waiting will prevent any untoward incident.

It is unlikely that you will pass the home inspection if your home has Zinsco, FPE, or Challenger panel board.There is no excuse for using these brands, they have been recalled many times.It would be difficult to get insurance with any of these panels because they pose extreme safety risks.

If you want to upgrade the entire electrical system, you need to call a professional technician.

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