YANNI ELECTRIC
22433 E. Weaver Dr
Aurora, CO 80016
cell: 303-908-6195 | yanni@yannielectric.com
FPE and Zinsco electrical breakers
Federal Pacific Electric "Stab-Lok" service panels and breakers are a latent hazard and can fail, leading to electrical fires. The problem is that some double-pole (240-Volt) FPE circuit breakers and possibly also some single-pole units simply may not work. We also have reports that independent of the breaker problems, there have been panel and panel-bus fires and arcing failures in some equipment. The failure rates for these circuit breakers were significant and are documented in the CPSC study.
FPE is not the only problem. Other manufacturers such as the Zinsco brand are also prone to failure.
During a typical year, home electrical problems account for 67,800 fires, 485 deaths, and $868 million in property losses. Home electrical wiring causes twice as many fires as electrical appliances. - United States Fire Administration.
Some electrical systems are more dangerous than others depending on age, type of components and overall system maintenance. All electrical systems should be checked regularly to find small problems before they become larger problems or even fail resulting in fire.
It is recommended that routine maintenance be performed on electrical equipment to help reduce the possibility of equipment failure
SIGNS OF TROUBLE
- Flickering lights
- Smell of burning electrical devices such as plastic receptacles, receptacle covers, circuit breakers, or electrical wiring
- If you have noticed any of the trouble signs, have a qualified electrician determine the cause of the problem. DO NOT TRY TO DO IT YOURSELF. You could be electrocuted or you could make the electrical equipment more unsafe by disturbing it.
Call 303-908-6195 to schedule for an inspection or repair at your home for Zinsco or FPE panels.