Electric Panel Safety

Each day we use televisions, computers, lights and appliances without even thinking about how they are powered. Most of these items are powered by electricity, and we take for granted how the electricity is distributed from the utility company to our outlets.

The first stop is our home (or business) electrical service panel, or breaker panel. This panel serves as the heart for all our electrical needs. A high-voltage main feeds individual circuits and breakers which are responsible for shutting off if a short circuit or overload exists. Many times we feel inconvenienced by the tripping of a circuit breaker (think Christmas lights and electric heaters!), but if these breakers fail to trip in an overload circumstance the result could be fire or electrocution, possibly resulting in death to family and loved ones.

Of course, the breakers themselves can suffer wear-and-tear over the years. Older Zinsco breakers have been identified by experts as not meeting up to today's safety codes. In fact, it has been estimated that as many as 25% of all Zinsco breakers may fail to trip in the event of an overload or short-circuit. In some cases, they may appear to be in the "off" position, yet still conduct electricity! This can be a danger to not only your family, but even an Electrician working on a separate electrical problem. Certain Zinsco breaker panels suffer corrosion and have aluminum (rather than copper) components. In some cases the breakers themselves have even melted, failing to trip, and allowing an unsafe amount of electricity into the home!

Another manufacturer of circuit breaker panels was the Federal Pacific Electric Company (FPE). These panels were used literally in millions of homes across America from 1950 through 1980. A New Jersey State Court issued a ruling against FPE, claiming they "knowingly and purposefully distributed circuit breakers which were not tested to meet UL standards." Experts have said that although FPE breakers may appear to work fine for years, it just takes one overcurrent or power surge to cause an overheat and become a fire hazard. According to one report, some FPE panels suffered greater than a 60% failure rate during a power surge. This is a danger that does not discriminate between adults or children using electrical devices. As well, the potential for fire in the home and loss of life is greatly increased.

Considering the hazards of outdated circuit panels and breakers, it's important to have your electrical panel inspected regularly. If you suspect you have a faulty panel or breaker, it's even more important to have it replaced by a qualified electrician immediately. Worn panels and breakers can pose a threat to your family's safety, as well as costing thousands and more in fire and related damages to equipment.