The electrical panel is a box that contains all the circuits for your home. It is important for the safety of your home and should be checked regularly.
However, several well-known brands recalled electrical panels because they were safety hazards and dangerous to the integrity of the electrical circuits and the well-being of the inhabitants.
It is generally a good idea to check the electrical panel in your home, especially if you are moving to a new house. If the house was built before 1990, there is a chance that the panel is outdated and should be replaced. This can help avoid any potential risks. Recalled electrical panels are a potential fire hazard in the home.
Recalled Electrical Panels to Avoid
Some electrical panels have been removed from the market because they have been linked to accidents and even deaths. If you have any of the following brands, you should replace them immediately and only let a qualified electrician do so.
Challenger
The Challenger panels were installed in people’s homes for ten years, from the 1980s to the 1990s. However, they were recalled because they were not safe. If you are trying to identify a Challenger breaker, you should know that some of them might be labeled as GTE-Sylvania, just like the Zinsco panels.
Federal Pacific
Federal Pacific electric panels were recalled after it was discovered that the Stab-Lok breakers used in them were faulty and could cause fires. Around 25 percent of the breakers did not trip, which meant they could not prevent overheating or other electrical errors. Federal Pacific electrical panels can be identified by certain marks, such as red strips across the breakers or FPE and Stab-Lok labels.
Zinsco
One of the many hazards associated with Zinsco electrical panels is their design flaw leading to fire hazards and electrical shocks. One electrician suffered from severe burns because of this flaw.
Zinsco electrical panels can be identified by their thinner, colorful breakers. They usually have the logo inscribed, and you should look for either Zinsco or Sylvania. If you have any of these, you ought to replace them as soon as possible.
The Dangers of Recalled Electrical Panels
Electrical panels are designed with safety in mind to prevent overheating or fires. They do this by not allowing too much power in one area of the electrical circuit. However, the panels that were recalled had various issues that prevented them from working correctly. If you delay replacing these brands, you face the following risks:
- Electrocution – An outdated electrical panel harms your family’s safety. If the panel is not replaced, it could lead to electrocution, which could be fatal.
- Fire – An outdated electrical panel is a fire hazard. If the panel is not replaced, it could lead to a fire that could damage your home and injure your family.
- Home Insurance Cancellation – An outdated electrical panel is also dangerous to your home insurance policy. If the panel is not replaced, your home insurance company could cancel your policy, leaving you without coverage in the event of a fire or other disaster.
- Power Outages – An outdated electrical panel is also a danger to your home’s power supply. If the panel is not replaced, it could lead to power outages that could last for days or even weeks.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you have a recalled electric panel in your home, it’s crucial to replace it as soon as possible. This is because recalled electric panels can pose a serious fire hazard.
You can replace your recalled electric panel in a few different ways. You can either do it yourself or hire a professional. If you do it yourself, make sure to follow the instructions carefully. If you hire a professional, make sure to hire a licensed electrician.
Do you need electrical subpanels? Rely on PowerMaster Electric. We have been supplying Raleigh and the surrounding area with the best electrical contractors who are highly skilled and experienced. Call us today!