Breaker boxes or commonly called electrical panels are the modern day replacements for fuses boxes. Breakers are the electrical devices that go into a panel or breaker box. Breakers can easily be reset by flipping there switch versus having to unscrew and completely replace a fuse. A circuit breaker can automatically open or trip upon an overload or a short circuit protecting the circuit and the appliances plugged into the circuit from possible damage. For larger equipment such as those used in commercial or industrial applications switchgear is commonly used to protect and control equipment.
Dangerous Breakers
There is a lot of brands of breaker boxes or electrical panels on the market with some better than others. Most breakers boxes on the market have been proven to be reliable and operate correctly and safely. Brands such as Seimens, Square D, and Cutler-Hammer offer superior products and can provide the best protection possible with installed correctly.
Most brands that we currently know have safety and fire hazards have been pulled off the market. However a lot of these brands that have been pulled off the market are in thousands and in some cases hundreds of thousands of homes across the nation. One of the worst brands of electrical panels we see in the Des Moines market is Federal Pacific brand breaker boxes. Federal Pacific panels were most commonly uses from 1960’s to the 1980’s. These panels have circuit breakers that simply do not trip or open the circuit properly to provide the necessary protection. Federal Pacific panels have been linked to countless fires and have even resulted in death. If you have a Federal Pacific breaker box in your home we highly recommend it be replaced by a licensed electrician as soon as possible.
Why You Should Replace Zinsco Breakers
Another brand we advise immediate replacement on is Zinsco panels. Certain types of Zinsco panels have been linked to several fires due to the failure of the breaker to trip, which can cause an overcurrent that melts the breaker, fusing it to the bus bar. This creates the conditions for an electrical fire. Zinsco panels have also been known to cause electrocutions and have been off the market for many decades. If you own a Zinsco panel we recommend it be replaced by an licensed electrician.
Call a licensed electrician today to get a quote on changing out your high risk electrical panel today at 515-669-3418 or click here.
Service
Custom Electrical Services provides residential and commercial electrician's services for the Des Moines area. We do new installations and wiring, service & repair calls as well as 24/7 emergency service.