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Federal Pacific Circuit BreakersI have lived most of my life in homes with Federal Pacific Circuit Breakers and can tell you I never had one single problem with them. I can also tell you many circuit breakers by Federal Pacific Circuit Breakers and other companies considered to be quality companies have been recalled due to manufacturing and other defects. I have yet to meet an electrical contractor or home inspector who would tell you Federal Pacific Circuit Breakers are the safest on the market. I have met many who will tell you Federal Pacific Circuit Breakers are unsafe. Since replacement of Federal Pacific Circuit Breakers is not that costly (usually under $2,000) and there is some doubt as to how safe they are every electrical contractor I have met and every home inspector indicates they would replace them if they were buying or living in the home. Rather than take any chances it is in everyones best interest for you to replace the Federal Pacific Circuit Breakers with newer circuit breakers that meet modern standards as soon as you can. Federal Pacific Circuit Breakers and Circuit Breaker panels were mostly manufactured in the late 50's and early 60's. Most of the Federal Pacific Circuit Breakers are about 50 years old. The standards circuit breakers and circuit breaker panels have been required to meet have changed many times in those 50 years. Just about every company who makes circuit breakers has had recalls at one time or another. It is not possible for me to tell you what brand is the best, however I can tell you I have never met an electrical contractor who would pick Federal Pacific. Electrical contractors who convice home owners to change panels stand to gain $2,000 or so if the panel is changed, therefore they may not be the best source of information. Additional information may be found on the Consumer Product Safety Commission's web site: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml83/83008.html.
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