Recently, Schneider Electric recalled more than 1.4 million electrical panels in the United States. And this isn’t the first time that electrical panels have been recalled either. But what does this mean for you? If you live in an older home or your home was built between 2020 and 2022, it could be part of the recall. You’ll want to be sure your home is safe, so you should schedule an electrical inspection as soon as possible.
Our team at Integrity Home Solutions explains the recall and what you should do if you have a recalled electrical panel installed in your home.
Overview:
- A voluntary recall of specific Schneider Electric electrical panels was put in place in mid-2022.
- These panels pose a fire risk.
- Older homes often have old or outdated electrical panels installed that should be replaced ASAP.
- If you have these panels in your home or business you are eligible for a free replacement, though they should be installed by a licensed electrician like ours at Integrity Home Solutions.
What are Electrical Panels?
Electrical panels, also called breakers or fuse boxes, are used to distribute power to your home’s appliances, lighting, and power receptacles. Panels consist of an array of circuit breakers that are tied into a single enclosure for easy access. They also provide a safe and convenient way to shut off power to individual circuits in case of an emergency or power surge.
Voluntary Recall of Certain Electrical Panels: 2022
Earlier this year, certain models of electrical panels were recalled voluntarily by their manufacturer, Schneider Electric, due to a potential fire hazard. The recall affects both residential and commercial buildings. If you think that you have an affected panel in your home or business, you should contact Integrity Home Solutions to arrange for an inspection and replacement.
- The panels were manufactured at a specific plant between February 1st, 2020, and January 12th, 2022.
- Data Codes between 200561 and 220233 are included though not all panels in this line are affected. (These codes can be found inside the panel door).
- Breaker boxes with covers that were manufactured between December 2019 and March 2022 are also recalled.
The issue that caused the recall was due to a loose neutral screw connection that could cause the load center to overheat, posting several kinds of fire hazards.
Schneider Electric outlined how to read the codes:
- For installed outdoor load centers, the manufacturing date codes are printed inside the cover or door of the unit, or on the box itself when the door is open.
- For an installed indoor load center, these codes are not visible to the homeowner, so it is important to call a licensed electrician for an inspection.
Other Electrical Panel Recalls
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission claims that over 50 different types of electrical panels have been recalled because they present a significant fire risk to homeowners. To reduce the risk of a fire, if you have one of these panels in your home, you should replace it right away.
Some of these electrical panels include those that are found in older homes including:
- Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panels
- Zinsco panels, also known as GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panels
- Challenger panels built by the Challenger Electrical Equipment Corp or Eaton/Cutler-Hammer
- Pushmatic
Old and outdated electrical panels are usually found when you have your home inspected during the buying process, but inspectors might miss them. If you are unsure of the kind of electrical panel that you have in your home, call Integrity Home Solutions!
What are the Consequences of an Electrical Panel Recall?
Contact the manufacturer to arrange for a free replacement if you have an affected panel in your home or place of business. Failure to do so might cause a fire or cause someone to get hurt.
Once you have the replacement panel, do not try to install it on your own. Call our highly-rated electricians at Integrity Home Solutions to install your panel and ensure its safety.
Recalled Electrical Panels & Homeowners Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance providers are beginning to terminate policies for residences using obsolete and recalled electrical panels as a result of their awareness of the risks posed by these systems.
The panel needs to be replaced for safety reasons, but it might also prevent you from having your homeowner’s insurance suddenly canceled!
Next Steps
There is a possibility that you have Schneider Electric panels installed if your house or place of business was built after February 2020. To ensure the safety of your family, it’s also crucial to find out what kind of panels your house has, especially if it’s new or older.
Protect Your Home
If you are not sure what kind of electrical panels are installed in your home, call on our team! Our electricians at Integrity Home Solutions help you identify if you have recalled panels and if you are eligible for a free replacement from the manufacturer.
Safety is our number one priority, so don’t wait, schedule an electrical inspection with us today; 813-473-6007!
