Electrical panels installed in your house provide the primary distribution point for the electrical flow to your appliances and outlets. However, some residential and commercial models of electrical panels have been recently recalled, and some of them could put your home or business in danger of a fire.

Our team at Best Home Services explains which electrical panels are recalled and what you should do if you have one of these panels in your home.

Overview:

A voluntary recall of over 1.4 million Schneider Electric electrical panels was put in place in mid-2022. 
Some old houses have outdated or recalled electrical panels installed that need to be replaced.
These panels pose a significant fire risk for your home or business.
If you have these panels in your home or business you are eligible for a free replacement from the manufacturer, and should be installed by a licensed electrician like ours at Best Home Services.

What Are Electrical Panels?

What are electrical panels? And why are they so important? Electrical panels are responsible for distributing electricity throughout your home. They’re usually located in the basement or garage, and they contain circuit breakers that protect your home from power surges.

Voluntary Recall of Electrical Panels: 2022

Schneider Electric, a manufacturer of electrical equipment, has issued a product safety bulletin for a voluntary recall of their electrical panels.

These panels, which were produced at a specific factory between February 1, 2020, and January 12, 2022, have a particular panel type.
Data Codes range from 200561 to 220233 (You can find code numbers in the panels’ doors). Though take note, that not all products in this line are included.
Circuit breaker boxes with covers manufactured between December 1, 2019, and March 2, 2022, will also be included.

The affected panels could potentially cause overheating due to loose connections, with the potential of causing thermal burns and fires.

If you think that you have an affected panel in your home or business, you should call Best Home Services to arrange for an inspection and free replacement from the manufacturer.

Other Electrical Panel Recalls

Be warned, this isn’t the first time that electrical panels have been recalled. Some electrical panels that are often found in older homes are considered out of date and should be replaced ASAP:

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panels
Zinsco panels, also known as GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panels
Challenger panels that were manufactured by the Challenger Electrical Equipment Corp or Eaton/Cutler-Hammer
Pushmatic

Will You Be Affected?

If your home or community installed electrical panel equipment on or after February 2020, you may have this equipment installed. You should call our electricians at Best Home Services for an inspection if you are unsure.

Further, if you own an older home, there’s a good chance that your electrical panel is out of date. Many homes built before the mid-1980s have electrical panels that are now considered recalled. That means it’s time to replace them as soon as possible.

Old electrical panels may not be able to handle the demand of today’s appliances and electronics. That’s why it’s so important to get them replaced by a qualified electrician. Not only will this improve the safety of your home, but it will also help you avoid costly repairs down the road.

What Will Happen with My Homeowners Insurance?

Not only is it important to replace the panel for safety reasons, but it could also protect you from being dropped by your homeowner’s insurance! Many insurance companies are increasingly aware of the dangers posed by these recalled electrical panels, and some are even starting to cancel policies for homes with them.

Next Steps for Homeowners

If you’re not sure what type of electrical panel you have in your home, please contact a licensed electrician to come and take a look. They’ll be able to tell you if your panel needs to be replaced and can help you choose the right replacement panel for your home.

Electrical Panel Safety Tips

Never remove your panel on your own, leave that to the professionals at Best Home Services. It is important to look out for signs that yours may need to be replaced including:

Rust
Corrosion
Evidence of melting
Pest damage
Poor panel access
Nearby water or condensation

Any of these signs could indicate that you should call in a professional electrician for an inspection or a replacement.

The same is true if you hear crackling or popping noises coming from the panel. Also, if you feel a charge or tingle when you touch the electrical panel, back away and call in a Best Home Services electrician.

Don’t Wait, Call Best Home Services Today

If you aren’t sure if your home or business’s electrical panels are included in this recall, contact our team of licensed electricians at Best Home Services. We will inspect your panel to ensure that it is safe, and we can replace it if it falls under the recall.

Don’t wait. Your home’s safety is at stake. Schedule an electrical inspection with our 5-star rated electricians at Best Home Services today; 844-921-2833!