Upgrading a 1985 FPE Panel: A Case Study in Comprehensive Electrical Safety

The exterior of the home where the electrical panel upgrade took place.

At Safe & Sound Electric, we’re more than just electricians – we’re a family-owned business committed to passing down our passion for electrical safety to the next generation. We believe that every home deserves a safe and reliable electrical system, and we’re dedicated to providing top-notch service that goes above and beyond.

Recently, we had the privilege of helping a family upgrade their outdated and potentially hazardous 1985 FPE panel. This project showcased our commitment to comprehensive electrical safety and our dedication to educating future electricians within our own family.

The Challenge:

The home’s original FPE panel, notorious for safety concerns due to potential breaker malfunctions, posed a significant risk. Our team recognized the urgency of replacing it with a modern, reliable system.

The old FPE panel, identified by the 1985 inspection card, posed a safety risk to the homeownersThe old FPE panel, identified by the 1985 inspection card, posed a safety risk to the homeowners

The Solution:

• Panel Upgrade: We replaced the outdated FPE panel with a state-of-the-art Square D Homeline panel, ensuring enhanced safety and efficiency.

A close-up of the new Square D Homeline panel, showcasing its organized wiring and modern breakers

• Grounding and Bonding: We installed a new supplementary grounding electrode, rebonded the water line with #4 copper wire, and added an intersystem bonding jumper terminal, creating a robust grounding system for optimal protection.

A side-by-side comparison highlighting the dramatic transformation from the outdated FPE panel to the modern Square D Homeline panel.

• Meticulous Wiring: During the panel replacement, we identified and corrected improper wire terminations, further enhancing the safety and reliability of the electrical system.

An example of the improper wire termination that was discovered and corrected during the panel upgrade

The Safe & Sound Difference:

• Family-Focused: As a family business, we involve our younger generation in projects whenever possible, teaching them valuable skills and instilling the importance of electrical safety.

Chadwick the electrician from Safe & Sound Electric prepares the ground for the new grounding electrode accompanied by two of his children.

• Comprehensive Approach: We don’t just fix problems – we provide complete electrical solutions that address all potential hazards and ensure your home is safe and sound.
• Expertise & Experience: Our team of licensed electricians has the knowledge and experience to handle any electrical project, big or small.

Don’t wait for an electrical emergency to strike. Contact Safe & Sound Electric today for a free consultation and let our family protect yours.

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https://safesoundelectric.com/portfolio/1985-fpe-panel-upgrade/

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Safe and Sound Electric recently completed a critical electrical panel upgrade in the Hansville area. The centerpiece of this project was the replacement of an outdated, 30+-year-old CC2200 main breaker with a modern CCV2200 breaker. We also performed a complete overhaul of the panel, replacing all branch circuit breakers.

Why the Upgrade?

• Safety First: Aging electrical components can become a fire hazard. The original panel and breakers were well past their expected lifespan, increasing the risk of electrical issues.
• Code Compliance: Modern electrical codes have evolved significantly over the past three decades. This home electrical upgrade ensures the system is up-to-date and meets all current safety standards.
• Improved Reliability: Outdated breakers can trip unnecessarily, causing disruptions to power. The new breakers provide reliable performance and peace of mind for the homeowner.

Project Highlights:

• Main Breaker Replacement: The outdated CC2200 main breaker was replaced with a CCV2200. This modern breaker offers 10,000A rms symmetrical interrupting capacity, ensuring compatibility and proper electrical protection for the home.
• Branch Circuit Breaker Replacement: All old breakers were replaced with modern, code-compliant units, further enhancing the safety and reliability of the electrical system.
• Inspection and Approval: The upgraded panel was thoroughly inspected and approved, guaranteeing the work meets all safety requirements.

Client Benefits:

• Enhanced Safety: The panel replacement and breaker upgrade significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires and accidents.
• Code Compliance: The homeowner now has peace of mind knowing their electrical system is up-to-date and adheres to all current safety standards.
• Improved Reliability: The new breakers ensure consistent power and reduce the risk of unexpected outages.
• Increased Home Value: An updated electrical system is a major selling point for any home.

About the CCV2200 Breaker

The CCV2200 is a 120/240V, two-pole tenant main circuit breaker designed for residential applications. It features:

• Ratings: Up to 200 continuous amperes, calibrated at 40°C
• Tripping Characteristics: Thermal-magnetic trip for reliable protection
• Interrupting Capacity: 10,000A rms symmetrical
• Handles: Trip-free with “ON-TRIPPED-OFF” positions for easy operation
• Terminals: Standard lugs suitable for both copper (CU) and aluminum (AL) wire
• Standards: Complies with UL Standard 489
• Backward Compatibility: Retains the same profile and footprint as older CC breakers for easy replacement

Additional Considerations for Homeowners

• Signs of an Outdated Panel: Flickering lights, frequently tripped breakers, or a burning smell near the panel may indicate the need for an upgrade.
• Benefits of Upgrading: Besides safety and code compliance, an upgraded panel can also support additional appliances and circuits if you’re planning home renovations or expansions.
• Choosing the Right Electrician: It’s essential to hire a licensed and experienced electrician like Safe and Sound Electric to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.

Safe and Sound Electric is committed to delivering top-quality electrical services that prioritize safety and customer satisfaction. We specialize in panel upgrades and breaker replacements to give you peace of mind. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can improve the safety and reliability of your home’s electrical system!

Here is the New Product, Old Product New product, Old Product cross reference guide to help you replace any CC main tenant breaker you come across:

CCV Catalog NumberCC Catalog NumberCCV Catalog NumberCC Catalog NumberCCV2100CC2100CCVH2100CCH2100CCV2100WCC2100WCCVH2100WCCH2100WCCV2100XCC2100XCCVH2100XCCH2100XCCV2100YCC2100YCCVH2100YCCH2100YCCV2125CC2125CCVH2125CCH2125CCV2125WCC2125WCCVH2125WCCH2125WCCV2125XCC2125XCCVH2125XCCH2125XCCV2125YCC2125YCCVH2125YCCH2125YCCV2150CC2150CCVH2150CCH2150CCV2150WCC2150WCCVH2150WCCH2150WCCV2150XCC2150XCCVH2150XCCH2150XCCV2150YCC2150YCCVH2150YCCH2150YCCV2175CC2175CCVH2175CCH2175CCV2175WCC2175WCCVH2175WCCH2175WCCV2175XCC2175XCCVH2175XCCH2175XCCV2175YCC2175YCCVH2175YCCH2175YCCV2200CC2200CCVH2200CCH2200CCV2200WCC2200WCCVH2200WCCH2200WCCV2200XCC2200XCCVH2200XCCH2200XCCV2200YCC2200YCCVH2200YCCH2200YCCV2225CC2225CCVH2225CCH2225CCV2225WCC2225WCCVH2225WCCH2225WCCV2225XCC2225XCCVH2225XCCH2225XCCV2225YCC2225YCCVH2225YCCH2225Y

https://safesoundelectric.com/portfolio/hansville-panel-upgrade/

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