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Square D Panel Recall: What the 2022 Schneider Electric Notice Covers
This is the one recall on our electrical panel recall list that could plausibly involve a panel installed in your home in the last few years. Every other entry concerns equipment from the 1950s through the 1980s. The recalled Square D panels were sold as recently as January 2022, including at Home Depot and Lowe’s. […]
Wadsworth Electrical Panels: Obsolete, Not Recalled, and Worth a Look
Wadsworth is the quietest name on our electrical panel recall list. There’s been no CPSC recall for Wadsworth electrical panels. The concerns are primarily the panel’s age, condition, and availability of replacement parts. That is the important distinction, and it is worth stating plainly, because homeowners who search this brand usually find either nothing at […]
Challenger Electrical Panels: The 1988 Breaker Recall and What Came After
If you have a Challenger electrical panel, the key question is not whether the brand is “bad,” but whether your specific equipment was recalled or has other signs of trouble. What Was Recalled In 1988, Type HAGF-15 and HAGF-20 ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breakers manufactured between February 22 and April 29 of that year […]
Pushmatic Panels: What Homeowners Should Know About These Push-Button Breakers
Pushmatic panels are easy to identify and easy to misjudge. If you open your panel door and find rows of rectangular push buttons where you expected toggle switches, you may be looking at a Pushmatic panel. They’re solidly built and generally well regarded by the electricians that work with them, but just like any piece […]
Unpermitted Electrical Work in Washington: Risks, Home Sales & Insurance
Quick answer: Unpermitted electrical work in Washington must generally be disclosed when selling, can lower appraised value, and may void an insurance claim if it caused a loss. The fix is a retroactive permit and inspection through L&I, not concealment. Unpermitted electrical work in Washington can follow a house for decades and surface at the […]
How to Prepare for a Power Outage in Washington Before Storm Season
Quick answer: To prepare for a power outage in Washington, assemble a supply kit before storm season, secure a backup power source, install whole-home surge protection, and stay at least 35 feet from any downed line. Never run a portable generator indoors or in a garage. To prepare for a power outage in Washington, the […]
6 Most Common Electrical Hazards in Homes
Let’s look at some of the most common electrical hazards in homes so you know what to check for and when to call in professional help. Failing Circuit Breakers Being able to recognize the signs of a failing circuit breaker can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your home (especially given that […]
Is Aluminum Electrical Wiring Dangerous?
Solid aluminum electrical wiring was the go-to option from the 1960s to the 1970s because it was cheaper and had good electrical conductivity. Unfortunately, it can come with some risks if it’s not properly installed, maintained, and updated as needed. Common Problems with Aluminum Electrical Wiring Warning Signs to Watch For Should You Replace Aluminum […]
Common Causes of Electrical Power Surges
Electrical power surges are sudden – practically imperceptible in their speed – and the damage they leave behind can be devastatingly expensive if your home is unprotected. Common Causes of Electrical Power Surges These surges are caused by both internal and external factors. The most common include: How to Protect Your Home from Electrical Power […]
What Causes Electrical Short Circuits?
Electricity will always take the path of least resistance rather than follow the intended circuit. The result is electrical short circuits, one of the most common – and potentially dangerous – problems in a home’s electrical system. It’s important to understand short circuits and what causes them if you want to protect your home. Common […]
