Challenger Electric: electrical panel bus overheats, circuit breaker failures, field reports.

This article includes photographs of overheated Challenger Electric electrical panel components and cites a historical connection between Challenger Electric Company and Federal Pacific Electric. However the specific panel bus and breaker designs are different among those brands.

Challenger Electrical Panel Bus Overheating Field Failure Report

These questions & answers about the safety of Challenger brand electrical panels were posted originally at CHALLENGER ELECTRIC PANELS - be sure to read that material.

On 2020-09-24 by Richard - has this electrical panel been recalled?

Has the SB20(30-40)CN 200amp panel been recalled? Is it one of the faulty panels Challenger made? Do I need to replace it?

Has this panel been recalled? Is it one of the faulty panels Challenger made? Do I need to replace it?

Thanks,
Richard

On 2020-09-24 by moderator

No, Richard;

There are a number of electrical (and other) products that are known to be unsafe for which a recall was never issued. It would be an error to assume that everything unsafe is subject to a recall, particularly currently.

The best data and advice we have is at the link I gave below for Duane and at the CONTINUE READING links .

On 2020-06-20 by Duane - is my Challenger panel with SL-12 breakers safe?

I have a Challenger breaker panel with SL-12 breakers. Is it or are they safe?

On 2020-06-20 - by (mod) -

No.

Please see
CHALLENGER ELECTRIC PANELS

On 2020-05-04 by Michelle - who pays for Challenger electrical panel replacement?

Hello- I may have missed if this question was asked already, but my HOA is requiring us to replace our Challenger electrical panel.

If this is a recall, shouldn't challenger pay for the replacement? Have they offered to do this? I have been researching but haven't come across anything. Thank you.

On 2020-05-05 - by (mod) -

Sorry to be the bearer of bad Tidings but you're not going to find recourse from the manufacturer. It's unfortunate but you can't assume that there is a paid for recall for every failing or unsafe product.

On 2020-04-26 by Sunny - how do I turn off my Challenger electrical panel?

How to do turn off power supply to the circuit panel? Anyone know?

On 2020-04-26 - by (mod) -

Sunny

There are three levels of "turning off power to the circuit breaker panel"

1. Turn off the main breaker in the panel (if the panel doesn't have its own main breaker then there will be a separate main power switch, normally very close by) - this will turn off all power to individual breakers but

watch out: electrical power into the panel will still be live. Don't pull the cover or touch anything in the panel - you could be shocked or killed.

2. To drop power to the entire system including the main breaker a common step is for the electrician, or the electrical service company to simply pull the electric meter.

Again, don't do this yourself - you can be shocked or killed.

3. When work is required on the masthead or meter, the electric company an drop electrical power at the nearest utility pole or underground feeder

On 2020-02-04 by jon l - is there a recall on Challenger Power Master panel by Eaton Cutler Hammer?

Does this Challenger Power Master (EATON) have any potential recalls?

On 2020-02-04 - by (mod) -

Challenger Electric Co. PowerMaster electrical panel

There were no recalls, Jon.

Think of it this way, just because we have laws and standards that doesn't mean we have no crime nor no product defects.

On 2020-01-11 by Eddie - Are all Challenger breakers and boxes in question as to their safety and reliability?

Are all Challenger breakers and boxes in question as to their safety and reliability?

On 2020-01-11 - by (mod) -

yes, Eddie.

On 2020-02-0 by Rahul - how many Challenger panel slots will be taken by a 125A 208V breaker?

we have existing 150 Amp main lug panel where we need to add 125 A branch breaker in that existing panel.
So is it possible to add 125A breaker? and how many pole spaces that would take?
Existing panel is 1-ph 208V

On 2020-02-04 by (mod)

A 208VAC 125A breaker will occupy two adjacent slots in your panel

Watch out: your panel is unsafe; adding breakers won't correct that.

On 2020-01-22 by Anonymous - do most insurance companies require replacing Challenger electrical panels?

Do most homeowners insurance companies require replacement of the Challenger G2440ML electrical panels

On 2020-01-22 6 by (mod) -

Anon

I cannot say "most" or "not most" because the industry isn't sharing that data, but we certainly hear from readers whose insurance companies won't write a fire policy on a home with any of several "problem brand" panels such as
Challenger
FPE / FP / Federal Electric etc
Bulldog Pushmatic
Zinsco

On 2019-12-16 by Paul Fay - insurance company requiring replacement of Challenger panels - does Challenger help pay the cost?

I have a Challenger power master installed in 1996 when the house was built.I had one replaced and now the other is showing signs of arking. Is Challenger providing any help with replacing them?

Many Insurance companies are refusing to insure homes equipped with Challenger panels.

On 2019-12-16 by (mod) -

Paul

Unfortunately, as we can infer from the text in the article above in the section "History of Challenger Electrical Panels and Challenger-FPE-Stab-Lok Design circuit breaker products" there's not likely to be any legal "Challenger" entity to whom you could apply for financial relief.

On 2019-12-02 by Debra - can I sell my home with a Challenger panel with "no issues" ?

I bought my home in 1996. It was build in 1991 and all the community had the Challenger installed (150) houses. I am in the process of selling my home and the inspector wants me to replaced it since it is a Challenger Electrical Box.

I have never had any issues and just heard of this. How can I be sure my model or box has no issues? CAN I SELL MY HOME WITH A CHALLENGER ELECTRICAL BOX IF NO ISSUES?

On 2019-12-03 by (mod) -

Unfortunately you cannot claim your Challenger electrical panel is safe simply because you haven't personally seen "any issues".

That a failure hasn't occurred is also, unfortunately, absolutely no promise for the future. The good news is that the cost of an electrical panel is extremely small compared with the selling price of a home, perhaps just a fraction of a percent

On 2019-11-07 by Joette Hayward - looking for an interlock kit for Challenger DF panbel

Hi I am looking for a generator interlock kit for my challenger DF 604058 breaker panel from 1987. Which model would I get and where. Thank You Joette

On 2019-11-11 0 by (mod) -

Joette,

Sorry, but we cannot provide the generator interlock kit. We do not sell anything. No products, no services.

More important, please drag yourself back up to the top of this page and scan the article on Challenger Electrical Panels and you'll see that rather than adding a feature to your panel you ought to be replacing it.

Currently some insurance companies will not write a homeowners or fire insurance policy on homes served by a Challenger electrical panel. That ought to tell us something.

InspectAPedia.com provides building and environmental diagnostic and repair information.

In order to absolutely assure our readers that we write and report without bias we do not sell any products nor do we have any business or financial relationships that could create such conflicts of interest. InspectAPedia is an independent publisher of building, environmental, and forensic inspection, diagnosis, and repair information for the public - we have no business nor financial connection with any manufacturer or service provider discussed at our website.

We very much welcome critique, questions, or content suggestions for our web articles. Website content contributors, even if it's just a small correction, are cited, quoted, and linked-to from the appropriate additional web pages and articles - which benefits us both. Working together and exchanging information makes us better informed than any individual can be working alone.
A brief summary about InspectAPedia.com can be read at https://inspectapedia.com/About_Us.htm

On 2019-10-17 by anonymous - I worked for Cutler-Hammer/Eaton as a field engineer

By private email Anonymous said:

I was on another site commenting on electrical issues, and someone said that Challenger was also tied to Zinco in the early days.

Your web page https://inspectapedia.com/electric/Challenger_Electrical_Panels.php

I worked for Cutler-Hammer/Eaton as a field engineer (Fixing what others had broken or misapplied.) about the time CH shut Challenger down.

The Challenger stuff I had seen in the 70's in Phoenix Arizona was exactly like the Westinghouse/Cutler-Hammer stuff of the same type, just slightly different grey paint.

Your pages provided some missing information in my data bank. I have seen some old stuff, but a lot of my work was done in places that cameras are not welcomed. I have had to surrender my phone, pens, pencils, computer and any recording device before entry.

The Department of Energy was particularly bad about this unless you got them to take the pics.

I found your section on testing Arc [AFCIs] and GFCI breakers. Coming from training that boils down to "if you can not measure it you can not manage it". I find the whole concept of self testing breakers [questionable]. Testing requires another instrument known to be good to measure the device. At least that is my definition.

I was working for FMI a mining company in New Mexico and got into it with the IMSA inspector over GFCI testing on receptacle.

Almost lost my job over it. Management was scared *** of the inspectors and never challenged anything that came out of their mouth. I did, over the next 2 days he and I had lots of open and honest discussion and finally agreed that the "accepted method" was something until something else was created. After that he asked for me to be his escort for his inspections.

Using the device itself as the test medium violates everything I was taught about testing.

Testing a 1000 amp GFCI on a main breaker, takes a variable voltage transformer and instrument to measure the time it takes the breaker contacts to clear.

The tester slowly raises the voltage up to the known set level and lets the breaker trip in real time. Done on a dead buss section. The trip voltage is recorded as well as the time. If the system had been tested in the past numbers are compared.

How is pushing a button on a 30 dollar device going to accomplish this? Forcing the trip is fine, what is REALLY important is the trip with in SPEC of the device and is it consistent? Is the level keeping people safe or is the device out of spec? end of rant

Pretty sure Arc Faults are the same animal. I was told by a Fellow Engineer at Eaton that Eaton developed the technology for Arc Fault
then gave it away as a marketing ploy because if it is property then you can not get it into the NEC.

I honestly do not have any experience with them, I will soon as my new home is almost ready and Arc's will be installed.

- Anon to Editor 1 Sept 2011

On 2019-10-02 by Tom Roberts - replacement options for Challenger electrical panels

We have an older Eaton E-52977 3 phase, 200 amp (no main) breaker panel with Challenger breakers. We've had to replace one of the larger 2-pole breakers due to over heating and now it looks like there is some insulation damage to the panel. I would like to replace the guts of the panel, but having a bit of trouble finding which breaker assembly would be the best.

Any pointers in the right direction would be great. If additional information is needed, please let me know

On 2019-10-02 by (mod) -

Eaton CH offers replacement panel "guts" as we describe at REPLACEMENT ELECTRICAL PANELS

Check the CH product dimensions vs. the size of your electrical panel enclosure; remember that you need wiring space beyond just physically fitting in the bus and breaker assembly.

Frankly my views on this have changed since first investigating panel replacement options years ago.

For the time and trouble and cost of re-wiring the whole electrical panel, saving the cost of the enclosure will, for some Buildings, come at a less obvious cost: the total size of the updated panel, that is, the number of circuits that it can support. In an older building where safety or other requirements argue for adding electrical circuits you may want a physically larger panel that can handle those improvements.

 

On 2019-09-21 by Challenger Panel with Burnt Bus - recommend a replacement

Hello, can someone please recommend a replacement for this panel. I would prefer to keep the existing box, but change the components inside (bus, breakers.....). Thank you.

On 2019-09-21 by (mod) -

Sure Challenger.

We have discussed possible gut-replacements for electrical panels, keeping the panel enclosure, over at our article series on FPE found at FPE REPLACEMENT PANEL https://inspectapedia.com/fpe/FPE_Panel_Replacements.php

Eaton Cutler Hammer makes some replacement kits that keep just the enclosure and change out to a more-reliable breaker brand and design.

Keep in mind, however, that once biting the bullet of replacing an obsolete and unsafe electrical panel, depending on the size of your building and its current electrical demands and needs - such as adding circuits or upping the service ampacity - one might want to go ahead and bite a second bullet and put in a new, larger panel ampacity with more circuits that will fit into the old box.

On 2019-06-29 by Adam Farber - is the outdoor Challenger breaker also an issue?

Hi, I understand the inside electrical panel (breaker box) is an issue with Challenger but does anyone know for sure if the outside MAIN breaker or Service panel from Challenger is an issue? Thanks for any help from anyone who knows. Adam

On 2019-07-03 by (mod) -

P.I haven't seen the floor to the source that makes a distinction between the failure rates among a circuit breaker used as the main versus a breaker used to protect an individual circuit when they are all the Challenger design and brand.

On 2019-06-29 by Paul - I haven't seen a problem with my Challenger panel

Have challenger electric box and breakers for 27 years and no problems or recalls. Does this need to be changed out.

On 2019-06-29 by mod

Just because you haven't seen a problem that does not mean that the panel is safe.

On 2019-03-22 by HAYDEN - need missing Challenger panel switchboard handle

looking for handle 'broken' that turns this switchboard back on. challenger power master switchboard 3000 amp 1992

On 2019-03-23 by (mod) -

Hayden

Before replacing a bad switchboard handle you might want to see the failure information at CHALLENGER ELECTRIC PANELS https://inspectapedia.com/electric/Challenger_Electrical_Panels.php

I'd like to see an image of your panel labeling, identification tags, and the broken switch handle to permit more-precise research.

On 2019-01-24 by dennis - Are all Challenger panels verboten or are the later Eaton marked panels exempt?

I recently had to replace 2 Challenger indoor MLO panels because the insurer would not bind coverage with those panels. The house was built in the early 90's well past the Challenger Stab-Lok era.

Most of the breakers were OEM except 3 circuits that were added later using Siemens breakers. The panels are in perfect condition otherwise. Question: Are all Challenger panels verboten or are the later Eaton marked panels exempt?

On 2019-01-24 by (mod) - insurance companies reject Challenger brand electrical panels

Thank you for raising an important question, Dennis.

While we might be gratified that insurance companies are taking steps to recognize un-safe electrical panels or products with sound supporting data but without a government recall (a case more-likely than previously), I agree that tarring product brands with too-broad a brush risks spending your money carelessly or un-necessarily, in a manner that actually may not reduce the loss risk nor serve the public.

However in this particular case you'll see in the article above field reports of Challenger circuit breaker and panel failures that are *not* of the Stab-Lok design.

While Challengers were not included in this study: CIRCUIT BREAKER FAILURE RATES inspectapedia.com/electric/Circuit_Breaker_Failures.php

you will see that the famous bad performers had some surprising company, and more-remarkably, there were distinct failure patterns or break points between the good-performing brands and others tested.

I think we don't have enough independent test data on Post FPE design Challenger electrical equipment to make a studied, authoritative conclusion, but field reports are sufficient to at the very least raise a note of caution.

Watch out: a circuit breaker that "looks perfectly ok" or that "has worked fine up to now" may in fact be un-safe: it may be the case that the breaker has never been called-upon to respond to an unsafe over-current, or there may be corrosion, jamming, or a proclivity to fail to trip that are hidden inside of the mechanism.

Watch out also: some third party "replacement" circuit breakers sold to be used in a variety of electrical panels are themselves unsafe and do not perform acceptably.

See
Jesse Aronstein 1, (Life Senior Member, IEEE), & David W. Carrier 2 MOLDED CASE CIRCUIT BREAKERS - SOME HOLES IN THE ELECTRICAL SAFETY NET [PDF] Received December 4, 2017, accepted January 24, 2018, date of publication February 7, 2018, date of current version March 15, 2018. Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/ACCESS.2018.2803298
1 Consulting Engineer, Schenectady, NY 12309, USA, 2 SUNY Dutchess Community College, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA, Corresponding author: Jesse Aronstein (AronsteinJ@verizon.net)
at
inspectapedia.com/fpe/Circuit-Breaker-Defects-Aronstein-IEEE-2018.pdf

and UBI FPE CIRCUIT BREAKER TEST RESULTS inspectapedia.com/fpe/FPE-UBI-Replacement-Circuit-Breaker-Tests.php

Finally let me be as clear as possible:

You ask "Are all Challenger panels verboten or are the later Eaton marked panels exempt? "

NO Challenger electrical panels are "forbidden" nor "illegal" by the U.S. Government, nor by product recall, nor by electrical codes.

The decision to select or avoid certain electrical products cannot rely only on "prohibitions, recalls, or codes", as there is ample evidence that SOME unsafe products are permitted in the marketplace - products that fail even standard tests devised by committees staffed by the manufacturers.

As you see in the insurance industry, there is an effort, itself imperfect, to improve consumer safety and reduce electrical fire and shock hazards and losses, by requiring insureds to replace such equipment.

With ALL of that gesturing complete, I add that I have NO data and NO field reports on frequent failures with Eaton Cutler Hammer made equipment.

All of our substantive data describing Challenger Electrical panel failures is concentrated in older panels sold under a range of brand names including Challenger, and possibly Bryant, GTE, GTE-Sylvania, Westinghouse, and Zinsco (usually separate designs).

Watch out: however, you can understand your insurance company's concern if I point out that circuit breakers that fit and can be made to "work" in Westinghouse, Challenger and Bryant load centers all could be mixed up in any individual electrical panel, making a guess at the reliability of the equipment unclear.

Understanding just which electrical panel design and reliability is installed can be difficult, as is reflected in the (roughly correct) history of Zinsco, becoming Zinsco-Sylvania, becoming becoming Challenger, bought by Westinghouse, bought by Eaton Cutler Hammer, subsequently selling both the Challenger and Westinghouse panel brands to Thomas & Betts along with Zinsco.

Finally, having worked with a few large insurance companies on this and similar issues, I want to point out that some companies may base their insurance policies (including exclusion of certain electrical panel brands) on their own loss data - information that, because it's considered a competitive advantage, may not be shared with the public.

On 2018-11-04 by Joseph Bentivoglio - need replacement for Challenger panel parts

I'm looking for a Challenger Bus bar replacement.Cat. CM2200 Style 7803C09G73 Any idea where I can get one?

Thanks joe@bentivoglio.org

On 2018-11-04 by (mod) - electrical panel in which you find evidence of bus overheating

Joseph:

... an electrical panel in which you find evidence of bus overheating and damaged insulating material it is reasonable to conclude that the panel is not safe, not repairable, and should be replaced. In some cases it may be possible to retain the enclosure and install a replacement bus assembly.

See the sources at REPLACEMENT ELECTRICAL PANELS https://inspectapedia.com/fpe/FPE_Panel_Replacements.php

On 2018-09-13 by Bill - which years were Challenger panels bad

Is there a year window that Challenger panels had the issues or are all panels in question?
Thanks, Bill

On 2018-09-15 by (mod) -

All.Yes.

On 2018-06-10 by Tai L.

Lahaina, Hawaii usa 1989 yr built

For the westinghouse question

Attaching another view of the Wires

As for where the wire goes, I don't know exactly but the wall in photo is part of the hallway wall on the other side is an outlet in close proximity to this wire.

The Box photo, I'm unable to find this version anywhere will attach another photo of the other side of box. And another view of the wire I'm concerned about as well

On 2018-06-10 by (mod) - how to identify an older Westinghouse electrical panel

Mod Replies: identifying a Westinghouse electrical panel - not a Challenger model

Tai:

See details about how to identify and possibly find the age of Westinghouse electrical panels, where I also include some of your photos, at

at WESTINGHOUSE v. BULLDOG

Most likely your Westinghouse panel is as old as the home, ca 1989.

On 2018-06-10 1 by (mod) -

Tai:

See details about how to identify and possibly find the age of Westinghouse electrical panels, where I also include some of yoru phtoos,

at WESTINGHOUSE v. BULLDOG

Most likely your Westinghouse panel is as old as the home, ca 1989.

On 2018-06-09 by Tai L. - Challenger electrical panel report

Here is the electrical wire stated in previous message

as for where the wire goes, I don't know exactly but the wall in photo is part of the hallway wall on the other side is an outlet in close proximity to this wire.
The Box photo, I'm unable to find this version anywhere will attach another photo of the other side of box. And another view of the wire I'm concerned about as well

I Actually have 2 electrical questions very important ones Wanted to find what year this was made by westinghouse cannot find online
2ndly not sure if related here, but want to make sure this wire in hidden space of kitchen sink bottom cabinet wall repair
Mahalos to anyone that can answer.

Lahaina, Hawaii usa 1989 yr built
For the westinghouse question
Attaching another view of the Wires

Here is the electrical wire stated in previous message

I Actually have 2 electrical questions very important ones Wanted to find what year this was made by westinghouse cannot find online

2ndly not sure if related here, but want to make sure this wire in hidden space of kitchen sink bottom cabinet wall repair
Mahalos to anyone that can answer.

On 2018-06-10 by (mod) -

Tai

The multi strand copper wire looks like an electrical ground but of course seeing only half an inch of it I can't comment about its correctness or Effectiveness since we can't see it's connections Source or destination. That's a topic to discuss with your electrician, the question would be is my electrical system properly grounded. If it's not it's unsafe.

Regarding the Westinghouse panel what's the country city state of the building where it is installed and what's the age of the building?

Above: the layout of the Westinghouse Challenger electrical panel.

 

On 2018-05-16 by Major Wheelock - insurance company won't renew coverage unless I replace my Challenger electrical panel

My Challenger Electric panel was in stalled as aprt of original construction of my residence in 1995. It is a Model 3, 125A Max Type 1, Catalog#SL12 (24-24)CCT and my insurer has recently in formed me that my policy will not be renewed unless I replace the Challenger panel. I have never had a problem with the panel and wonder if I should simply seek insurance with another carrier (or should I incur the cost of a new panel).

On 2018-05-16 by (mod) -

Major

Regarding: change insurance companies if the present insurer won't cover a home with a Challenger electrical panel

"Having never had a problem" can fool even a savvy career military officer.

A circuit breaker that is internally jammed or corroded or for any reason is not going to trip reliably in response to an over-current risks a building fire or injury or fatality from electric shock.

Yet until an over-current or short circuit occurs in the building, the system seems to be "working just fine" - that's why we call this a latent safety hazard.

You could decide you want to take that risk rather than pay $500 to $1,500 to replace your unreliable electrical panel, but you might then suffer a loss or you might find that after the loss your new insurer isn't going to pay-up.

Sort of like deciding to eschew seatbelts in your car. Everything will be fine until there's a crash.

Also see CAN'T AFFORD A NEW ELECTRIC PANEL? at https://inspectapedia.com/fpe/FPE_Replacement_Financial_Aid.php

On 2018-04-11 by Linda Herrick

Is a Challenger Electric Panel Box still safe if installed in 1992 with no subsequent problems to this date?

On 2018-04-11 by (mod) -

Not in my OPINON. A report of "no subsequent problems to date" could simply mean that no circuit breaker has been called-on to trip. No electrical circuit has been overloaded nor shorted.

You're riding around in a car whose seatbelts have been cut to a single thread. You've not been in a crash so your seat belts haven't been asked to protect you. Everything seems just fine. It's not.

On 2017-04-18 by Tony

I have Challenger electric panel put in house in1989 should I be concerned about this? The serial number. Is SB15(20-30)CT 150 amps

On 2017-04-1 by (mod) - Challenger electric panel put in house in1989 should I be concerned about this?

Our best data and advice are in the article CHALLENGER ELECTRIC PANELS, Tony. And yes I'd take the presence of a Challenger panel seriously. The hazard doesn't diminish with serial number or model as far as our data shows.

On 2017-01-21 by David Bailey

Hi. I have a Challenger breaker box, model number 3. There are 2 power feeds and 1 common or neutral lead coming into the box.

I have checked out the breakers and found that most of the power used in winter comes from only the right side of the box. Is this normal or does the box alternate from left to right as I look down the breakers from the top. If one power feed takes care of most of my needs, doesn`t that mean it is out of balance? I estimate the box to be about 25 years old. Thank you.

On 2017-01-21 by (mod) - most of the power used in winter comes from only the right side of the box

David,

Good question, thanks.

Take a look at the photos in the article above, like this image
https://inspectapedia.com/fpe/Challenger_Elec_009_Lee_DJFs.jpg
and you'll see that power alternates sides

On 2017-01-12 by Mike Taylor

Is a Challenger panel Model# QFP 2200K a recalled panel? Or is there any inherent fault that I should make a customer aware of?

On 2017-01-13 by (mod) - There was no Challenger electrical panel recall, Mike.

There was no Challenger electrical panel recall, Mike.

In my OPINION the frequency of field reports of Challenger panel failures coming in from multiple, independent experts and from electricians or owners - folks who do not appear to have conflicting interests - would be a sufficient reason to suggest that the panel be replaced.

We do not, to date, have a large volume of independent tests of the panels, breakers, failure mechanism that would let me cite a solid body of research.

Challenger panel overheat reports are not restricted to the use of Challenger Breakers in FPE panels, but it is no surprise and no coincidence that Challenger's manufacture and sale of FPE-Stab-Lok "replacement" circuit breakers would by itself produce a blizzard of panel failures, bus overheats, and circuit breaker no-trip failures, since replicating a design that has known inherent failures is asking for trouble.

On 2016-09-05 by Anonymous - Any recalls on Eaton Challenger Panel Boxes stock number E52977

? Any recalls on Eaton Challenger Panel Boxes stock number E52977

On 2016-10-19 13:50:36.258338 by Pedro - I have a Challenger SB20(30-40)CN Mod.2 electrical panel.

There is any recall on this Model ?

I am selling the house and the Inspector recommend to change the complete panel.
What's wrong with it ?

Thank you

On 2016-10-21 by (mod) - There was no Challenger electrical panel recall, Pedro.

The inspector is recommending that the panel be replaced because of reports of panel failures at a higher rate than typical in the electrical industry and in order to protect you and the buyer from an injury, loss, or fatality.

Panel bus or circuit breaker overheating such as is described in the panels on this page causes damage that increases the chance that in the event of an overcurrent that should trip the circuit breaker, it won't trip and thus it won't offer the intended protection from fire or shock.

On 2016-09-29 by (mod) There was no Challenger electrical panel recall, Rick.

Watch out: as a seller I would not want the liability of promising a buyer based on my say-so that a life/safety hazard pointed out by the buyer's inspector is in fact "safe".

Just because an electrical panel or circuit breaker has not given you trouble that doesn't mean that it's safe.

For example, a breaker that's damaged such that it won't reliably trip when it should (to protect against fire or shock) may pass current along just fine, for decades, until some event happens (too many heaters plugged in for example or the cat bites an electrical cord) that should trip the safety device.

IF a home seller agrees to remedy a substantive defect that was previously not known when the buyer and seller agreed on price, then in my opinion safest for everyone is for seller to give an allowance towards repair cost.

That relieves seller of liability of having taken some shortcut or made some mistake during a repair and it allows the buyer to be fully confident that the repair is going to be done to buyers's wishes and with the repair person accountable to the buyer.

Estimates of the median price of a U.S. home range from about $188,000 to about $240,000. The cost of a new electrical panel is typically less than 1% of the value of the home.

On 2016-09-29 09:54:40.662476 by rickserrentino

is the Challenger electrical service panel SL20(40-40)Ct MOD.1 recalled? Were selling a home and the home inspector was letting the potential buyers that Challenger electrical panels have issues and should be replaced. we had the home built in 1988 and no problems or any indications of issues with this electrical panel. any feed back would be greatly appreciated

On 2016-06-05 2 by Julia

is the Challenger electrical service panel SB10(20-20)CN MOD.1 recalled? What brand and model number should I use for replacement 20amp breakers for this panel?

On 2016-06-05 by (mod)

There was no product recall, Julia.

Just about any major brand electrical panel currently for sale should be OK. I would not jump to buy a panel of same total ampacity, physical size, and number of circuits; that's because electrical usage and number of circuits in homes is greater today than even a decade or two ago.

Review your requirements with your electrician. In my opinon the added cost for a somewhat larger panel (allowing more circuits) and greater ampacity (say moving from 100A to 150A) is a good longer term investment in the home as it makes adding more circuits (as needed) easy.

On 2016-03-01 by Aubrey nunnery

I worked at challenger electric from 1981-1995 we tried to make a quality product because of the safety and price. I am proud of my work. Thank you

On 2016-03-03 by (mod)

Thank you for your input, Aubrey. It would be no surprise if there were little connection between hard-working employees and product designers.

On 2016-02-19 by boby - insurance company giving 30 days to replace Challenger electrical panels

CHALLANGER=ELECTRIC FIRE THAT IS CHALLANGER TO PUT OUT :D

On 2015-10-03 18:41:53.755034 by challenger circuit breaker panel needs replacement for house insurance

according to our new insurance company challenger has a couple models that are bad so they gave us 30 days to replace it. no mention of which models were bad.
is there somebody out there that knows which models are bad???
.the label says
cat no. SB20 (30 - 40) CT
Model no. 4
200 amp max
type 1 enclosure

On 2015-06-06 by Anonymous

my challenger electrical panel has no main breaker. is this legal or safe

On 2015-06-06 by mod

Legal - yes, safe, no. Challenger panels should be replaced - having nothing to do with where the main switch is located.

The "rule of 6" says you can have up to 6 switches in an electrical panel without a single main disconnect.

 

...

Continue reading at CHALLENGER ELECTRIC PANELS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• CIRCUIT BREAKER FAILURE RATES
• ELECTRICAL INSPECTION, DIAGNOSIS, REPAIR
• FEDERAL PIONEER PANEL SAFETY where Challenger and later ACBC American Circuit Breaker Company "FPE Stab-Lok" breakers are discussed.

Suggested citation for this web page

CHALLENGER ELECTRIC PANEL FAQs at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to ELECTRICAL INSPECTION & TESTING

Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly.

Note: appearance of your Comment below may be delayed: if your comment contains an image, photograph, web link, or text that looks to the software as if it might be a web link, your posting will appear after it has been approved by a moderator. Apologies for the delay.

Only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and therefore images, as you like.
You will not receive a notification when a response to your question has been posted.
Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response.
Our Comment Box is provided by Countable Web Productions countable.ca

Citations & References

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.

---

ADVERTISEMENT

---