Is there anything in the Code that speaks to the lifespan of challenger breakers? I heard recently of an inspector flagging a panel with challenger breakers saying that they had exceeded their lifespan. I know about the "authority having jurisdiction" clause but is there any section in the Code that adresses this more specifically?
Challenger breakers lifespan
- Thread starter rpmall
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
I know of no code section that calls for an end of life replacement of any equipment. If the manufacturer has published a "best if used by" date, then that can be a basis for requiring a replacement. But I doubt there is any such statement in any manufacturer's printed instructions. So I would say that your inspector is making up rules.
Welcome to the forum.
Welcome to the forum.
Jim W in Tampa
Senior Member
- Location
- Tampa Florida
What hick town is this want to b inspector. Ask him for code number and call his boss. That is flat out making up rules.
Hendrix
Senior Member
- Location
- New England
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
RP, welcome to the forum! 
Is this a home inspector or a real inspector?
Interesting. Ask him how old they are, how he knows, and how he knows how old breakers that are still being made are?
Is this a home inspector or a real inspector?
jaylectricity
Senior Member
- Location
- Massachusetts
- Occupation
- licensed journeyman electrician
That should pretty much nip it in the bud.
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
- Occupation
- EC
RP, welcome to the forum!
Interesting. Ask him how old they are, how he knows, and how he knows how old breakers that are still being made are?
Is this a home inspector or a real inspector?
And for a reference for the expected lifespan.
davedottcom
Senior Member
I would replace them even if the inspecter didn't say anything!!!
I have found that Challenger & Federal Pacific, are by far, the worst breakers you could possibly have in your home, but the NEC doesn't mention anything about how long a breaker remains functional.
The only thing I can think of that would make it the inspecter's decision is that if Challenger finally "Recalled" thier breakers and the inspecter is requiring the recalled breakers to be replaced.
That would simply be following the Maunufacturers instructions... I guess!?
I have found that Challenger & Federal Pacific, are by far, the worst breakers you could possibly have in your home, but the NEC doesn't mention anything about how long a breaker remains functional.
The only thing I can think of that would make it the inspecter's decision is that if Challenger finally "Recalled" thier breakers and the inspecter is requiring the recalled breakers to be replaced.
That would simply be following the Maunufacturers instructions... I guess!?
- Location
- Simi Valley, CA
Now while I also think that the inspector doesn't have a clue. There is a date on breakers (as with most anything). Now where it is and how you read it I'm not sure, but I bet if you gave the manufacture all of the right numbers, he could tell you when it was made.
And I wouldn't be to quick to discount a recall either, I thought that someone had one awhile back, and maybe the inspector just worded it wrong.
And I wouldn't be to quick to discount a recall either, I thought that someone had one awhile back, and maybe the inspector just worded it wrong.
- Location
- Simi Valley, CA
I didn't talk to Challenger (the number I have is no good) but I did talk to my contact at Square D and there is a way to tell when a circuit breaker was manufactured. I did not ask how as I was not that curious.
jxofaltrds
Retired ESI
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- Creator
You should have ask him "What is the lifespan of an inspector?"
I bet he has no UL listing (on himself)!
growler
Senior Member
- Location
- Atlanta,GA
What were the circumstances behind this? If he flagged an old panel with old breakers it sounds like remodeling. If it was residential maybe he just wanted new arc fault breakers.
I have had to change breakers because of water damage and fire damage and some that were just damaged but not because of age.
I would go back to the source of this rumor and try to get more information. If a story gets told to several different people it can get exaggerated a bit.
Before we bad mouth an inspector that we don't know we should remember than this is an "I herd" story. I have herd a lot of those.
readydave8
re member
- Location
- Clarkesville, Georgia
- Occupation
- electrician
some of the challenger breakers I've seen would have the lifespan measured in days, not years
- Status