Challenger 400 Amp Panels

[rnkbagis]

A friend who just bought a house was told later by the insurance company he had to replace his 400 Amp Challenger panel. I read different things about this but no definitive specifics regarding specific panel models or manufacture dates. His is a SB40 (42-42) S/F, 400 Amp Type 1 Indoor Enclosure. I have seen nothing that dictates all Challenger panels are a fire hazard. He is asking what I can find out, so can someone direct me to the correct answer and the supporting data. He did not have a thermo graphic reading done to verify any hot spots in the panel.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I think challenge bought FPE so maybe that was the issue he is thinking about

Found This

CONTENTS: description of the Latent Fire, Shock Hazards of FPE Stab-Lok? Equipment also may show up inCHALLENGER ELECTRIC PANELS brand electrical panels.

Found it here http://inspectapedia.com/fpe/FPE_Fires_Waiting_to_Happen.htm

 

[norcal]

Challenger was a successor to Zinsco/Sylvania but they no longer used the infamous Zinsco breakers other then for a main breaker, after Westinghouse bought them they substituted Westinghouse built breakers for the former Challenger ones, other then branding they looked the same as the Bryant/Westinghouse BR, just like Siemens/ITE QP & the Murray MP sold since Siemens bought Murray. I suspect that the association with Zinsco is what is getting Challenger panel owners grief.