Challenger fuse box

[Bulldog13]

Had a electrician give me a quote on a transfer switch for my portable generator.The first guy told me that my fuse box was “no good” and needed to be replaced at the tune of 8,600 bucks. The 2nd guy did mention there had been some problems with the Challenger box but he inspected it and said it was good.Anybody heard of this? I’ve owned the house for about 10 years and never had a issue....home inspector never mentioned it or the town inspector when I had my AC replaced....was the first guy just trying to take me for a ride?

 

[sberry]

I have seen a lot of them, never had a problem. Its very similar to the SD Homeline or the BR. Its not a premium panel but the second guy that said its fine was likely giving you solid advice, certainly wasn't trying to upsell and giving you what you need, a value added kind of guy most likely.

 

[Bert_]

They were a cheap panel back in the 80's. Nothing really bad about them other than I think they use aluminum buss. Pretty much the equivalent of the eaton BR series that is sold today.

Look the panel over, pull a couple breakers and check the buss. If it's in good shape then don't worry about it.

 

[sberry]

Challenger was in the mobile/mod home biz, they were in when the box stores started and they took a lot from the top line especially on quotes. SQ D answered this with HOM. It was a brilliant move, they had the muscle and would be some guys to hire if a company needed to make a move, really well done and sent Challenger packing.

 

[Bulldog13]

I hired the 2nd guy...he took the time to look it over and explain what I needed for the generator and what he would do if it was his house. The first guy’s estimate was triple even without replacing the box.. so much for Homeadvisor reviews.I got the 2nd electricians number from a coworker... nothing better than a word of mouth recommendation��

 

[alfredeneuman]

In addition to the type C breakers (similar to the BR) they made the Zinsco/GTE Sylvania breakers for a while.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Challenger is junk but if the panel is in good shape i dont see needing to replace it

 

[yatg]

Had a Challenger meter main at my last house until I replaced it. House was built in 93 and I changed out the panel in 2007 or so. There was nothing wrong with it, except it was jammed full of tandems and I needed more breaker spaces. Still have the breakers and the main bus bars in my "sell on ebay" pile.

 

[Norcal]

In addition to the type C breakers (similar to the BR) they made the Zinsco/GTE Sylvania breakers for a while.

They were the successor to Zinsco/Sylvania.



Challenger panel interiors are pretty close to the design of Eaton BR panels.

 

[alfredeneuman]

They were the successor to Zinsco/Sylvania.

I knew that but I don't know if "successor" was the best term.
How about "failureor"

 

[Norcal]

I knew that but I don't know if "successor" was the best term.
How about "failureor"

Zinsco had their infamous line & American Switch and they made Monkey Wards Powr Kraft loadcenters too, AS was the real Challenger line.

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, they were the lowest qualified bidder. That is they were "acceptable" but were far from being preferred.

 

[sberry]

IMHO, they were the lowest qualified bidder. That is they were "acceptable" but were far from being preferred.

I agree. Box stores have been around a while but they were not always here with the competitive shopping we have now. Lots of services it didn't matter. The stuff worked fine.

 

[alfredeneuman]

Bulldog13>>
Are you breakers 1" wide or 3/4" wide?.
1" is the BR style and 3/4" is the dreaded Zinsco

 

[Bulldog13]

I’m not sure...I’ll have to look at it...I had a generator transfer switch installed yesterday and the electrician said everything was fine.He wired in a surge protector for me too..

 

[AntonLargiader]

Buddy of mine is adding a circuit to his shed panel. He sent me this pic; anyone recognize the panel itself as either Challenger or Homeline? The blanks are bent exactly like my Homeline panel. Says an electrician buddy set it up for him at some point; could have been from whatever was lying around at the time.

 

[Norcal]

Buddy of mine is adding a circuit to his shed panel. He sent me this pic; anyone recognize the panel itself as either Challenger or Homeline? The blanks are bent exactly like my Homeline panel. Says an electrician buddy set it up for him at some point; could have been from whatever was lying around at the time.

Looks like SQ D Homeline the BR (Zinsco II) breakers do not belong in there if it is.

 

[Jim greengo]

Looks like SQ D Homeline the BR (Zinsco II) breakers do not belong in there if it is.

What he said