Challenger GFCI Circuit Breakers Recalled Due to Mechanical Failure Risk
Challenger Electrical Equipment is recalling approximately 9,000 HAGF GFCI circuit breakers because a mechanical part may detach, disabling the ground-fault protection feature.
What this means for you
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk of electrocution and electric shock, which are high-risk hazards, but no injuries or illnesses have been reported, fitting the criteria for a High severity score.
Plain-English summary
Challenger Electrical Equipment Corp. of Malvern, Pennsylvania, is voluntarily offering free replacement for its 15 and 20 ampere type HAGF single pole ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) circuit breakers. These devices were manufactured between February 22, 1988, and April 29, 1988, and were sold nationwide to electrical product distributors, with some potentially sold to consumers through retail hardware or lumber outlets. Approximately 9,000 units have not been located, and some are believed to be installed in residences.
The recall was initiated because quality control testing determined that a mechanical part may become detached, preventing the ground-fault feature from functioning. While the normal circuit breaker functions for interrupting short circuits and electrical overloads are not affected, the failure of the ground-fault feature leaves users without protection against severe electric shock and electrocution. No electric shock incidents have been reported by the manufacturer.
Affected circuit breakers are located in the electrical service panel of dwellings constructed or having electrical work performed since February 1988. Consumers can identify the affected units by looking for a yellow button with the word "test" in raised letters on one side and the number 15 or 20 printed in white letters on the handle on the other side. If the number is black or if there is a label with white lettering next to the word "test," the breaker does not require replacement. Consumers who believe they have installed these breakers should contact a licensed electrician to perform the replacement, ensuring power to the panel is shut off before inspection.
The recalled product
- Product
- Challenger HAGF ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) circuit breakers
- Manufacturer
- Challenger Electrical Equipment
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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