Clean AC power

vgizzi OP7 posts

07-05-2021
12:59pmjea48:

My panel is a Challenger SB40. The buss material is hard to determine; it is clearly not raw copper, but has a shiny metallic finish. The contacts in the breaker are copper.

@ vgizzi

Approximately what year was the house built?

1992

vgizzi OP8 posts

07-05-2021
4:22pm

1992

@ vgizzi

Your electrical panel may be an electrical fire hazard just waiting to happen.
I strongly suggest you hire a licensed electrician to check it out. I also recommend you do not pull the panel cover off again until you do.


Here are a few links for you to read:

https://waypointinspection.com/issues-with-challenger-panels/

https://pennaelectric.com/electrician-blog/unsafe-outdated-electrical-panels/

https://inspectapedia.com/electric/Challenger_Electrical_Panels.php

https://streamlineelectric.com/challenger-panels/

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Hey Guys - I live in miami so power surges are common as well as momentary cuts in power…sometimes power cuts last 15-60 seconds…

….so here’s what I’m thinking… 

Wall outlet to commercial grade Amazon sign-wave battery back-up. The meter on the backup tells me I’m never exceeding more than 20% of the units capacity. It’s already kicked in 3-4 times when the power “blinks” during storms. 

Then AQ Niagra 5000 into the battery back-up and then my components into the 5000…(waiting on the 5000 to arrive)

I’ll let you know what I hear.

My gear is all pretty new so as far as I can tell, it all sounds pretty quiet now.

jea48: Who would have thought that cleaning a circuit breaker's contacts would be so dangerous? Should I move my family to a hotel until the problem can be fixed?