Type HAGF-15 and type HAGF-20 circuit breakers
CPSC Recall #88-095 - November 11, 1988
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 88-095 |
| Recall Date | November 11, 1988 |
| Remedy Type | Inspect, Replace |
| Units Affected | Approximately 9,000 |
Product
Type HAGF-15 and type HAGF-20 circuit breakers
Description
WASHINGTON, DC - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Challenger Electrical Equipment Corp. of Malvern, Pennsylvania, voluntarily offered free replacement of its 15 and 20 ampere type HAGF single pole ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) circuit breakers. These type HAGF-15 and type HAGF-20 circuit breakers were manufactured between February 22, 1988 and April 29, 1988, and most were sold nationwide to electrical product distributors during this period. Some may have been sold to consumers by retail hardware or lumber outlets. Approximately 9,000 of these devices have not been located, some of which are believed to have been installed in residences. Type HAGF ground fault circuit breakers are devices which provide protection to consumers against severe electric shock and electrocution, as well as providing the normal circuit breaker functions of interrupting short circuits and electrical overloads. Although no electric shock incidents have been reported by Challenger, the firm recalled this product because it has determined, by quality control testing, that a mechanical part may become detached and prevent the ground fault feature of the circuit breaker from functioning. (The normal circuit breaker functions are not affected by this problem.) They protect residential 15 ampere and 20 ampere circuits including receptacle outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, garages and outdoors as required by the National Electrical Code. The code also requires GFCI protection for receptacles in hotel and motel bathrooms. The HAGF circuit breakers, which may require replacement, are located in the electrical service panel. If the name "Challenger" is embossed on the front of the panel (on the door handle) and/or on the label on the back of the panel/door, that panel may contain circuit breakers requiring replacement. Affected circuit breakers have a yellow button and the word "test" in raised letters on one side; on the other side, the number 15 or 20 is printed on the handle in white letters between the raised words "ON" and "OFF." If the number on the handle is black or if there is a label with white lettering next to the word "test”, then the HAGF circuit breaker will not need to be replaced. Consumers should note that the HAGF circuit breakers which require replacement will only be found in dwellings which have been constructed since February 1988 or in which electrical work has been done since February 1988. Consumers who believe that they have installed HAGF circuit breakers requiring replacement should contact a licensed electrician to perform this work. Power to the panel should be shut off before inspecting and removing breakers.) The company is no longer able to be contacted at the phone numbers provided in the original press release. The Consumer Product Safety Commission believes that GFCI's provide a significant level of electrical safety. The Commission recommends that all GFCI's (whether circuit breaker or receptacle type) be tested frequently, at least monthly, using the test button on each unit.
Hazard
Although no electric shock incidents have been reported by Challenger, the firm recalled this product because it has determined, by quality control testing, that a mechanical part may become detached and prevent the ground fault feature of the circuit breaker from functioning.
Incidents & Injuries
No electric shock incidents have been reported by Challenger.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers who believe that they have installed HAGF circuit breakers requiring replacement should contact a licensed electrician to perform this work. Power to the panel should be shut off before inspecting and removing breakers.) The company is no longer able to be contacted at the phone numbers provided in the original press release.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Inspect, Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly, either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Inspect, Replace) at no cost to you.
No, you should stop using the product entirely, not just unplug it. Electric shock and fire hazards in recalled electrical products often involve internal wiring defects, faulty components, or insulation failures that can cause harm even after the product has been off for a period of time. Do not attempt to repair the product yourself. Keep it unplugged and stored safely until you receive the manufacturer's remedy. If the product has already shown signs of overheating, sparking, or discoloration, handle it carefully and consider contacting your local fire department for guidance on safe disposal.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney, parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.