Square D Warning regarding Classified Circuit Breakers

Square D Company opposes use of Classified circuit breakers and other types of interchangeable circuit breakers
- Use of different circuit breakers from those sold by the electrical panel manufacturer, such as Cutler-Hammer and Square D
- The concerns raised by Square-D in this notice may pertain to use of interchangeable circuit breakers in other electrical panel brands as well.
- Guide to Electrical Hazards in buildings: inspection, detection, & repair advice
Questions & Answers about the hazards of using non OEM or "replacement" circuit breakers - Classified circuit breakers - warning by Square-D corporation
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Square D warning on Classified Circuit Breakers: This article reports on safety concerns with use of non OEM circuit breakers in various electrical panels, specifically the use of Classified circuit breakers or other interchangeable circuit breakers in Square D electrical panels. The concerns raised by Square-D in this notice may pertain to use of interchangeable circuit breakers in other electrical panel brands as well. Readers of this article should also see SAFETY for ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS. This website provides information about a variety of electrical hazards in buildings, with articles focused on the inspection, detection, and reporting of electrical hazards and on proper electrical repair methods for unsafe electrical conditions.

Square D Warns Against Use of Classified Circuit Breakers

Square D Company (Groupe Schneider)

August 30, 1995
TO: Electrical Inspectors
FROM: Jim Pauley, Manager, Industry Standards

SUBJECT: Classified Circuit Breakers

Square D Company recognizes the important electrical safety role played by electrical inspectors. because of this role, we want you to be aware of the possible reduction in the level of public safety from the use of Classified circuit breakers and other types of interchangeable circuit breakers.

Square D opposes the use of Classified circuit breakers and other forms of interchangeable circuit breakers in panels not listed or labeled to accept them. Our position is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) Section 110-3(b) that requires equipment to be "used or installed in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling," and our concern with public safety.

Enclosed is literature on the topic and photos of actual field failures involving Classified circuit breakers that were installed in Square D panels. As you can see, use of these circuit breakers may result in reduced electrical protection, loss of warranty, and a reduced level of safety. Many of your fellow electrical inspectors regard use of these circuit breakers as a Code violation.

Square D's reputation was built on quality, unsurpassed electrical protection, and a concern for public safety. That reputation, and the safety of our customers, may be threatened by the use of Classified and interchangeable circuit breakers.

That's why we have taken a leadership role in the education of the public regarding the possible risks associated with the use of Classified and interchangeable circuit breakers.

We encourage you to use the information enclosed to maintain the excellent record of safety we enjoy in U.S. electrical Installations.

Jim Pauley
Manager, Industry Standards

[Enclosed photographs and data are reproduced below.]

Here is an example of what could happen when a Classified circuit breaker is used with a Square D load center. Square D load centers are designed as a system with mechanical, electrical and heat dissipation standards which exceed minimum standards. Square D's warranty is void when a Classified breaker is installed.

A consumer information flyer from Square D includes text citing that Genuine QO circuit breakers are available only from Square D. Though circuit breakers that fit Square D QO load centers are available, Square D's flyer informs consumers that imitations ar rarely as good as the real thing. Square D's flyer continues that QO circuit breaker 15A and 20A QWIK-OPEN® breakers can trip "faster than the blink of an eye on overcurrents as low as 200 amps."

["Load Centers" are listed and marked as panelboards but commonly called "load centers".]

The flyer points out that QO circuit breakers have been tested and are UL Listed as a system for use in all QO load centers and panelboards. UL Classified imitation QO circuit breakers have not undergone the same testing as genuine QO circuit breakers, and have not been tested in all equipment marked to accept QO circuit breakers.

While the standard QO load center has a 22,000/10,000 amperes short circuit current rating, UL Classified imitation QO breakers are prohibited from use in series rated applications, or applications where there is greater than 10,000 amperes available fault current. The only way to be certain of a UL Listed combination and proper application is to use only genuine QO circuit breakers in Q) equipment.

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Technical Reviewers & References

Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.

Rust and Corrosion in Electrical Panels, A Study and Report on Frequency and Cause for Electrical and Home Inspectors at Residential Electric Panels
"Electrical System Inspection Basics," Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985.
"Simplified Electrical Wiring," Sears, Roebuck and Co., 15705 (F5428) Rev. 4-77 1977 [Lots of sketches of older-type service panels.]
"How to plan and install electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops," Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850.
"Simplified Electrical Wiring," Sears, Roebuck and Co., 15705 (F5428) Rev. 4-77 1977 [Lots of sketches of older-type service panels.]
"Home Wiring Inspection," Roswell W. Ard, Rodale's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40.
"Evaluating Wiring in Older Minnesota Homes," Agricultural Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108.
"Electrical Systems," A Training Manual for Home Inspectors, Alfred L. Alk, American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), 1987, available from ASHI. [DF NOTE: I do NOT recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the original Journal article as it contains unsafe inaccuracies]
"Basic Housing Inspection," US DHEW, S352.75 U48, p.144, out of print, but is available in most state libraries.

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The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.

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Recommended books on electrical inspection, electrical wiring, electrical problem diagnosis, and electrical repair can be found in the Electrical Books section of the InspectAPedia Bookstore. (courtesy of Amazon.com)
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