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 Mobile ViewELECTRICAL INSPECTION, DIAGNOSIS, REPAIR AFCIs ARC FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS ALUMINUM SECs & WIRING ALUMINUM WIRING HAZARDS & REPAIRS AMPS VOLTS DETERMINATION AMPACITY - the LIMITING FACTOR APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY RATINGS BACKUP ELECTRICAL GENERATORS BOOKSTORE - ELECTRICAL BUILDING SAFETY HAZARDS GUIDE Cadet & Encore Heater Recall CIRCUIT BREAKER FAILURE Classified CIRCUIT BREAKER WARNING CIRCUIT BREAKER SIZE for A/C or HEAT PUMP Classified CIRCUIT BREAKER WARNING CUTLER HAMMER PANEL FIRE CONDUIT, ELECTRICAL CORROSION in ELECTRICAL PANELS CORROSION & MOISTURE SOURCES in PANELS DEFINITIONS of ELECTRICAL TERMS DIRECTORY OF ELECTRICIANS ELECTRIC HEAT ELECTRIC METERS & METER BASES ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE ELECTRIC MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET SWITCH ELECTRIC PANEL AMPACITY ELECTRIC PANEL INSPECTION ELECTRIC PANEL MOISTURE Electric Power Frequency Table ELECTRIC WATER HEATER TIMERS ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS ELECTRICAL BASICS ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION PANELS ELECTRICAL GENERATORS ELECTRICAL GROUND SYSTEM INSPECTION ELECTRICAL SERVICE DROP ELECTRICAL SERVICE ENTRY WIRING ELECTRICAL TERMS EMF RF FIELD & FREQUENCY DEFINITIONS FEDERAL PACIFIC FPE HAZARDS FIRE SAFETY Checklist, CPSC GENERATORS, ELECTRICAL GFCI PROTECTION,Testing GFCIs AFCIs HEATING COST FUEL & BTU Cost Table HEAT, ELECTRIC HEAT TAPE USAGE GUIDE Hertz - Definitions of KHz MHz GHz THz KNOB & TUBE WIRING LIGHTING, EXTERIOR GUIDE LIGHTING, INTERIOR GUIDE LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEMS LOW VOLTAGE BUILDING WIRING MAIN DISCONNECT MAIN DISCONNECT AMPACITY MOISTURE SOURCES in PANELS MULTI-WIRE CIRCUITS MURRAY SIEMENS Recall PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS PUSHMATIC - BULLDOG PANELS REMOTE ELECTRIC POWER, PHOTOVOLTAIC RUST in ELECTRICAL PANELS SAFETY for ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS SE CABLE SIZES vs AMPS SIEMENS MURRAY Recall SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS SQUARE-D RECALLS THERMAL EXPANSION of MATERIALS UNDERGROUND SERVICE LATERALS VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS WIND TURBINES & LIGHTNING ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS More Information |
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. InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers nor with topics or services discussed at this website.Critique and content suggestions are invited. Credit is given to content editors and contributors. © Copyright 2012 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use page top links to major topics or use links at the left of each page to navigate within topics and documents at this website. Green links show where you are in a document series or at this website. Square D Warns Against Use of Classified Circuit BreakersSquare D Company (Groupe Schneider) August 30, 1995 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 [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.
["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. Questions & Answers regarding this article. Ask a Question or Search InspectAPediaHTML Comment Box is loading comments...
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