Below is a chart of interchangeable Eaton UL Classified breakers: Ultimately, this remains a controversial topic and different manufacturers, third party organizations, and electricians will have differing opinions on whether classified breakers should be used in different panels. The Westinghouse circuit breakers cross reference is a list of exact models of your breaker brand. Thats because although different circuit breakers require the same brand and model for replacement, some of these models are no longer in production. Eaton or Square D) have several incompatible product lines. However, most Murray products were phased out in 2019, so you might be out of luck finding a Murray circuit breaker. It's up to you, low amps probable will not fail, put some high current threw it and check with and inferred camera and look the heat signature. Nothing else is new and should be taken with a grain of salt. Because of this, its best to bring a sample of your current breaker or know the exact model number of your load center. Challenger Panel: Are there any issues with the breakers we are using? However, if you dont have access to the brand itself, theres a very good chance that you can use UL classified breakers made by Eaton as replacements. Learn more, Written byEdwin Jones/ Fact checked byAndrew Wright. They looked absolutely identical to the Challenger/Westinghouse stuff of that time, so I just use a Cutler Hammer breaker if I ever run across one. Where do i find info on what brands can intermix? CEO Update: Paving the road forward with AI and community at the center, Building a safer community: Announcing our new Code of Conduct, AI/ML Tool examples part 3 - Title-Drafting Assistant, We are graduating the updated button styling for vote arrows. Another good example is the hybrid DC circuit breaker, which has been lauded for its lightning-fast fault interrupting mechanism. Do you want to save , How many amps does a 1000 watt ballast use? Here are some things you need to consider when finding a suitable breaker replacement. Simply put, these fulfill the purpose of both AFCI and GFCI breakers in that they can protect against arc faults and ground faults simultaneously. Double-pole breakers Occupy two slots on a breaker panel and protect two energized wires. UL certification means that their breakers are compatible with numerous other companies and vice versa. If the rules apply to qualified personnel they should certainly apply to non qualified personnel. The Detailed Guide for Every Step, The Best Soldering Mats for Better Practical Operations, The Best Soldering Guns for Any Type of Job, What Gauge Wire Do I Need for a 30-Amp Breaker? May 20, 2015 Midwest usually has most of the big brands listed if I remember right. Continue reading to learn each one extensively. Manufacturers like Eaton, GE, and Siemens are a few of the more established brands that first offered dual-function breakers. As always, its best to replace a bad Westinghouse breaker with a new one of the same brand. Cutler-Hammer and Eaton breakers are readily available at Lowes or Home Depot stores. As long as the circuit doesnt require more than that and the appliances are non-heating, electricians will recommend these instead of upgrading to double-poles immediately. Here, we fix components like Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), diodes, transistors, inductors, and integrated circuits , Using the best soldering gun is much easier, safer, and comfortable than using a pen-type soldering iron. With all due respect, I dont think this is true. So, if youre , Youre setting up your propertys electricity. These became fairly common in homes from 1971 onwards due to them becoming a requirement in swimming pools and other wet exterior areas. As weve just discussed, Siemens bought out Murray and made it so that all their circuit breakers were compatible from the year 2002 onward. Unless the circuit breaker is marked on the panelboard as being acceptable or it is UL Classified as being acceptable, the circuit breakers have not been tested in the panelboards and should not be used. However, other manufacturers caution against installing interchangeable breakers in their panels and some state that using these breakers will even void their warranty. Read more detailed single pole vs double pole comparison here. I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. Explained, How to Test HID Ballast? Oil circuit breakers have been around for a while and are actually the earliest forms of these nifty gadgets. Can Extension Cords Get Wet? Single-Pole Circuit Breaker has a tin-plated copper stab to create a reliable, permanent and corrosion-resistant connection. This way, you can ask your supplier to find one that is precisely the same as the one in your home. The breakers are versatile enough to work in most interchangeable panels. Answered. How Many Amps Does a House Use on Average? Air Circuit Breakers: This type of breakers acts differently from their Murray counterparts; they control excess current by acting as arc-extinguishing mediums that operate at specific atmospheric pressures. This specific circuit voltage refers to the voltage that your appliances and devices get from this circuit. For example, you cant use a regular circuit breaker for circuits near water or in wet places, even if it has the same rating and comes from the same brand. If you can find a replacement breaker of a different brand that has the same model number, theres a very good chance that you can use it as a replacement if it fits your box. If thats the case, you might need help finding a new circuit breaker that fits your load center, even if it has the same specs as your old one. Square D is one of the more popular breaker brands available almost everywhere. It has been fun to work with Andrew and apply his incredible knowledge to our content. I guess it's ok for a home inspector to pull covers off of panels as long as he has been properly trained in the use of PPE's and is required to use such protective equipment when he is exposed to energized parts. Because Eaton is interchangeable with so many different circuit breakers, its common for electricians to install Eaton panel boxes in new homes. However, like all electrical parts, circuit breakers tend to go bad and must be replaced. As said earlier, Westinghouse circuit breakers are compatible with Square D, Eaton, and Cutler-Hammer because they have the same ownership. Now, youre wondering Can you connect two generator cords together? The short answer is yes, you can use more than , Do you often buy a new ballast for your car? 10-08-04, 01:32 PM. Do you have an old one that you want to know if it still works? That said, the answer to this , Electricians need a ton of effort when it comes to tidying up their work desk. You should also make sure that the construction of the new breaker is compatible with the bus bars and the construction of the Westinghouse panel box. Thats why you have to be careful when finding a replacement for your old one. However, during this time, we may also encounter sudden power losses, leading us to use generators. Definition, Functions, Classifications & More. Challenger panels and breakers are one of the older circuit breaker manufacturers on this list. I think it is because the product image shows "MP-AT2" and the table shows "MP-AT". Hello, I'm Sam. I had an inspector tell me one time, that the issue was not only what breakers are UL listed as interchangeable, but whether the manufacturer would warranty their panel if it had another manufacturers breaker in it. While we can utilize hammers and other essential , Ive met many people who put no thought into the conduits they will use for their wiring and electrical projects. (Answered), How Many Amps Does a Sump Pump Draw? To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Which one should I get? Because Bryant circuit breakers no longer get produced, its extremely difficult to find a replacement breaker with the Bryant brand. Specified breakers are breakers that have been tested and listed for a panel by the manufacturer. This post will list the various breaker types compatible with Westinghouse panels. , We sometimes place our refrigerator in an area with no nearby outlets. I'm looking for compatible AFCI breakers onlinefor exampleis this Siemens breaker - QA115AFC compatible? In this situation, the question that may come into mindis, Can you plug a refrigerator into an extension , Youre here because the generator is far from the outlet. A molded-case circuit breaker may or may not have features that make it easy to tell if it is real or fake. Only take the breaker if the barcode is present or the seal is broken for any reason. What dual function CAFCI+GFCI breaker fits an older Murray Breaker Box? Furthermore, looking in the Westinghouse breaker compatibility chart will also give you a much faster way to find a compatible breaker. As a result, Westinghouse breakers are compatible with Eaton, Cutler-Hammer, and Square D circuit breakers. Square D Breaker Compatibility Chart Is Square D Compatible With Siemens? You should always put the safety of your home and family above all else when it comes to breaker replacement. Siemens breakers are almost always compatible with GE panel boxes as long as the model number on the GE breaker matches the one on the Siemens replacement. Join Date: Sep 2003. There is some more info on this at a site called "Inspection News". Number suffixes on the type marking (such as QAF2 vs QAF and MP-AT2 vs MP-AT) are used to denote a revised type of breaker that is still compatible with the original and can be used in place of it, so they don't matter in your case. Location: New Hampshire. Most breakers have two contacts, which, once reached by the arc, will open and give access to the oil deposited within their respective constructions. Often, this date code is erased to make the breaker look brand new. Thousands, if not millions, of older homes throughout the US, operate with Westinghouse panel boxes. How to find out what breakers are compatible with my panel? Another big reason that Eaton is compatible with numerous breakers is that the company that owns the production rights for Eaton breakers owns the same rights for various companies. Single-poles provide a 120-volt service and have amp ratings that range between 15 to 20 amps. As home inspectors you guys don't usually pull covers off panels to check inside, do you? It sounds like just an assumption of what might happen. If that is the case, even if you find a circuit breaker with the same specifications as your current breaker, the new one might not fit your load center. 4,890 24 96 131 Post a photograph of some of the breakers and any markings on them. To say that it outright. 200 Amp Wire Size: Length & Wiring Gauge Guide, Bad GFCI Outlet: 13 Things You Should Know, Microwave Breaker Size: Wire & Outlet for Microwave Ovens, 40 Amp Wire Size: Wire & Breaker Size Guide, Founded by Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector. The meter socket is compatible with overhead and underground service entrance feed types. If the sealant is sloppy or absent altogether, this is a sign that the unit may have been tampered with somehow. In addition to Siemens, a few other circuit breakers might be compatible with Murray. Because of who owns the rights, the four breakers look almost the same but have different nameplates: Some models of circuit breakers are essentially compatible aside from upgraded electronics and can therefore be used interchangeably despite having different nameplates. Weve all heard of General Electric and likely have at least one appliance or electrical device made by the company. Westinghouse had an air circuit breaker line that worked with low voltage. Breaker function refers to where you need to install your circuit breaker. While these other breakers will work, theres a good chance they will violate your local building code or void the warranty on your panel box. The amount of oil stored in the breakers depends on the total voltage required by the system. Unfortunately, if Murray made your breaker box or circuit breaker before 2002, theres no guarantee that Siemens will be compatible with it. If the breaker has the same "Type" letter markings on it as are listed on the panelboard label, you're fine. I established this blog after eight years of experience designing, installing, and maintaining electrical power systems. It also refers to the amount of current and voltage in a circuit. Determining whether specific breakers are compatible with a panel is outside the scope of a home inspection and further evaluation by a licensed electrician is the best course of action to properly assess circuit breakers. We believe everyone is entitled to a healthy, safe, environmentally sound, and energy efficient place to live. Do you need to replace one or more breakers in your panel? A general rule of thumb is that you must match the brand of breaker to the brand of the panel. Luckily, the company that makes Westinghouse breakers makes several other brands, as we recently discussed. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. What Breakers are Compatible with Siemens? I'm buying 20A and 15A AFCI breakers. If you cannot locate or cant wait for a GE replacement breaker, your best bet is to use Siemens as your alternative brand. These stand out when compared to their single-pole counterparts because theyre twice as large and require as much more room in a panel. Is there a better way to find these breakers? If this coding isnt there, it could mean that the breaker has been messed with. Its never worth saving a few bucks to put the wrong breaker into your panel box and risk a fire hazard or electrocution. I know Seimens makes one for Sq.D, etc Jraef Moderator Staff member Read more. How do I determine if the ballast is the culprit when my HID lights wont turn on? Is there an exhaustive list of approved breakers for these Siemens panels? Come join the discussion about trade knowledge, tools, certifications, wiring, builds, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! What Breakers are Compatible with Challenger? Siemens/ITE Circuit Breakers [FAQ] When it comes time to replace an old breaker in an electrical panel, problems do arise. From 2002 on, however, all Murray and Siemens circuit breakers were made the same and are compatible. Usually the JW that does the tie in at the panel will bring out his PPE's and set them on the ground next to the panel just in case the boss man shows up. I see the table on the bottom for Main Breaker and Branch Breakers. Circuit Breakers. Many companies still prefer them for their affordability and no-nonsense performance. by TomT. Anything other than this can point to fraudulent activity. The construction of circuit breaker means its design or mounting style. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. Theyre also one of the more common replacements for old panel boxes. As far as their compatibility is concerned, Siemens breakers can work in GE panels. 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 86 ratings | 18 answered questions . They can be safe when used according to their rating but dangerous when not used right. This is good news for Eaton and GE because Eaton and Siemens are compatible with one another. (Answered), How Many Amps is 50 Watts? Luckily, electrical companies have caught on to the impracticality of having brands so different from one another. You should note that even if you can find a replacement breaker with the Challenger brand, it may not be the best option for you. If you are having a hard time finding your exact breaker model in the market, you can find another brand. 7 Steps to Remember. For this reason, its better if you bring a sample of your current breaker or that you know the exact model number of your load center, so you can ask your supplier to find one thats precisely compatible with the one installed in your house. Its probably a good thing then that Eaton bought out Cutler-Hammer in 1978. Westinghouses molded case circuit breakers protect your electrical system from overloads and short circuits with fast switching and thermal-magnetic trip mechanisms. Meaning, a circuit breaker has a rating that can be used for each type of application. Single Pole Breakers. Super Easy Steps to Follow. HACR Breaker vs Regular Breaker: What Makes Them Different? Most of the time, a circuit breaker is compatible only with the same brand as your load center. Will newer Siemens AFCI/GFCI circuit breakers handle washing machine loads better than older versions? If this is the case, knowing what will work that you have easy access to is important. All Rights Reserved. Westinghouse is a popular brand of home automation and electric breaker panels. Theyre meant to serve power-hungry lines that single-poles cant handle since their amperage capacity ranges from 20 to 60 amps. Is there any evidence suggesting or refuting that Russian officials knowingly lied that Russia was not going to attack Ukraine? How to search for all text lines that start with a tab character? This type of breaker will trip if one or both of the wires short out or becomes overloaded. CH also has a line that is interchangeable with Square D. If it's a GE, it gets a GE breaker. The GE Q-line 20 Amp 1 in. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct. Keep in mind that Cutler Hammer breakers are still available; there are fewer worldwide. If that isnt possible, as it often isnt, any one of these alternative options is ok as long as the model numbers match up. For the most part, as long as the model numbers match up, Square D is compatible with other major brands such as Siemens, Cutler-Hammer, Eaton, GE, Murray, Homeline, and Westinghouse. Check with your specific panel box before using another breaker in place of your Square Done. Replacing a panel box is expensive work, so you should locate an acceptable replacement for the breaker if possible unless the box presents a safety hazard. Most residential solar companies require it. If it's a Cutler Hammer, it gets a Cutler. Here, we fix components like Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), diodes, transistors, inductors, and integrated circuits , Whether youre new or a veteran in creating stained glass art, we know that a stained glass soldering iron is one of the hardest things to buy due to its , Did you install electrical boxes for a new set of circuit series? How strong is a strong tie splice to weight placed in it from above? Regarding overall popularity and use, Square D is almost always at the top of the list. The first options you should look for are Siemens QAF, QPF, QT, and QP. You may encounter more classifications online, but these are the ones that are mainly used in the US. Cartoon series about a world-saving agent, who is an Indiana Jones and James Bond mixture. Although you should have no difficulty finding a second GE breaker to replace your old one, there are times when you wont be able to or simply dont have time to wait. Circuit breakers, like many systems in a home, may need to be replaced if they are defective or no longer operate properly. See more. While certain breakers from different makers may appear similar in construction or have the same load capacity, this doesnt mean theyre interchangeable. Midwest Electric Products is an industry leader in manufacturing quality weatherproof electrical equipment. The most preferred sub-type of this breaker is the said air blast version since it is able to quench arcs quicker, is easier to maintain, and, unlike oil, isnt flammable. The different types of breakers mainly revolve around these five, especially if it pertains to fixing electrical issues. Some manufacturers accept interchangeable breakers and do not take issue with these breakers being installed in their panels as acceptable replacements. Calculation Guide, How to Install a 240V Circuit Breaker? Are these Challenger Type C breakers and panel safe? Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts. Handle 15- to 30-amps. Galvin Power is reader-supported. Below is an example of a compatibility chart by Eaton. An Experts Answer, How to Test HID Ballast? Thank you. In laymans terms, they quench electrical arcs (much like a standard breaker) by relying mostly on the said gas. The unit has a dedicated calibration screw which . Can You Plug a Refrigerator into an Extension Cord? Leaving . What if the numbers and words I wrote on my check don't match? I have a Milbank box with a Seimens breaker in it. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Certifications: B.E.E. Browse our selection of breakers below & please let us know if you need any assistance. Most manufacturers change how their circuit breakers and load centers are made to make them more efficient and easier to use. Super Easy Steps to Follow, The Best Soldering Mats for Better Practical Operations, The Best Magnifying Glasses for Soldering Applications Reviewed, The Best Soldering Irons for Stained Glass, How to Connect PVC Conduit to an Electrical Box? They would think that any pipe is more than enough , About Contact Privacy Policy Disclaimer. Do I use the Siemens Type Q Breaker in ITE Blueline Loadcenter panel? If youre at your wits end with trying to solve the problem yourself, you might have to resort to asking a professional electrician. There is a label place on the inside of the enclosure that lists the circuit breakers the manufacturer has tested and approved to be installed in that enclosure. Available in three types: Full size (1-inch wide), half size (1/2-inch wide) and twin/ tandem (1-inch wide with two switches and controls two circuits). Can You Connect Two Generator Cords Together? The line is a bit blurry regarding whether or not Bryant is compatible with Square D. Bryant is compatible with Murray and GE, and both of those brands are interchangeable with Square D. Therefore, with deductive reasoning, we can conclude that Bryant and Square D are most likely compatible, but you might violate your local building code. Specifically, I'm looking at a Bryant panel with some G/E breakers. They quickly trip whenever a damaging electrical fault occurs , Your safest bets are Siemens QAF, QPF, QT, and QP. It can also be used to talk about the load center in your house. When that happens, you must know which circuit breakers are interchangeable with those you currently have. Despite their former popularity, you may run into trouble when trying to find a new Westinghouse breaker if an old one goes bad. Calculation Guide, How Many Times Can a Breaker Trip Before Needing a Replacement. Brand: Wired Rite. Providing a relaxed, informal and family-friendly dining experience, Breakers Restaurants has been "Keep'n it Kiwi" since 1997. Does Russia stamp passports of foreign tourists while entering or exiting Russia? Lets review the list of breakers compatible with Square D circuit breakers. The only one I'm confused about are the short lived Thomas and Betts loadcenters. Therefore, the brand should be the primary consideration while shopping for a new Westinghouse circuit breaker. You can check under the panel column for compatible Eaton UL Classified breakers. JavaScript is disabled. Breaker definition, a person or thing that breaks. Circuit breakers come in different sizes, ratings, and types. Upvote # 2 11-24-13, 10:32 AM pcboss Forum Topic Moderator Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Maryland Conclusion Industrial and commercial complexes also use these to prevent electrical hazards, but on a more comprehensive scale. One person found this . These circuit breakers read current ratings like most types of breakers. (Answered), How Many Watts is 30 Amps? You will have to dig around the Eaton site to find the literature For what's it worth Home Depot sells them. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. As a result, there are usually at least one or two circuit breaker brands interchangeable with other breakers. While panel boxes and breakers often look similar, many are not interchangeable or compatible. Its ideal for high voltage systems. Nonprofit Home Inspections | Licensed, Bonded and Insured, Home Inspector Training Washington State, Personal Protective Equipment for Home Inspectors. Forgive me guys, I'm a new home inspector (about a year in) and I'm trying to learn as much as I can to better serve my clients Can someone direct me to a site where I can check breaker compatibility? Luckily, several options are available to swap out with Challenger breakers.Breaker BrandCan be Interchanged with ChallengerCan be Legally Interchanged with ChallengerGEYesCutler-HammerYesEatonYesBryantYesSquare DYesHomelineYesMurrayYes. Theres a lot to dig into with Square D breakers and whether or not theyre compatible with other brands. What Breakers are Compatible with Murray? I love my job, and I have always wanted to offer others the necessary help so they can take care of their houses. We have 200 A service. Post a photograph of some of the breakers and any markings on them. ITE Breakers Siemens Announces Free I-T-E Circuit Breaker Box Inspection Program What Breakers Are Compatible With ITE Panels? With a single switch and thinner size, these are the old circuit breaker types you see in panels. Whether you're looking for molded, mini or 1, 2 & 3 pole circuit breakers, we've got you covered! For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. No matter where you are in the country, theres a good chance that you can find at least one of these options that are interchangeable with Eaton. When replacing a circuit breaker, there are several different options: Replaced the breaker with a specified breaker made by the manufacturer of the panel, or As with all circuit breaker brands, its always best to replace a Murray breaker with another Murray breaker. ultramegabob Senior Member Location Indiana Jul 8, 2008 #4 peter d said: As a , Youre here because the generator is far from the outlet. The first option you should consider for replacing your Bryant breaker is a CB made by Eaton or Cutler-Hammer. Galvin Power is reader-supported. You must know which breakers are interchangeable, not just in appearance but also in functionality. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Its necessary to replace circuit breakers when they get too old or malfunction. Please Tell Us How We Can Improve This Article. In 1994, Eaton bought Westinghouses Distribution and Control Business Unit (DCBU) and combined it with their Cutler-Hammer business unit to make a new solid company. Its a brand thats gone slightly downhill as far as circuit breakers are concerned. You can find them in most parts of the world. The breaker box is a single-phase, 3-wire unit with a factory installed main breaker. Each is packed separately and shipped in a box with an Eaton label. UL certified means that the Underwriters Laboratory had approved the breakers for use as replacement breakers. For this circuit, you need a GFCI breaker to keep people from getting electrocuted or hurt. (no pun intended). At any rate, you should always match the model numbers together to make sure theyre compatible. Im talking about being able to interrupt currents as high as 200 amps in mere milliseconds! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Circuit breakers were one of their biggest products in years past, but production has steadily declined in recent decades. Heres Answer! I don't know if they even have a listed replacement. Meaning, you have many choices when you need to replace your Westinghouse breaker. I see "QA" and "QAFH" in the table. Its a must to keep wirings around the house safe with a PVC electrical conduit connecting to an , What gauge wire do I need for a 30-amp breaker? So, when searching for a new one to replace your old one, you must be careful. peter d Senior Member Location New England Jul 8, 2008 #3 I don't know if this helps, but on the Milbank ones I've seen and installed, they list pretty much every type of breaker (Sq D, CH, GE, etc) as being suitable for use. As a result, any Murray breakers newer than 20 years old are compatible with Siemens breakers. Siemens still uses the Murray brand so if the panel doesn't say Murray I would stick with Siemens breakers. rev2023.6.2.43474. Nonprofit Home Inspections What Breakers are Compatible with Westinghouse? I think it is because the product image shows "QAF2" However the table shows "QAF". Many old houses use the breakers that Westinghouse makes. The same company makes both the Eaton and Westinghouse brands. This refers to circuit breaker types, including the GFCI and the AFCI circuit breakers. Some can do with minimum amounts while others cant operate without a substantial deposit. There is NO PANEL that is UL listed using anything other than the ORIGINAL breakers shown in their listing, generally being breakers of the same mfr (although not universally true).