Are Circuit Breakers Interchangeable?

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Are circuit breakers interchangeable? No, each electrical panel lists compatible breakers. And for the most part, breaker manufacturers make unique breakers that only fit perfectly in their panels.

Circuit Breakers are not one size fits all.

Take a look at the photo below. You can see that the back of these two breakers has two completely different slots. These slots go into a bus bar exclusively designed for their corresponding breaker. Unfortunately, it is possible to forcefully install a breaker on a bus bar.

two non interchangeable circuit breakers

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Even if the Circuit Breakers Fit, They May Be Wrong

It is common for homeowners to want to add a new circuit and new breaker to their home or replace an old defective breaker. However, most homeowners don’t know they need to use the correct breaker type.

At a minimum, you need to ensure you get the right brand. Unless otherwise listed, the circuit breaker brand should match the brand of the panel. For example, a cutler-hammer panel needs cutler hammer breakers, and GE panels need GE breakers.

Even all the breakers made by one manufacturer are not all interchangeable breakers. The panel label on the load center will specify the exact models that are direct fits. A single manufacturer may have several product lines and different types of breakers. You’ll need to make sure you only install the specified breakers.

I took this photo of an electrical service panel label during an electrical inspection. You can see that panel allows different breakers. If you can’t read the small text in the photo, it says:

“BRANCH CKT BRKR ARE A-H MURRAY STYLES MP, MM, AND EP;

BRYANT TYPES BRO, BAR, GFCB;

WESTINGHOUSE TYPES QP, QPGF;

ITE TYPES EQP, QF”

This panel label outlines which circuit breakers are specified for this panel

So this particular panel specifies different brand breakers in the compatibility list. Notice it doesn’t just list the brands; it says precisely which parts number of those third-party brands are allowed.

Conversely this photo I took of a label shows this General Electric Panel only allows its own breakers.

“Use only GE Type Breakers THQL, THHQL, TQDL, THQDL, or TXQL

Warning: Use only with GE type breakers, use of other circuit breakers voids the warranty, may void the UL listing and could result in property loss or personal injury…”

this label specifies only GE breakers are allowed in the panel

The Danger of Improper Circuit Breakers

Now, look at the photo below. Notice how there are several brands of breakers, and they all look out of place? Well, they are! This panel has a variety of breakers, including tandem breakers. These breakers do not belong in this panel; they are loose and have poor connections. Poor connections with electrical equipment can cause arcs, sparks, and possibly a fire.

Panel manufacturers warn against this on their labels, as shown above. Generally, you can only use Square D breakers if you have a Square D panel. However, using the same brand doesn’t always yield the correct results. Most manufacturers will list all of the models of breakers that can be used with the specific panel. However, not all of a manufacturer’s breakers will fit into all of their panel boxes.

if you have a panel like this it is a fire waiting to happen

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Classified Circuit Breakers

Up to this point, we have been talking about specified breakers. Specified breakers are breakers that the panel manufacturer specifies are acceptable for that panel.

There is such a thing as classified breakers. Eaton makes the most UL-classified breakers and defines them as:

“UL Classified breakers are produced by one manufacturer for use in place of the breakers specified on the panelboard. Like specified breakers, UL Classified breakers have been tested in the panels for which they are approved.”

Classified circuit breakers are UL listed and meet all the requirements of the National Electrical Code. The Eaton Cutler-Hammer Brand makes single-pole and double-pole breakers that are approved direct replacements for many different manufacturers and panels.

This doesn’t mean that you can install all Eaton Cutler Hammer breakers in any circuit breaker panel. However, you can go to their website to see if they make a replacement for specific breakers that you need.

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Summary

So, are circuit breakers interchangeable? No, there is no single interchangeable circuit breaker. When working on your electrical panel, you always need to use the correct brand of breakers. For the most part, the panel label will outline which breakers are specified for that panel. However, the use of classified breakers meets the requirements of the National Electrical Code. Local code officials always get the final say on what is allowed in your area.

Take a moment and go to your electrical panel. First, open it and look at the brand on the label. Then, look for the section listing what breakers can be installed in the panel.(Do not remove the cover) Some companies own two brands, so that you may see two brand names. Start at the top breaker and work your way down, ensuring that all the breakers are of the appropriate brand. If not, call an electrician.

Always exercise safety when working with electrical devices. Wear the proper PPE, replace breakers with the same amp circuit breaker there, do your research, and call a professional electrician when in doubt.