First time I have seen this.. The breaker in question appeared to be labeled for both 15 and 20A. Comparing the labels of other breakers leads me to believe that it is indeed for 15A, but I cannot imagine why “20” would also be printed on the switch. Has anyone else encountered this before or know the reason why?
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Factory defect. When in doubt look at the breaker model number and compare it to one of the others. Q115= single pole, 15 amps.
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Evening, Jordan. Pleasure to meet you. Welcome to the InterNACHI community forum.
Write what you see.
I would be more worried about the condition of the enclosure. Rust and thick coating of dust on the power buss components.
OCPD are at least 43 years old.
I would refer further evaluation for upgrading by a licensed electrical contractor. Act upon any recommendations therein.
From AI: * Brand Transition: After the 1983 acquisition, Siemens Energy and Automation phased out the ITE brand over time, eventually rebranding the low-voltage distribution line entirely to Siemens.
- Equipment Compatibility: Because Siemens retained the original ITE engineering, modern standard Siemens breakers (like the QP type) are fully compatible with and rated for most older ITE load centers.
- When to Upgrade: If your property still utilizes the older ITE-branded models (particularly the ITE Bulldog Pushmatic or Gould-era panels), it is highly recommended to have an electrician evaluate them. Older panels may lack modern safety features like Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) and can experience stiffening or failing mechanisms over time
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Was this a GE or Siemens Panel? (or other) As you have both brands here. I’ll agree that the breaker shows a factory defect as far as labelling and looks like it is a 15amp when compared to the ones bellow vs. the adjacent 20amp.
I would callout the mismatched breakers (evaluation and correction by elec.) and in passing, what looks to be the defective labelling of the breaker. (most likely nothing will be done about the mismatched breakers, but in six months or a year and they sell the home, the next inspector calls it out and makes a big deal about it…)
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Morning, Larry.
Good eyes.
I stayed away from calling out the mismatched OCPD’s and focused on the panels conditions. The reason being, even switching out breakers the overall condition of the inner cabinet & power busses coated with thick dust and rust to me are ‘red flags’ that can drastically increase electrical resistance, trap heat moisture, and cause component failure. Together, they can lead to malfunctioning circuit breakers, electrical arcing, and severe fire or shock hazards. That should be a no brainer.
The mismatched OCPD’s were the frosting on the cake.
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Obviously it is a 215 amp breaker. The wire gauge from here looks undersized.
Robert has the “Solved” answer.
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I suspect I know the answer, but absolutely please specify which ROBERT you are referring to!
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That would be Mr. Meier.
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(Oh thank God)!!
Yep simple solution
Siemens or ITE, is not UL classified to be used in GE (now ABB) panels.
Judging by other breakers around I would think it would be a 20 since they usually go down in size and a 20 is still under the breaker in question. I am new to this and we’re not suppose to guess so further investigation would be needed
Yes it should be confirmed by a licensed sparky or simply replaced. Given the model number I’m sticking with it being a 15 amp circuit breaker.
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What do you mean usually go down in size? The arrangement of circuits may be set by personal preference or based on a defined panel schedule.
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