# Is a circuit breaker defective if it doesn't have an amperage rating label? **URL:** \ **Category:** Electrical Inspections\ **Created:** [February 23, 2025, 6:45am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/is-a-circuit-breaker-defective-if-it-doesnt-have-an-amperage-rating-label/252956 "2025-02-23T06:45:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![rkenney](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rkenney/32/405447_2.png) [@rkenney](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rkenney)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2025, 9:35pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/is-a-circuit-breaker-defective-if-it-doesnt-have-an-amperage-rating-label/252956/21 "2025-02-23T21:35:16Z")
> [@rmeier2](#): > > Life’s too short no need to bicker on this forum. Then don’t ! ![Boxing](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/f/f/ffd8c0e67a035d581c77effd54fec097bbf524a1.gif) ---
**Author:** ![rmeier2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rmeier2/32/59909_2.png) [@rmeier2](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rmeier2)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2025, 9:40pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/is-a-circuit-breaker-defective-if-it-doesnt-have-an-amperage-rating-label/252956/22 "2025-02-23T21:40:34Z")
> [@rkenney](#): > > Then don’t !. Right back atcha. 😘 ---
**Author:** ![rbleich](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rbleich/32/423577_2.png) [@rbleich](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rbleich)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2025, 1:50pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/is-a-circuit-breaker-defective-if-it-doesnt-have-an-amperage-rating-label/252956/23 "2025-02-24T13:50:22Z")
> [@rkenney](#): > > Maryland SOP is identical to ASHI > [@rkenney](#): > > Neither SOP require you to determine that conductors are “correct.” I think you’re wrong. ASHI just requires inspection of conductors(6) and is open to interpretation. Maryland SOP appears to be more specific in regards to how branch circuit conductors(10) are used and installed with electrical devices, which would include OCPD, and if the installation is safe. ![IMG_4831](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/3/d/3/3d39eb72a2980ec2102c6d7d6188ef768e320352.jpeg) ![IMG_4832](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/8/0/d/80df2e0ce77f148b95ae486bf8b19f72974933f7.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![jdepiero](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jdepiero/32/356888_2.png) [@jdepiero](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jdepiero)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2025, 1:57pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/is-a-circuit-breaker-defective-if-it-doesnt-have-an-amperage-rating-label/252956/24 "2025-02-24T13:57:04Z")
> [@kleonard](#): > > I would write it up as being unable to determine the amperage rating of circuit breaker and recommend that an Electrician verify that an overfusing condition doesn’t exist and identify and label breaker amperage as needed. What Kevin said, and don’t over think it, move on. time is money! ---
**Author:** ![rmeier2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rmeier2/32/59909_2.png) [@rmeier2](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rmeier2)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2025, 2:00pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/is-a-circuit-breaker-defective-if-it-doesnt-have-an-amperage-rating-label/252956/25 "2025-02-24T14:00:12Z")
> [@rbleich](#): > > I think you’re wrong. ASHI just requires inspection of conductors(6) and is open to interpretation. Maryland SOP appears to be more specific in regards to how branch circuit conductors(10) are used and installed with electrical devices, which would include OCPD, and if the installation is safe.. Could they write it in language that is anymore ambiguous? In Bob’s defense what you’ve quoted is so wishy-washy that it can mean just about anything. The NJ SOP got it right by spelling it out in a language that requires no interpretation. > NJ: > > ``` > i) When inspecting the electrical system, a home inspector shall: > > Inspect: > v) Over-current protection devices and the compatibility of their ampacity with that of the > connected wiring > > ``` ---
**Author:** ![rbleich](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rbleich/32/423577_2.png) [@rbleich](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rbleich)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2025, 3:27pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/is-a-circuit-breaker-defective-if-it-doesnt-have-an-amperage-rating-label/252956/26 "2025-02-24T15:27:03Z")
> [@rmeier2](#): > > In Bob’s defense what you’ve quoted is so wishy-washy that it can mean just about anything. The NJ SOP got it right by spelling it out in a language that requires no interpretation. Okay, in Bob’s defense, NJ is more specific than MD. I just hope he didn’t spend his entire career not checking compatibility because it wasn’t clear enough. It still doesn’t change the fact that ASHI SOP and Maryland SOP aren’t identical. ---
**Author:** ![rmeier2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rmeier2/32/59909_2.png) [@rmeier2](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rmeier2)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2025, 3:37pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/is-a-circuit-breaker-defective-if-it-doesnt-have-an-amperage-rating-label/252956/27 "2025-02-24T15:37:38Z")
> [@rbleich](#): > > Okay, in Bob’s defense, NJ is more specific than MD. I just hope he didn’t spend his entire career not checking compatibility of the breaker and the wiring.. IMO if you’re going to remove the panel cover then you should check the conductor size and the circuit breaker size whether it’s required or not. I’m wondering why this isn’t clearly spelled out in every SOP. It could be very important. ---
**Author:** ![ryoung7](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ryoung7/32/188798_2.png) [@ryoung7](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ryoung7)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2025, 3:49pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/is-a-circuit-breaker-defective-if-it-doesnt-have-an-amperage-rating-label/252956/28 "2025-02-24T15:49:54Z")
> [@ahowell1](#): > > **Is a circuit breaker defective** if it doesn’t have an amperage rating label? Morning, Adam. Does the panel board manufacture recommend this breaker? I think the term **defective** is the wrong verbiage. I would say/note in my report, there is a Deficiency of/in the OCPD ampacity labeling. Deficiency; _a lack or shortage_ (to the OCPD labeling.) It would fall under Limitations I believe. Observation: Breaker or OCPD in slot/s 6 and 7, on the right hand side of the panel board, has a labeling Deficiency. **Unknow ampacity.** Limitations: Unable to determine. Recommend a licensed electrician, or electrical contractor, depending where you live, label the OCPD properly, or replace the OCPD if deficient for overload protection. Act upon any recommendations therein. ---
**Author:** ![ahowell1](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ahowell1/32/174007_2.png) [@ahowell1](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ahowell1)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2025, 5:05pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/is-a-circuit-breaker-defective-if-it-doesnt-have-an-amperage-rating-label/252956/29 "2025-02-24T17:05:14Z")
> [@ryoung7](#): > > Does the panel board manufacture recommend this breaker? The manufacturer does not recommend installation of an unlabeled breaker. This is the language that I put in the report under the black section (NOT A DEFECT) on circuit breakers: > [[Undetermined Ampacity Rating]]Two of the circuit breakers in the panel enclosure were missing an ampacity rating label. A qualified licensed electrical contractor should evaluate them further to determine if the branch circuit wiring attached to them were adequately sized to meet the needs of the fixtures that were potentially fed by those circuits. ---
**Author:** ![bcawhern1](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bcawhern1/32/408713_2.png) [@bcawhern1](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bcawhern1)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2025, 5:41pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/is-a-circuit-breaker-defective-if-it-doesnt-have-an-amperage-rating-label/252956/30 "2025-02-24T17:41:08Z")
I questions about a possible scenarios to anyone willing to take a stab. The CB rating was not visible vs. not present. Could the CB be a safety switch and offer no over current protection? Could over current protection be supplied at the appliance only (water heater)? Is a safety switch (with no over current protection) acceptable in the panel? ---
**Author:** ![ryoung7](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ryoung7/32/188798_2.png) [@ryoung7](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ryoung7)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2025, 6:14pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/is-a-circuit-breaker-defective-if-it-doesnt-have-an-amperage-rating-label/252956/31 "2025-02-24T18:14:10Z")
> [@ahowell1](#): > > The manufacturer does not recommend installation of an unlabeled breaker. Hi, Adam. I think you misunderstood the meaning or intent of the subject, or I did not explain it well, which is likely the case. Let me start over. Each panel board manufacturer, Eaton, Schneider Eclectic, GE, Cutter Hamer, etc… adds a label inside the panel that determines the kind of breaker box you have. The label will include safety deterrents, model type, **and suggested/recommended breaker types**. ---
**Author:** ![ahowell1](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ahowell1/32/174007_2.png) [@ahowell1](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ahowell1)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2025, 6:52pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/is-a-circuit-breaker-defective-if-it-doesnt-have-an-amperage-rating-label/252956/32 "2025-02-24T18:52:13Z")
> [@ryoung7](#): > > Each panel board manufacturer, Eaton, Schneider Eclectic, GE, Cutter Hamer, etc… adds a label inside the panel that determines the kind of breaker box you have. The label will include safety deterrents, model type, **and suggested/recommended breaker types**. These are the only relevant pics that I have to your question. Even with this information, we still don’t know who manufactured the unlabeled breakers. They look like GE breakers. ![iskmBs_136](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/8/7/3/8732886ce72fd49e71a1ca1bfa665c49c7188bf7.jpeg) ![iskmBs_139](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/2/d/f/2df7141ee2236ba9f94067ffbd9fb76dbedc6eb3.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![rmeier2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rmeier2/32/59909_2.png) [@rmeier2](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rmeier2)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2025, 6:59pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/is-a-circuit-breaker-defective-if-it-doesnt-have-an-amperage-rating-label/252956/33 "2025-02-24T18:59:03Z")
> [@ahowell1](#): > > These are the only relevant pics that I have to your question. Even with this information, we still don’t know who manufactured the unlabeled breakers. They look like GE breakers… I agree, they appear to be GE but the amp rating is missing, at least from what is visible in the photo. The breaker would need to be removed to see if it has any other markings that may indicate the current rating. ---
**Author:** ![ryoung7](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ryoung7/32/188798_2.png) [@ryoung7](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ryoung7)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2025, 7:11pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/is-a-circuit-breaker-defective-if-it-doesnt-have-an-amperage-rating-label/252956/34 "2025-02-24T19:11:39Z")
> [@ahowell1](#): > > These are the only relevant pics that I have to your question. Adam, can you clean up the images? I feel you are missing a portion of the panel legend. I can not make out the Cat No or Catalog Number. But with GE electrical panels, on the legend you typically see, “Use only GE type breakers.” From memory, I have seen GE over current equipment or breakers like that without ampacity rating on the ON/OFF handle/toggle/operator on more than one occasion. It surely resembles a GE breaker. ![ge panel board legend](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/e/1/1/e11d241c8fb769edd0ee2547c13452a5b5ebad13.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![ahowell1](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ahowell1/32/174007_2.png) [@ahowell1](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ahowell1)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2025, 7:36pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/is-a-circuit-breaker-defective-if-it-doesnt-have-an-amperage-rating-label/252956/35 "2025-02-24T19:36:10Z")
> [@ryoung7](#): > > Adam, can you clean up the images? I feel you are missing a portion of the panel legend. > I can not make out the Cat No or Catalog Number. No. However, I can read enough of the Cat. No. legend to see that it says, “Use only with GE Type THQP, TCP-TQL…” [Previous page](https://forum.nachi.org/t/is-a-circuit-breaker-defective-if-it-doesnt-have-an-amperage-rating-label/252956.md?page=1)