Mixed brand breakers

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1

Originally Posted By: Robert Gallahorn
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Does anyone report mixed branding of breakers in a panel? Are there acceptable replacements other than OEM?

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It’s all in the wording

2

Originally Posted By: Blaine Wiley
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Mixed brand breakers may not be in keeping with the manufacturers instructions, which would make it an improper installation. The manufacturer usually specifies the type and brand of circuit breaker on the label inside the panel (which often isn’t fully visible). I report it, especially in FPE panels. icon_eek.gif or if there are indications of amateur electric workmanship elsewhere in the home or in the panel.

3

Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Breakers, in this regard, fall into 3 categories.


You have the OEM breaker, labelled for the panel in question. These should be OK.


On the other extreme you have a breaker that simply “fits” but has not been evaluated. This could be a serious problem.


The dispute lies with a breaker that is not from the OEM but has been evaluated by a NRTL and is “classified” as a suitable replacement.


Square D hates them.


http://ecatalog.squared.com/pubs/Electrical%20Distribution/Load%20Centers/0106BR0502.pdf


Cuttler Hammer says they are better than sliced bread.


http://www.eatonelectrical.com/unsecure/cms1/SA00304001E.PDF


U/L defends their testing


http://www.iaei.org/magazine/00_a/ul_question.pdf

4

Originally Posted By: Robert Gallahorn
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Thanks for the PDF?s. I recently reported review by qualified electrician for compatibility.


Seems like that may be easier than memorizing compatibility charts.

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It's all in the wording