Which Circuit Breakers Are Interchangeable?

 Replacing circuit breakers for your electric carrier panel however now no longer certain which of them to use? Normally you'll simply visit the panel and appearance up the required breakers the producer has indexed. Maybe you’re seeking to shop cash or can’t discover the element you’re searching out and now you’re searching out alternatives. Here is the grimy fact approximately interchanging circuit breakers.

 Specified, UL Classified / Interchangeable Circuit Breakers

Specified breakers imply the producer has examined the breakers with inside the panel and indexed them for use in that panel. You have in all likelihood noticed “UL Classified” and interchangeable circuit breakers across the market. These are breakers which have been examined in panels that they're authorized for, just like producer detailed breakers. Essentially, they're a one-of-a-kind logo from the panel producer however are nonetheless of their electric carrier panel.

There’s a touch controversy approximately UL Classified and interchangeable breakers. Some producers haven't any trouble with Classified breakers even as others do. Manufacturers like Square D warns towards using Classified and interchangeable breakers. They web page the National Electrical Code (NEC) Section 110-3(b), which states that the use of breakers now no longer indexed or categorized is a code violation. Their argument is for public protection drawing proof from beyond injuries because of using Classified breakers of their panel. The pics under are damages to a Square D load middle from the use of a categorized breaker.eaton panel compatible breakers

Square D insists that that is a code violation a good way to bring about their guarantee void. They went as a ways as to mention that you could lose your license. However, Eaton and the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) could disagree.

Public protection is a factor, that's why a 3rd party, just like the UL, lists appropriate producer substitute breakers (UL Classified). These breakers meet UL and NEC code regulations. UL has said that humans have to adhere to all producer provided instructions. Moreover, UL additionally said that Classified breakers may be used for his or her authorized panels. (Source: UL Marking and Application Guide Panelboards). On the be aware of guarantee void, producers can not void their guarantee if the substitute element has tested to be secure via way of means of a 3rd-party, as an instance UL (Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act).

Compatibility Chart

There are charts that display what circuit breakers are interchangeable. For instance, the chart under indicates an instance of a pass reference of Type CL 1″ breakers that would be interchangeable for panel installations. You can take a look at below the panel column for like minded Eaton UL Classified breakers. eaton electrical cutler hammer

Eaton Type CL UL Classified Breakers

Conclusion

In short, the producer’s specification is continually an excellent first choice. Otherwise, simply update the identical kind of current breakers with inside the box. Manufacturers could need to specify their personal breakers to be used of their panel boards for apparent monetary reasons. However, bear in mind you've got got alternatives with UL Classified breakers just like the chart above. Some electricians use Classified breakers for apparent reasons, whether or not for price, availability, or convenience. But which ever circuit breakers you pass with, ensure to put in them safely.