Square D breaker in a General Electric panel

[Sam Morris]

Is a Square D breaker allowed in a General Electric panel??

[Jim Port]

The information about acceptable breaker brands and types is clearly listed on the label inside the panel.

The short answer is no, this is not kosher.

[Roger Frazee]

Is a Square D breaker allowed in a General Electric panel??

Nope, Square d does not list their breakers for use in other panels. It might be better to say they do not make classified breakers. A classified breaker is one that has been tested by a 3rd party. A classified breaker is manufactured to generally fit several different panelboards and has met so called standards by a 3rd party like uL Labs for use in different panelboards. Bottom line the Square d homeline breaker shown does not belong installed in that GE panel.

For example cutler hammer has a line of classified breakers class cl that will fit several panels and meet UL 67 standards for those panels. See page 5.6 in the below article (link) for information about classified breakers

http://www.eaton.com/ecm/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&allowInterrupt=1&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&noSaveAs=1&Rendition=Primary&dDocName=TB00300002E

It can become very confusing without proper labeling on the oddball breaker so best to do a manufacturer search for the proper use of the breaker in question.

For what it is worth there is absolutely no reason to have a homeline breaker in that panel as GE full size type THQL is common at just about any electrical outlet or big box.

As Jim said it is generally not prudent to install a breaker that is not listed on the panel labeling, About the only time it is necessary to use a classified or 'replacement' breaker is for product that is obsolete and no longer available from the manufacturer.

[Jon Errickson]

Was it in use? I don't see a wire running to it.

[Ted Williams]

Just for a general FYI regarding Square D breakers.

Miami Breaker Recalls Counterfeit Square D Circuit Breakers Due to Fire Hazard (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10749.html)