Breaker / Panel Interchangability

[hilbonix]

I suspect I'll be bludgeoned and abused for this question but I'll ask anyway.
Is there a cross reference of which breakers mount into which panels ? Is it even allowed to have different types in the same panel ? I know each manufacturer specifies that only their breakers can be used in their panel/load centers but I have a situation where there are at least 3 different manufactures represented in the same panel. (GE, Murray, Siemens) Since I'd like to retrofit in some AFCI breakers it would be good to know what style breakers would fit into the panel. A cross reference of what breakers are the same fit and function would be quite helpful.

Or is this something that an inspector would see and smack me with the nearest 2x4 ?

[ryan_618]

The only violation that could be cited would be 110.3(B) if it applies. If you are using breakers that have been listed for interchangability, there is no violation. You might try getting on the manufacturer's website to see if they have the listing information.

Just remember that just becasue a breaker physically fits in the panel does not always mean that it is listed and labeled for the purpose.

[sandsnow]

If an inspector is influenced by manufacturer rhetoric, he will not allow the "classifeied" (not sure of term) c/b's.
Some manufacturer reps have a real problem with those breakers and claim a big safety issue. How can that be though if UL evaluated it and found it acceptable?

[ryan_618]

Originally posted by sandsnow:
If an inspector is influenced by manufacturer rhetoric, he will not allow the "classifeied" (not sure of term) c/b's.
Some manufacturer reps have a real problem with those breakers and claim a big safety issue. How can that be though if UL evaluated it and found it acceptable?

The inspector has no basis for failing the installation if the breakers are identified for the purpose. What code section will he cite?

[hilbonix]

I'm pleased that the consensus seems to be that if the UL/NEC ratings are the same, and it fits in the panel, then "any" breaker should be OK. But no one has indicated that a cross reference for residential type CB's is available.
I may just have to try the self education/trial and error route. It won't be the first time.

[ryan_618]

I searched for about 10 minutes and couldn't find a good list. You may have to search by the individual manufacturer. For example, I found this press release from Siemens showing that they have a listed replacement for Sqaure D QO breakers:

http://www.sea.siemens.com/resident/product/S3013.pdf

[gregoryelectricinc]

I think you may be misunderstanding some of the replies here. No one is saying that "if it fits, it is OK". What they ARE saying is "if it fit AND is listed for use in the panel you intend to use it in" THEN it is OK. For example, Cutler Hammer has a "classified" breaker that is listed for use in virtually every panel that it will physically fit into. However, a Sq. D Homeline breaker, although it fits into a Siemens panel, is NOT listed for that use.

[iwire]

Actually no breaker is UL "listed" for use in another makers panel.

UL "Classifies" breakers for use in other panels,

For you to be able to do this the model number of the panel must be on the literature included with the replacement breaker.

If the model number of your panel is not on the literature you are out of luck.

[iwire]

From the UL White Book

CIRCUIT BREAKERS, MOLDED-CASE,
CLASSIFIED FOR USE IN SPECIFIED
EQUIPMENT (DIXF)
GENERAL
This category covers Classified molded-case circuit breakers rated 15 to
50 A, 120/240 V maximum that have been investigated and found suitable
for use in place of other Listed circuit breakers in specific Listed panelboards.
The circuit breakers are Classified for use in specified panelboards
in accordance with the details described on the circuit breaker or in the
publication provided therewith.

In addition, Classified molded-case circuit breakers may also be Listed with additional features such as a ground-fault trip element, ground-fault
circuit interrupter, arc-fault circuit interrupter, secondary surge arrester,
transient voltage surge suppressor, and the like.
PRODUCT MARKINGS
A circuit breaker that is Classified only is marked on the side with the
statement:
‘‘Classified for use only in specified panelboards where the available
short-circuit current is 10 kA, 120/240 volts ac or less. Do not use in
equipment connected to circuits having an available system short-circuit
current in excess of 10 kA, 120/240 volts ac. For catalog numbers (or
equivalent) of specified panelboards, refer to Publication No.______ provided
with this circuit breaker. If additional information is necessary, contact
[Classified circuit breaker manufacturer’s name].’’
A circuit breaker that is both Classified and Listed is marked on the side
with the statement:
‘‘This circuit breaker is Listed for use in circuit breaker enclosures and
panelboards intended and marked for its use. This circuit breaker is Classified
for use, where the available short-circuit current is 10 kA, 120/240 V
ac or less, in the compatible panelboards shown in Publication No. ______
provided with this circuit breaker. When used as a Classified circuit
breaker, do not use in equipment connected to circuits having an available
system short-circuit current in excess of 10 kA, 120/240 V ac. If additional
information is necessary, contact [Classified circuit breaker manufacturer’s
name].’’
The referenced publication is a compatibility list which tabulates the
company name, catalog number, number of poles and electrical ratings of
the Classified circuit breaker, in addition to the company name and catalog
number of the applicable UL Listed panelboards, and corresponding
UL Listed circuit breakers in place of which the Classified circuit breaker
has been investigated. The compatibility list also details the maximum
permissible voltage and maximum available short circuit current of the
supply system to the panelboard. The Classified circuit breaker is not suitable
for the specified application if the system supply characteristics
exceed the maximum values indicated in the compatibility list. One copy
of the compatibility list is provided with each circuit breaker.
Circuit breakers which are both Classified and Listed have markings as
above, with the addition of the Listing Mark, located on the side of the
circuit breaker.
RELATED PRODUCTS
For information on markings, see Molded-case Circuit Breakers and Circuit
Breaker Enclosures (DIVQ) and Circuit Breakers (DHJR). For those
Classified molded-case circuit breakers containing additional features,
refer to the following categories: for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters,
Branch/Feeder Type, see AVZQ; for Circuit Breaker and Secondary Surge
Arresters, see DIMV; for Circuit Breaker and Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors,
see DIPJ; for Circuit Breakers with Equipment Ground Fault Protection,
see DIYA; for Circuit Breaker and Ground-fault Circuit Interrupters,
see DKUY.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For additional information, see Circuit Breakers (DHJR) and Electrical
Equipment for Use in Ordinary Locations (AALZ).
REQUIREMENTS
The basic standards used to investigate products in this category are UL
489, ‘‘Molded-Case Circuit Breakers, Molded-Case Switches and Circuit
Breaker Enclosures’’ and UL 67, ‘‘Panelboards.’’
LOOK FOR CLASSIFICATION MARK ON PRODUCT
The Classification Mark of Underwriters Laboratories Inc. on the product
is the only method provided by UL to identify products manufactured
under its Classification and Follow-Up Service. The Classification Mark
appears on the side of the circuit breaker and consists of the words
‘‘Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Classified Circuit Breaker’’ together with
a control number. The words ‘‘Underwriters Laboratories Inc.’’ may be
abbreviated ‘‘Underwriters Lab. Inc.’’ or ‘‘Und. Lab. Inc.’’
The following mark: appears on the front, visible surface of the circuit
breaker.

[rbalex]

Originally posted by hilbonix:
I'm pleased that the consensus seems to be that if the UL/NEC ratings are the same, and it fits in the panel, then "any" breaker should be OK. ...

This isn't quite accurate, the breakers must still be listed for use with the specific panel. UL doesn't have a "general" interchangeability Category Code or designator.

Go to UL's Online Certifications Directory and do a search on Category Code DHJR for the "general" circuit breaker rules. No one actually lists to this category, but it contains important info. Most molded case circuit breakers are listed to Codes DIVQ or DIXF. "DIVQ" gives the most common interchangeability recognitions. (You may want to check the "Design Guide Information Only" box the first time through - you'll get swamped with hits)