Breaker code question

[kripton]

Were can I find in the code, that circuit brekers and panels have to be the same brand?

 

[stamcon]

Re: Breaker code question

Kripton, in the 99 NEC it is 110-3(a)(1) and (b).

 

[physis]

Re: Breaker code question

I heard it was a fire, ended up a panel was the cause, the panel manufacturer found that a different manufacturer's breakers were installed, because of that got off without any liability. Now these standardised components can't be used interchangably any more, as they were originally inteded to be. That's why they fit but aren't legal.

In case anybody's gonna want to beat me up about it, that's just what I've heard on it.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: Breaker code question

UL has "classifed" breakers for use in other manufacturer's panels. Classified breakers come with a list of panels that they are permitted to be used in. If the breaker is not either "listed" or "clssified" for use in the panel, you can't use it. Just because it "fits" does not mean that it has been "classified" for use in that panel.
Don

 

[tvgaconsultants]

Re: Breaker code question

Don,
Where can an average person get this information? It will be very useful in my line of work.

 

[roger]

Re: Breaker code question

Don, may have additional information, but the UL white and green books are a good source. In the green book you can find this under the category CIRCUIT BREAKERS, MOLDED-CASE, CLASSIFIED FOR USE IN SPECIFIED EQUIPMENT(DIXF)

I also refer to manufacturers catalogs.

Roger

[ May 22, 2003, 03:17 PM: Message edited by: roger ]

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: Breaker code question

It is my understanding that the list must be provided with the breaker by the manufacturer.

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.

The above is from UL Guide DIXF.
Don

 

[iwire]

Re: Breaker code question

It can be as simple as a label on the breaker, I have a Thomas & Betts Breaker that has a label on the side that lists 1/2 dozen different manufacturers and at least 60 different panel model numbers that is UL listed for use in.

You would need a magnifying glass to read it though.

 

[rrrusty]

Re: Breaker code question

My Cutler-Hammer has supplied me with a list of panels that the BR Series of C/H Breakers are listed for

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: Breaker code question

The UL Guide says that this information must be provided with the breaker. You shouldn't have to go looking for it.
Don

 

[kripton]

Re: Breaker code question

Thank you all you guys for your help.

[ May 24, 2003, 06:06 PM: Message edited by: kripton ]

 

[luke warmwater]

Re: Breaker code question

rrusty, be careful with the "BR" type breaker. The standard "BR" is not listed as a replacement, though Cutler Hammer does has a "BR" type "CL" that is listed as a replacement for a bunch of different brands.