SqD F-Frame - replace with Powerpact-H?

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smoothops10

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My understanding is SqD F-Frame (100AF) circuit breakers have become obsolete. Can Powerpact H-Frame circuit breakers replace these in an old QED switchboard if it includes a nameplate USE ONLY THE FOLLWOING SQUARE D COMPANY CITCUIT BREAKERS [...] FA FH[...] etc but does not list the newer Powerpact breakers? See attached photo. Will check with mfr but wanted to see if someone had gone through this already. Thanks.
 
I didn't realize the F frame was obsolete. However, looking at the digest, the H frame seems to have nothing but advantages:

wider voltage range, wider and higher amp range, higher AIC ratings, more options.....

I assume your panel was made before the "H" frame breakers were available. If Square D has something that says something like "H frame breakers are suitable for use in Iline panels", I think you should be good to go.

A panel label shouldn't prevent one from using new and improved breakers if they were specifically made for that panel.

Edit: I found some installation instructions that indicated new labels may be included with the breaker (or with the instructions), but they weren't in the PDF. So it may just be a matter of putting a new label on the panel.

I also found this:

The screw on the off end of an H frame circuit breaker (mounted in an I-Line panel) needs to be affixed to a slot on the backpan, not a round hole. This differs from the earlier F and K frame breakers which used the round hole for the mounting screw.
 
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Square D QED Panel

Square D QED Panel

Your QED I-Line panel is obsolete but the frame older style breaker is still available.
I will give you the replacement part numbers. I am not sure what you need as far as interrupting capacity. Your photo was not clear if it was type FA or Type FH

If you are replacing Sq D FA your replacement will be FA or you can buy the new series HDA
If you are replacing Sq D FH your replacement will be Type HGA

FA and FH are also available used ( we have very little used) but we offer new for about the same price.
Be careful of reconditioned, the term is used quite a bit but only a few of the long timers will really recondition them. These are riveted shut and are very difficult to open.

Here is a cost idea
Type FA from 15 to 60 amps $208.25
Type HDA from 15 to 60 amps $247.28
Type HGA from 15 to 60 amps $346.50

These prices are New In Boxes and we have done circuit breakers for 31 Years

I am new to this forum so I do not know if it is OK to post a link. If I can be of any assistance, let me know

Sincerely, Joe
 
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