SqD F-Frame - replace with Powerpact-H?

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smoothops10

Member
Location
FL
Occupation
EE
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.
 
steve66

steve66

Senior Member
Location
Illinois
Occupation
Engineer
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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jrlelectric

Member
Location
Valencia California
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Your QED I-Line panel is obsolete but the frame older style breaker is still available.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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