Recall #10-749 · Published August 2, 2010

General Breakers and Panels Counterfeit "Square D" Circuit Breakers

Miami Breaker Recalls Counterfeit Square D Circuit Breakers Due to Fire Hazard

CPSC published a recall notice for Counterfeit "Square D" Circuit Breakers from General Breakers and Panels on August 2, 2010. CPSC identifies this hazard: The recalled circuit breakers labeled "Square D" or "SQD" have been determined to be counterfeit by Square D and can fail to trip when they are overloaded, posing a fire hazard to consumers. The official remedy states: Consumers should immediately contact Miami Breaker to determine if their circuit breaker is counterfeit and if necessary, arrange a free inspection and replacement.

Genuine circuit breaker
Genuine circuit breaker
Image: CPSC recall notice

What to check on the product label

Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.

Additional identifying details

Check the product label for these CPSC-listed model numbers: QO115, QO120, QO130, QO215, QO220, QO230, QO240, QO250, QO260.

Which products are included?

The counterfeit circuit breakers are marked as Square D in the QO series. The models are QO115 (about 7,800 units), QO120 (about 26,300 units), QO130 (about 3,200 units), QO215 (about 350 units), QO220 (about 720 units), QO230 (about 1,780 units), QO240 (about 1,130 units), QO250 (about 1,150 units) and QO260 (about 1,150 units). Genuine Square D QO breakers have the following: (1) the amp rating written on the handle in white paint on the front of the breaker, (2) the Square D insignia molded onto the breaker side; (3) a yellow chromate clip with half of the top of the clip visible. If your breaker does not match this description, it could be counterfeit.

Confirm these details on the official CPSC notice

Why it was recalled

The recalled circuit breakers labeled "Square D" or "SQD" have been determined to be counterfeit by Square D and can fail to trip when they are overloaded, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents and injuries

None reported.

Official remedy

Consumers should immediately contact Miami Breaker to determine if their circuit breaker is counterfeit and if necessary, arrange a free inspection and replacement.

Product and sales details

Brand
General Breakers and Panels
Recall number
10-749
Units
About 43,600
Sold at / sales period
Electrical product distributors and wholesalers nationwide from March 2005 through July 2006. Single pole breakers sold for between $3 and $4, double pole breakers were sold for between $8 and $9.
Importer
General Breakers and Panels Inc., of Miami, Fla.
Distributor
Miami Breaker Inc. (MBI), of Miami, Fla.

Counterfeit "Square D" Circuit Breakers

CPSC product type: Circuit Breakers

Recall contact information

Consumers can contact MBI at (800) 941-1112 between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers can email the firm at info@miamibreaker.com

Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.

Related recalls

Selected by shared brand or household-product category.

No. 10-354Electrical

Siemens Recalls Circuit Breakers Due to Fire Hazard

Siemens Industry

Hazard: The recalled circuit breakers have a spring clip that can break during normal use, leading to a loss of force to maintain a proper electrical connection in the panelboard. This can lead to excessive temperature, arcing or thermal damage at the connection point, and damage to the panelboard's electrical insulation and can result in a fire, property damage, or personal injury.