Recall #15-050 · Published December 18, 2014

Schneider Electric Circuit breakers

Schneider Electric Recalls PowerPact J-Frame Circuit Breakers Due to Fire, Burn, Electrical Shock Hazards

CPSC published a recall notice for Circuit breakers from Schneider Electric on December 18, 2014. CPSC identifies this hazard: The circuit breaker will not trip during an overload condition, posing a risk of fire, burns and electrical shock. The official remedy states: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled circuit breakers and contact Schneider Electric for either a free replacement circuit breaker and a credit of up to $300 per address to cover labor costs for installation by a certified electrician or a handle update kit and a credit of up to $150 per address to cover labor costs for installation by a certified electrician.

Schneider PowerPact J-frame molded case lug-style breaker
Schneider PowerPact J-frame molded case lug-style 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.

The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.

Additional identifying details

Brand name "Schneider Electric" or "Square D" is on a yellow sticker above the breaker handle and on the top of a label on the side of the circuit breaker.

Which products are included?

Read the full CPSC product description and restrictions

The recall involves PowerPact J-frame molded case circuit breakers with thermal-magnetic trip units. The circuit breakers are made of black plastic and have a three-position breaker handle that indicates whether the breaker is off, on or tripped. The recalled circuit breakers are rated for 150 to 250 amps, have interruption ratings of D, G, J, L and R. They were manufactured in two pole and three pole configurations with either lug-in/lug-out or plug-in (I-Line) style connectors. Brand name "Schneider Electric" or "Square D" is on a yellow sticker above the breaker handle and on the top of a label on the side of the circuit breaker. A label on the front of the circuit breaker to the left of the breaker handle has the catalog number at the top. The number also appears on a label on the side of the breaker. Schneider Electric catalog numbers begin with "NJ" and Square D catalog numbers begin with "J." A label on the front of the circuit breaker to the right of the breaker handle has the date code in the lower right corner. Recalled circuit breakers were manufactured from March 26, 2014 through September 26, 2014 and have date codes 14131 through 14395. The date codes are in the YYWWD format (example: 14131 = year 2014, week 13, day of the work week 1/ Monday). Breakers with following catalog numbers are being recalled: Catalog Number Breaker Type (N)JDX26XXX 2 Pole (N)JGX26XXX 2 Pole (N)JJX26XXX 2 Pole (N)JLX26XXX 2 Pole (N)JDX36XXX 3 Pole (N)JGX36XXX 3 Pole (N)JJX36XXX 3 Pole (N)JLX36XXX 3 Pole (N)JRX36XXX 3 Pole

Confirm these details on the official CPSC notice

Why it was recalled

The circuit breaker will not trip during an overload condition, posing a risk of fire, burns and electrical shock.

Incidents and injuries

None reported

Official remedy

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled circuit breakers and contact Schneider Electric for either a free replacement circuit breaker and a credit of up to $300 per address to cover labor costs for installation by a certified electrician or a handle update kit and a credit of up to $150 per address to cover labor costs for installation by a certified electrician.

Remedy type: Replace, Repair

Product and sales details

Manufacturer
Schneider Electric USA Inc., of Columbia, Mo., and Tlaxcala, Mexico
Recall number
15-050
Units
About 62,500
Manufactured in
United States, Mexico
Sold at / sales period
Authorized Schneider Electric distributors, original equipment manufacturers and in factory assembled panel boards from March 2014 through September 2014 for between $2,900 and $11,200.

Circuit breakers

CPSC product type: Panelboards or Circuit Breakers or GFCIs or Fuses

Recall contact information

Schneider Electric USA at (800) 634-8730 any time or online at www.schneider-electric.com and click on Customer Notifications for more information.

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

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