Just as an FYI before you buy or replace any breakers in your new or existing panel; it's never a...Just as an FYI before you buy or replace any breakers in your new or existing panel; it's never a good idea to install a breaker that doesn't match the specs for your panel. In other words only use Square D breakers in a Square D panel and match the type of breaker to what the panel calls for. The same goes for any breaker and panel combo. If you have any doubt contact a qualified electrician. Some breakers will interchange and fit in other panels but they are not approved and may cause real issues down the road. This is especially true when a home is undergoing a home inspection prior to sale. Most inspectors will call out incompatible breakers in a panel and call for there replacement.
I have always liked the design of Square D products and they are available at the most locations across the country at very reasonable cost. The breakers are very easy to install and are easy to troubleshoot. When there is a fault these breakers give a very positive loud click when a fault happens and flip into the off position side of the beaker. Since these are so inexpensive, I keep a few different amperage breakers on hand if they ever need replacement at odd hours.
Installing these into a panel is quick and easy. Always turn off the main breaker on the panel and test that the power is truly off on each of the breakers before you start (you never know what someone has done before). These breakers slip under plastic lugs in the panel then snaps into the load buss bar(s). Since mine is a twin 15 amp breaker it picks up power from both buss bars to provide 220 volt power. The breaker has nice large terminal screws and wire hold downs. The terminal screw is torqued down to 36 In pounds, per manufacture specs (15 thru 30 amp breakers) with either a large straight screwdriver 3/8" wide blade or a #2 square bit.
If you have any reservations about doing this type of work, please contact a qualified electrician to preform the work.
by OutbackJoe