How to Find the Right Replacement Circuit Breaker

Step 1: Find the Catalog Number on the Old Breaker

The easiest way to find the right replacement is to read the catalog number printed on the breaker itself. It is usually printed on the front face of the breaker handle or on a label on the side. Common formats:

Square D: QO120, HOM220, HJA36100 Eaton: BR120, CH220, HFD3100 Siemens: QP120, QT220, BQD320 GE: THQL1120, THQB2120

Once you have the catalog number, you can search AllBreakerSales.com directly or call (951) 903-9804 for an exact match.

Step 2: Identify the Brand

The replacement breaker must be the same brand as the panel — or a listed equivalent. Using an off-brand breaker in a panel voids the panel's UL listing and can create safety hazards.

Common panel brands and their required breakers: Square D panels → Square D QO or HOM breakers Eaton/Cutler-Hammer panels → Eaton BR or CH breakers Siemens/Murray panels → Siemens QP or QT breakers GE panels → GE THQL or THQB breakers Westinghouse panels → Eaton or Westinghouse BR breakers

Step 3: Match the Amperage

The replacement breaker must be the same amperage as the original. The amperage is printed on the breaker handle (15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 100, 150, 200, etc.). Never replace a breaker with a higher amperage than the original without having an electrician verify the wire gauge can support it.

Step 4: Match the Pole Count

Breakers come in 1-pole (120V), 2-pole (240V), and 3-pole (3-phase, 208V or 480V). The replacement must have the same number of poles as the original. A 2-pole breaker occupies two slots in the panel.

Step 5: Match the Voltage Rating

Most residential breakers are rated for 120/240V. Commercial and industrial breakers may be rated for 277V, 480V, or 600V. The voltage rating must meet or exceed the circuit voltage.

Step 6: Match the Type (Standard, GFCI, AFCI, Dual-Function)

If the original breaker was a GFCI, AFCI, or dual-function (GFCI+AFCI) breaker, the replacement must be the same type. Replacing a GFCI breaker with a standard breaker removes required safety protection and may violate code.

What About Interchangeable Breakers?

Some breakers are listed as interchangeable with other brands — for example, certain Eaton breakers are listed for use in Square D panels. These must be specifically UL-listed for that application. When in doubt, use the same brand as the panel.