Picture of Genuine Square D Circuit Breaker
The counterfeit circuit breakers are black and are labeled as Square D QO-series models 115, 120, 130, 215, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260 and 2020 and Square D QOB-series models 115, 120, 130, 220, 230, 250, 260 and 1515.
Actual Square D circuit breakers have (a) the amp rating written on the handle in white paint on the front of the breaker (authentic Square D circuit breakers manufactured prior to 2003 did not have white paint on the amperage numbers); (b) the Square D insignia molded onto the breaker side, and; (c) a yellow chromate mounting clip with half of the top of the clip visible.
If your breaker, labeled as Square D, does not match this description, it could be counterfeit.
About 371,000 units were sold by electrical product distributors nationwide from May 2005 through June 2006 for between $3 and $23.
For additional information, contact Specialty at (866) 650-3076 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, by email bart@specialty-lamp.com, or visit the company's Web site at www.ebulb.net. This is not a Square D Company recall.
A Genuine Circuit Breaker has a white painted amp rating on the toggle switch.
Authentic Square D 20 amp breakers. The rating on the top switch is silk-screened.
(Square D started silk-screen process in 2003)
Rating on bottom switch is molded.
Authentic Square D breakers with the "UL" label on the end of the switch (black lettering on white background - two larger pinkish-red letters stamped on the label)
Manufacturer can identify date period manufactured from two larger letters.
Counterfeit circuit breakers are sold to unsuspecting consumers and store owners and pose a significant safety threat to the general public.
Consumers should only buy electronics from trusted, authorized sources.
Counterfeit Square D breaker displays a copied UL label taped on the side of the breaker.
Left - a counterfeit Square D breaker with the amperage rating missing.
Right - authentic Square D breakers with the amperage clearly displayed.
A counterfeit breaker does not have the white painted amp rating. Note: real breakers manufactured prior to 2003 do not have white paint.
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