A common Electrical Code violation in the 5 boroughs (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island).

1)  Incompatible breakers in electric panels…here is why it is bad and is often overlooked.

• Breakers are made, designed, and engineered by the electrical companies e.g. (Eaton/Cutler & hammer/Thomas and Betts, Siemens/Murry/General Electric Company, General Electric/ABB, Square D/Schneider).  You get an Eaton Panel…Eaton Breakers must be installed in that electrical panel. You have a Murry or Siemens electrical Panel…Siemens Breakers must be installed in that electrical panel.

• Installing the wrong Breakers voids Electrical testing Laboratory’s warranty i.e. (UL listing for instance).  Therefore, if a fire happens in the business or home, an insurance company and or the manufacturer of the electrical panel has no obligation to reimburse the owner for damages, material, and installation repair cost. 

• All breakers must meet a certain design standard based off an electrical testing laboratory’s specs, but breakers are typically designed to be compatible with their designer branded panels.  Choosing the wrong breaker could lead to lose connections, arcing, and nuisance tripping.  Breaker brands may fit in other brands electrical panels, but it doesn’t mean the breaker is truly compatible.

• NYC NEC 2020 Electrical code: 110.3(B)…It is an electrical code violation to install electrical products opposite or counter to the manufacture’s direction and instructions.  If the violation occurs, it immediately voids the warranty of the electrical panel and puts your family and business at risk.

In conclusion, it tempting to go to the local home store and buy what is convenient or what seems like a good fit.  Eaton, now, has the most readily available supply of breakers in the U.S. Market at a very competitive price point.  This is why Eaton Breakers are in every electrical panel, even if it not an Eaton brand electrical Panel.  In additions, now with the new NYC Electrical code 2020 requiring arc-Fault and Ground Fault Protection Breakers in residential units, buying the correct brand of breaker is even more important. 

Incompatible breakers are a major risk and gives insurance companies an option not to pay.  In a scenario, where damages to a business or home or too great for an owner to pay out of pocket …it is critical for things to be done correctly and up to code.