What Types of Breakers Are Interchangeable With Type QP?

QP Breakers

• QP breakers are manufactured by Siemens, and are designed to fit in Siemens breaker panels. QP breakers, like other Q series products manufactured by Siemens, are designed for home consumers, and are frequently found in new construction and in home electrical panels. These breakers are designed to snap into a panel, so the hardware needed in the electrical panel needs to allow for snap-in breakers, rather than the style of breakers that bolt in using an external screw.

Square D

• In residential construction, another common type of circuit breaker and electrical panel is manufactured by Square D. Like the Siemens Q-series, Square D home panels are designed for snap-in circuit breakers. In many cases, a Square D type "QO" panel can accommodate Siemens Q-series circuit breakers, but this is not always the case. It is important to check with a qualified electrician or an electrical supply house to ensure that you can use interchangeable breakers in your panel.

Potential Risks

• Since all breakers are not interchangeable with QP breakers, using another brand can result in an electrical fire or issues with circuits. Even if a breaker appears to fit in your panel, the connection might not be as secure as a breaker of the correct brand. For example, a QP breaker is designed to snap into a QP panel, while a Square D or Cutler-Hammer circuit breaker might be slightly different, creating a greater potential for problems.

Other Considerations

• If you are considering replacing a QP breaker with one of a different brand, you should always check the electrical panel's documentation to ensure that using off-brand circuit breakers will not void your warranty. In these cases, switching brands could lead to problems with your homeowner's insurance if there is ever a problem. You should always have a qualified electrician tell you if you should replace a QP breaker with another brand.