Cutler-Hammer, GE, Siemens, Westinghouse, and Square D are popular brands of circuit breakers. Circuit breakers are some of the most important electrical devices that are necessary in every home, office, building, factory, or electrical device and equipment. It provides security to your electrical system and without this you and your structure or equipment will always be at risk of fire or damage. You don’t want to have this sword hanging over your head, so getting the protection and safety of a breaker is essential. To be very specific, a trusted brand that may not be the cheapest you can find, but will certainly give you the best protection you need.
Cutler-Hammer, made by Eaton, is one of the popular manufacturers. The brand has introduced a technological advance called FireGuard Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters. FireGuard is an advanced device that protects your electrical circuits from arc faults and surges that lead to fire hazards.
GE, a company that started in 1890, makes circuit breakers that are the best sellers in the electrical industry. They have different types of circuit breakers, as well as different capacities. Some of them are EntelliGuard G, which is a low voltage circuit breaker that has ratings from 400 to 6000 amps; EntelliGuard TU trip units have a near instantaneous response time of less than 100 ms with high power capabilities up to 100 kA; GE THQL in ½-inch model rated at 15 to 20 amps and 1-inch at 15 to 200 amps; GE GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt) breaker required for use in bathrooms, spas, or garages.
Siemens is known to offer a wide range of products including home appliances and electrical components including circuit breakers. However, there have been several recalls due to defects, such as the one in 1998 where there was a problem with the switches used in hot tubs and spas. Another major recall was in 2010 for a spring clip that broke during installation and could possibly start a fire. However, due to the company’s strict quality standards, Siemens devices continue to be widely used in industry.
Westinghouse began manufacturing circuit breakers in 1947 and is one of the popular brands for its durability and reliability. Westinghouse hammers have been manufactured by Eaton since its acquisition in 1994. Eaton is the same company that makes Cutler-Hammer.
Square D is one of the most popular brands. They are manufactured by Schneider Electric and in 1951 it was the first to offer the plug-in type of switches. Their products range from low voltage circuit breakers used in residences to high voltage circuit breakers used for industrial and commercial use. These breakers have the industry’s only red Visi-Trip indicator that makes it easy to see tripped breakers.
There are several big names that have reputations for durability and reliability. You will never run out of options on which brands to buy.
