ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues CB and enclosure mismatch, violation?

Can anyone enlighten me in what article it address's the violation of using a different manufactueur' breaker in someone elses pnl/loadcenter.

Ie... using a ITE breaker in a Crouse hinds load center

Thanks

Ken

110.3(B). (the hardest article in the world to enforce!) I have e-maile a couple different manufacturers and they have replied that their products are not listed for use with other panels/breakers. I do believe that are a very few breakers that are listed for use in other panels, but are the panels listed to recieve them? I doubt it.

I-T-E is owned by Seimens and they bought the Crouse-Hinds/Murrey line, you should be able to get a letter from them on approved
replacements.

While the panel manufacturers will tell you that you can only use thier listed breakers in the panel, that is not correct and is one of the reasons that 110.3(B) only applies to instructions that are part of the listing and labeling. 110.3(B) does not require compliance with manufacturers instructions. There are UL "classified" breakers that are permitted to be used in panels made by other companies. The use of these "classified" breakers is code compliant and does not void the panel listing.
See UL Guide DIXF. "This category(DIXF) covers Classified molded-case circuit breakers rated 15 to 50 A, 120/240 V maximum that have been investigated and found suitable for use in place of other Listed circuit breakers in specific Listed panelboards." Note that classified breakers are required to be supplied with a list of panels that they can be used in.
Don



[This message has been edited by resqcapt19 (edited 09-05-2003).]

Does a manufacturer have to honor a warranty if you don't follow their instructions as long as the product is used as listed?

I know this issue is not enforceable, but it is something additional to think about. Then again I've never seen anyone return a panel because of a manufacturer defect.

Steve,
I did some reserch on the warranty issue a few months ago. It appears that if a contractor installs the "classified" breaker that the panel manufacturer could void the warranty, but if the building owner or end user installs the classified breaker, the warranty stands.
Don