October 30, 2007

F@#$% China again - counterfeit Square D circuit breakers

This is getting downright rediculous... China really needs to get on track if they want to keep building the bubble they are currently riding. The crash could be awful. From The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
Connecticut Electric Recalls Counterfeit Square D Circuit Breakers Due To Fire Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Counterfeit "Square D" Circuit Breakers

Units: About 64,000

Distributor: Connecticut Electric & Switch Mfg. Co. (Connecticut Electric), of Puyallup, Wash.

Hazard: The recalled circuit breakers labeled �Square D� are counterfeit and could fail to trip when they are required to, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Connecticut Electric has not received any report of incidents or injuries associated with these counterfeit circuit breakers.

Description: The counterfeit circuit breakers are black and are marked as Square D products. Connecticut Electric has identified the following breakers as possibly being counterfeit: QO115, QO120, QO140, QO2125, QO215, QO220, QO230, QO240, QO250, QO260, QO1515, QO2020, QO3100, QO320, QO330, QO340, QO360, QOB120, QOB130, QOB220, QOB230, QOB250, QOB330, and QOB360. Actual Square D circuit breakers have (a) the amp rating written on the handle in white paint on the front of the breaker; (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 Square D breaker does not match this description, it could be counterfeit.

Sold through: Electrical Distributors and hardware stores nationwide from February 2005 through August 2006 for between about $6.50 and $15.50.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should contact Connecticut Electric to determine if the breaker they have is counterfeit and if necessary, to arrange for a free inspection and replacement or refund.
Square D is the gold standard for residential and light industrial* electrical components. I am going to have to go through our switchboxes here and at the store because this is the brand of choice for me and I have added a number of new circuits over the last few years. Connecticut Electric's website is here. *light industrial: when you get into the heady realm of 200 amps and above or need to do 'explosion proof' wiring, then you start dealing with companies like Crouse Hinds, Allen Bradley, ASEA Brown Boveri and the higher reaches of Square D with prices to match... Posted by DaveH at October 30, 2007 10:04 PM
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