kherrPremium
join:2000-09-04
Collinsville, IL Reviews:
 ·Charter
| Backfeed breakers ... are they the same ..... ..... as a regular breaker (Square D is my brand) ?? Or do they make special breakers (never have seen any listed, but it's not like everyone would need one). HD finally got the generator I was looking at back in stock a town over and have some time to devote to the cause ......
Be Prepared !! |
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 John GaltForward, MarchPremium
join:2004-09-30
Happy Camp
kudos:5 | If the breaker is NOT labeled with "line" and "load", it is suitable for backfeeding. |
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kherrPremium
join:2000-09-04
Collinsville, IL | I figured that, but better to ask. Thanx |
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John GaltForward, MarchPremium
join:2004-09-30
Happy Camp
kudos:5 | No problem.
For molded case CBs, the issue is solely one of labeling rather than any functionality. |
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 leiboldPremium,MVM
join:2002-07-09
Sunnyvale, CA
kudos:6
 ·SONIC.NET
| reply to kherr
For residential use, Square D makes loadcenters (breaker panels) for QO series breakers and HOM series breakers (they are not interchangeable).
When using a plugin-style breaker (QO and HOM both are) as backfeed breaker then a retaining kit is required to hold the breaker in place (prevents the breaker from popping out of the panel bus). This also applies to most other brands of residential breakers.
A retaining kit is not needed for bolt-on breakers (such as Square D QOB breakers) which are more common in commercial/industrial applications.
Edit: fixed spaces in URL
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kherrPremium
join:2000-09-04
Collinsville, IL | I'm QO all the way. The retaining kit came today and stated to use with "backfeed breakers only", hense the question. |
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John GaltForward, MarchPremium
join:2004-09-30
Happy Camp
kudos:5 | reply to kherr
Retainers are required any time you use any CB other than a "integral main" for connection to the power source.
The intention is to keep it from dislodging during a fault event.
Say you have a "main lugs only" panel, but want to have a "local" main CB for a disconnecting means. You would then need to install a retaining bracket. |
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leiboldPremium,MVM
join:2002-07-09
Sunnyvale, CA
kudos:6 Reviews:
·SONIC.NET
| reply to kherr
The only limitations regarding backfeeding that I could see were:
- QO-GFI (combination circuit breaker GFCI) should not be used as main breaker or backfeed breaker.
- Some Square D panels with 100A main breaker can only be used with backfeed breakers up to 70A.
You should be fine with any standard 2-pole QO breaker.
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