Electrical Panel Question – Mixed Breakers
I have an electrical panel question regarding mixed circuit breaker manufacturers in a Murray panel. Here’s the setup – Rainproof combination metering type 3R panel on the garage outbuilding with the meter, 200A service feeding the garage and a 100A GE subpanel on the house. I am getting ready to add a mechanical interlock and 30A generator input to provide a way to get back up power safely into the house. The panel documentation recommends only Murray or Crouse Hinds breakers. However, the panel has the following in it, all reviewed and permitted by the city
a 20A GFCI for the garage (no manufacturer visible but it doesn’t look like a Murray
a 20A Square D dual pole breaker for the solar interconnect
a 20A Square D single pole going to a downstream GFCI for lights and fountain in the yard
100A (house sub panel), 20A (garage lights), and 30A (AC compressor) Murray breakers put in by the original electricians who installed the 200A panel
a Square D Homeline surge suppressor closest location to the main breaker switch
a bunch of blanks where breakers were before we remodeled and put the sub panel on the house.
Is this mix of types an issue? I plan on putting a Murray dual pole 30A breaker in for the generator input but am wondering if there is any reason to swap out the others or is this just a branding issue with the manufacturer? Is there any mismatch risk with the different types?
The city guy doesn’t think so – but then again one time he told me that I needed to put a 30A breaker in for one service where I had wiring and a breaker for 50A because the unit that was wired on that service only would draw a max of 30A.
Replies
If you use a real sharp pencil, the SqD breakers are not going to be listed in or classified for a Murray panel.
If it a hazard? Who knows? It was never tested.
SqD is a curious example because they are the ones who constantly fight the whole idea of "classified breakers" so I am sure they have never sought that status on their breaker.
There are other companies who do have breakers classified for a SqD panel tho. SqD insisted they are not kosher
I've heard of problems with Murray breakers in a Square-D panel, but not the other way around.
The thing to look out for, as I understand it, is the bus bars that the breakers plug onto. The wrong combo of breaker and bar can result in heating of the connection. Though it's not clear what comprises a "wrong combo".