Cutler Hammer Compatible Breakers

10 Mar, 2023
Posted by: Circuit Breaker Wholesale

“What breakers are compatible with Cutler Hammer panel?” This is a frequent question we get here at Circuit Breaker Wholesale—and it’s understandable. Cutler Hammer panels enjoy a rosy reputation for their durability and reliability. As such, they’re quite popular in both commercial and residential buildings. But there’s a caveat…

The Cutler Hammer brand was acquired by Eaton in 1978 and getting your hands on replacement breakers may not be always straightforward—especially if you have an older Cutler Hammer panel box and live in relatively remote areas. The good news is that there are several Cutler Hammer compatible breakers.

Read on as we provide a comprehensive answer to the FAQ: “What breakers are compatible with Cutler Hammer panel?”—including insights on the factors that affect the compatibility of circuit breakers and all the different breakers compatible with Cutler Hammer.

Factors Affecting Circuit Breaker Compatibility

First things first: It's essential to understand the basics of a breaker. Circuit breakers are crucial components of any electrical system, and their proper functioning is necessary for the safe operation of homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants. But while many electrical parts are interchangeable, circuit breakers aren't. They are not universal.

Circuit breakers come in different designs. For this reason, it’s crucial to do your research before replacing a faulty breaker or adding a new one. Identifying the specifications of your existing breaker and understanding the compatibility issues between different brands will help you make an informed decision.

So, what factors influence the compatibility of circuit breakers?

Construction

The most obvious factor to consider in your search for Cutler Hammer compatible breakers is the construction. This refers to the materials and design used to manufacture the components.

Shape and Size (i.e., How does it fit into the panel or enclosure?): Are the bases the same? Does it lock securely to the electrical panel? Is the circuit breaker fully compatible with the contact panels (i.e., the bus bar and the trip bar) of the Cutler Hammer breaker box? The pole configuration and mounting style (e.g., bolt-on or plug-in) can also affect how it connects to other components in the system.
Material: The material used can affect compatibility—especially when the panels are required to operate reliably and safely in harsh weather conditions or environments with high levels of moisture and humidity. For example, thermal circuit breakers are designed to withstand high temperatures.
Mechanical Design: Circuit breakers have different operating mechanisms. Some are magnetic-operated while others are spring, hydraulic, or pneumatic-operated.

Specifications

Arguably the most important thing to consider when looking for breakers compatible with Cutler Hammer is the specifications. While it's important to choose a breaker that matches the construction of your panel, the technical specifications of your electrical system are crucial. This includes:

Amp Rating: Make sure to select a breaker with the appropriate amp rating for your application. This will ensure that the breaker can handle the electrical load without tripping unnecessarily.
Trip Curve: The trip curve of a breaker determines how quickly it trips under different levels of overloading or short circuits. It's important to select a breaker with the right trip curve to ensure that it trips quickly in case of a fault.
Voltage Rating: The voltage rating of the circuit breaker should match the voltage of the electrical system. If the voltage rating is too low, the circuit breaker will not be able to handle the voltage, leading to potential hazards. If the voltage rating is too high, the circuit breaker may not trip when it should, leading to system downtime.

How to Determine Cutler Hammer Compatible Breakers

When it comes to replacing a circuit breaker, it can be challenging to determine which brand and model to choose. This is especially true if you have an older electrical system or if you live in a part of the country where certain brands of breakers are not readily available.

Here are a few steps to help you determine breakers compatible with Cutler Hammer panels:

STEP 1: Identify the panel model. This can typically be found on the panel door or inside the panel itself.
STEP 2: Consult your panel’s owner’s manual or check the manufacturer's website for a list of compatible models and brands.
STEP 3: If you have breakers at hand, check if they fit and double-check the specifications to ensure they’re compatible.
STEP 4: Still unsure? Read on for a list of Cutler Hammer compatible breakers, reach out to Circuit Breaker Wholesale, or consult with a licensed electrician to determine breakers compatible with Cutler Hammer panels.

What Breakers are Compatible with Cutler Hammer Panel?

When selecting breakers that are compatible with Cutler Hammer panels, it is crucial to ensure that they meet the necessary requirements discussed earlier. However, the market is loaded with different types of breakers, and finding the right fit can be an arduous task. To ease your search, here are some breakers compatible with Cutler Hammer:

Eaton Breakers

Eaton is the parent company of Cutler Hammer, which means that Eaton Cutler Hammer breakers are the most suitable for these panels. These breakers are designed to provide reliable performance and safety and are available in different sizes, amp ratings, and types.

In response to an FAQ, the official Eaton support team answered that “Cutler Hammer and the Eaton family of products are the same and compatible. Part numbers have not changed, just the Eaton name has been placed on the product.” This may provide valuable insight into what breakers are compatible with Cutler Hammer panel.

Westinghouse Breakers

Both Westinghouse and Cutler-Hammer are part of the same company, Eaton Corporation. This means that some of their breakers share many of the same design and manufacturing standards—making Westinghouse breakers compatible with Cutler-Hammer. But it is always important to check the manufacturer's specifications and guidelines before attempting to install the breakers.

Square D Breakers

Square D breakers are another option that may be compatible with Cutler Hammer panels. They are designed to meet the highest industry standards for performance and safety—and are available in different amp ratings and types (some of which are interchangeable with Cutler Hammer). But again, double-check the model number of a Square D breaker with your Cutler Hammer panel for compatibility.

Other Possible Cutler Hammer Compatible Breakers

Where to Buy Cutler Hammer Compatible Breakers

Selecting the right breaker for your Cutler Hammer panel is crucial to ensure reliable performance and safety. However, finding Cutler Hammer compatible breakers can be challenging—but with the right information, it can be a straightforward process.

And remember, safety always comes first! So choose quality products for your electrical panels. You can purchase thoroughly tested and reliable breakers compatible with Cutler Hammer at Circuit Breaker Wholesale.

Our wide selection of breakers from leading manufacturers means that you’re likely to find what you want and need for your Cutler Hammer panel. And if you have questions or need help determining what breakers are compatible with Cutler Hammer panels, please contact us. We’re always happy to help!