Schneider Electric, CPSC Issue Recall on Counterfeit Square D QO-Series Breakers

Aug. 13, 2010
Schneider Electric, Palatine, Ill., said the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall on thousands of fake Square D circuit breakers sold

Schneider Electric, Palatine, Ill., said the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall on thousands of fake Square D circuit breakers sold by Miami Breaker Inc., and imported by General Breaker & Panel, both based in Miami. The recall was requested voluntarily by Miami Breaker as part of an Agreed Consent Order for Permanent Injunctive Relief in a lawsuit brought by Square D in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

“Over 43,000 of these counterfeit products were sold into the field by these unauthorized re-sellers,” said Bill Snyder, V.P. of channel development for Schneider Electric. “These counterfeit products are inferior in quality and pose risks to the public. They can fail to trip in the event of an overload or a short circuit thereby creating a risk of fire,” according to Snyder. “Anyone choosing to deal in the marketplace where these counterfeit goods are sold is putting people and property in danger.”

The counterfeit QO-series breakers are marked “Square D” or “SQD,” and lack certain distinguishing features. Genuine Square D QO breakers have the amp rating written on the handle in white paint on the front of the breaker; the Square D insignia molded onto the breaker side; and a yellow chromate clip with half of the top of the clip visible. Breakers that don't match this description could be counterfeit.

The breakers were sold to electrical distributors and wholesalers nationwide from March 2005 through July 2006. The single-pole breakers sold for between $3 and $4, and the double-pole breakers were sold for between $8 and $9.

For the CPSC's description of the recall, go to www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10749.html. No injuries have been reported in connection with these breakers.

Snyder of Square D said the suit that led to this recall is part of the company's ongoing fight against counterfeit products. “Schneider Electric is committed to eradicating the manufacture, distribution and sale of counterfeit products and exercising its legal right to stop those who are putting the public at risk and profiting from use of Schneider Electric's trademarks and designs,” said Snyder. “We'll stop at nothing to preserve the integrity of our products and protect customers from the serious health and safety hazards associated with counterfeit products.”