Cutler-Hammer, GE, Siemens, Westinghouse, and Square D are all popular brands of circuit breakers. Circuit breakers are some of the most important electrical devices that is necessary in every home, office, building, factory or electrical device and equipment. It provides safety to your electrical system and without this, you and your structure or equipment will always be on the risk of fire or damage. You would not want to have this sword hanging over your head, so it is essential to get the protection and security of a breaker. To be very specific, a reputable brand that may not be the cheapest you can find but would certainly provide the best protection you need.
Cutler-Hammer, manufactured by Eaton, is one of the popular manufacturers. The brand has introduced a technological breakthrough called FireGuard Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters. FireGuard is an advanced device that protects your electrical circuits from arcing faults and power surges that lead to the dangers of fire.
GE, a company that started in 1890, manufactures circuit breakers that are bestsellers in the electrical industry. They have different types of circuit breakers as well as different capacities. Some of them are EntelliGuard G which is a low voltage breaker that has ratings of 400 to 6000 amps; EntelliGuard TU Trip Units has an almost instantaneous response time under 100ms with high power capacities up to 100kA; GE THQL in ½ inch model with a rating of 15 to 20 amps and 1 inch in 15 to 200 amps; GE GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interruption) circuit breaker that are required for use in bathrooms, spas or garages.
Siemens is known to offer a wide range of products including home appliances and electrical components including circuit breakers. However, several recalls have been done due to defective ones such as 1998 where there was a problem with breakers used in hot tubs and spa. Another major recall was done in 2010 for a spring clip that broke during installation and could possibly cause fires. However, because of the strict quality standards of the company, Siemens devices continue to be widely used in the industry.
Westinghouse started manufacturing circuit breakers in 1947 and is one of the brands popular for its durability and reliability. Westinghouse breakers have been manufactured by Eaton since its acquisition in 1994. Eaton is the same company that manufactures Cutler-Hammer.
Square D is one of the most popular brands. They are manufactured by Schneider Electric and in 1951 was the first to offer the plug-in type of breakers. Their products range from low voltage breakers that are used in residences and high voltage breakers that are used for industrial and commercial use. These breakers have the industry’s only Visi-Trip red indicator which makes it easy to see a tripped circuit breakers.
There are several big names carrying the reputation of durability and reliability. You will never run out of choices on which brands to get.