May 27, 2008
Homeowners are being alerted to hundreds of thousands of counterfeit Square D circuit breakers.
The recalled circuit breakers labeled 'Square D' can fail to trip when they are overloaded, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
The counterfeit circuit breakers are black and are labeled as Square D QO-series models 115, 120, 130, 215, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260 and 2020 and Square D QOB-series models 115, 120, 130, 220, 230, 250, 260 and 1515. Actual Square D circuit breakers have (a) the amp rating written on the handle in white paint on the front of the breaker (authentic Square D circuit breakers manufactured prior to 2003 did not have white paint on the amperage numbers); (b) the Square D insignia molded onto the breaker side, and; (c) a yellow chromate mounting clip with half of the top of the clip visible.
If your breaker, labeled as Square D, does not match this description, it could be counterfeit.
The counterfeit breakers were sold by electrical product distributors nationwide from May 2005 through June 2006 for between $3 and $23.
Consumers should contact Specialty Lamp International to determine if the breaker they have is counterfeit and to arrange for a free inspection and replacement or refund if necessary.
For additional information, contact Specialty at (866) 650-3076 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, by email bart@specialty-lamp.com or visit the company's Web site at www.ebulb.net. This is not a Square D Company recall.
The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
