Explaining the Square D AFCI Breaker Recall

As electrical panels developed and evolved over the years, sometimes certain features turned out to be not so safe. If you do have an older panel, it’s important to be aware of era-specific defects that might be present.

There have been some pretty serious factory recalls throughout the decades – such as Federal Pacific Panels, Zinsco Panels, aluminum wiring etc. But in this blog, we will be discussing a much more recent electrical issue – the Square D AFCI recall.

What’s An AFCI?

Before we get into the Square D dilemma, let’s have a quick recap about Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters. AFCIs are located on individual breakers in modern electrical panels. Their sole purpose is to shut off the electricity to the breaker when any electrical arcing is detected.

electrical arcing

Electrical arcing can occur from a number of reasons, such as gaps in wire insulation, frayed or damaged wiring, dust accumulation, or corrosion. If there is an interruption in the normal circuit, the electrical current might try to jump a gap to another nearby conductor. As the electricity travels through the air, it creates a bright and hot stream of plasma, which can cause fires, electrocution, and even explosions.

Needless to say, we do not want arcing to occur, which is why our friend, the AFCI, is so important. And we certainly want our AFCIs to function properly!

Square D AFCI Breaker Recall

In November 2004, Schneider Electric announced a recall on all Square D AFCI breakers manufactured between March 1, 2004 and September 23, 2004. There was a microchip in the breaker that was not reliably detecting characteristics of arcing. This was a huge safety and fire hazard, so the company had to issue replacements and refunds to any customers with these units.

At the time, around 700,000 units had been sold nationwide. Many of them were replaced, but it’s highly likely that some still remain out there.

How to Identify a Defective Square D AFCI

So how can you tell whether or not you’re looking at one of the recalled units? It helps to know the year of the home and when your current electric panel was installed. Next, make sure the breakers are manufactured by Square D.

The most noticeable characteristic of a defective AFCI will be its blue test button. If it does not have a blue button, you are in the clear. However, just because it has blue button does not necessarily mean it’s a defective model. There are certain iterations of breakers with blue test buttons that are fully functional.

Image sourced from: https://www.cpsc.gov/

The next defining factor will be its catalog number, which is located on the front under the test button. According to the Schneider Electric website the following catalog numbers are recalled:

• QO115AFI, QOB115AFI, HOM115AFI
• QO120AFI, QOB120AFI, HOM120AFI
• QO115VHAFI, QOB115VHAFI
• QO120VHAFI, QOB120VHAFI

If these numbers are illegible or faded, you can also tell by looking at the date code of the breaker. Defective date codes include:

• CN, DN, EN, FN, GN, HN, and JN.

However, the one caveat is that the date codes are located on the back of the breaker. So you will need a certified electrician to remove the breaker safely and view the date code.

Say the AFCI breaker has a blue button, but you are unable to identify the catalog number or date code. In these cases, Schneider Electric recommends that you assume that it is defective and have it replaced. You will not have to pay for the part replacement, only labor.

For information about how to replace a recalled Square D AFCI breaker, VISIT THIS WEBSITE.

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