Counterfeit Square D Circuit Breakers

During a recent inspection I discovered counterfeit Square D breakers. This problem was identified a few years ago and I’m now seeing that the products have made it into breaker boxes in peoples homes. These counterfeit breakers were made in China and have not been tested by UL Laboratories making them susceptible to failure and possible fire from overload. A couple characteristics that may indicate you have this problem are: current rating on trip handle is not embossed with white numbering, the country of origin is not listed on the label (only exposed with panel cover removed), the yellow Square D characteristic symbol is not molded into the plastic (I’ve even seen a sticker), and some have different shaped or formed trip handles perhaps even ribbed. If you see any of these characteristics in your panel I recommend you have a licensed electrician inspect the breakers, confirm any suspicion and repair/replace as needed.