When it comes to circuit breakers, brand matters — for quality, compatibility, availability, and resale value. The United States market is dominated by four major brands: Square D, Siemens, Eaton (which includes the legacy Cutler-Hammer brand), and General Electric. Here is a detailed comparison of each brand to help you understand the differences and what your equipment is worth.
Square D (Schneider Electric)
Square D is arguably the most recognized circuit breaker brand in America. Founded in Detroit in 1902 and acquired by Schneider Electric in 1991, Square D has maintained its brand identity and product quality through the transition.
Residential Lines: QO (premium, distinctive yellow trip indicator) and Homeline (value line). QO breakers are known for their reliability and the visible trip position that makes troubleshooting easy. QO and Homeline panels and breakers are not interchangeable.
Commercial Lines: I-Line (plug-on connection, 15A–1200A) and NQ/NQOD panelboards. I-Line is one of the most widely used commercial breaker systems in the country.
Industrial Lines: PowerPact (B through R frame, 15A–2000A) and Masterpact (NT/NW, 800A–6300A). PowerPact breakers are workhorses in industrial facilities across the country.
Resale Value: Excellent. Square D is the most in-demand brand on the secondary market. PowerPact and Masterpact breakers command premium prices.
Siemens (including ITE)
Siemens is a global electrical giant with a strong US market presence. Siemens acquired ITE (formerly Gould) in the 1980s, and ITE-branded breakers are fully compatible with Siemens panels.
Residential Lines: QP (standard) and QT (tandem/twin) breakers. Siemens residential breakers are widely used and compatible with many Siemens and ITE load centers.
Commercial Lines: BQ series and EQ load centers for light commercial applications.
Industrial Lines: SENTRON series (3VA, 3VL, 3WL) for medium and large commercial and industrial applications. The 3WL air circuit breaker is a major product in large industrial facilities.
Resale Value: Very good. Siemens SENTRON breakers have strong secondary market demand. ITE-branded breakers are also sought after for legacy system maintenance.
Eaton (Cutler-Hammer)
Eaton acquired Cutler-Hammer in 1978 and has maintained the Cutler-Hammer brand alongside the Eaton brand for many products. Both names appear on breakers and panels, and they are fully compatible.
Residential Lines: BR series (standard residential) and CH series (premium residential). Both are widely used and available. BR and CH breakers are not interchangeable.
Commercial Lines: BAB, BJ, and HQP series for light commercial applications.
Industrial Lines: Series C (formerly Cutler-Hammer Series C), HMCP (motor circuit protectors), and Magnum DS (air circuit breakers). Eaton's industrial line is comprehensive and widely used in manufacturing.
Resale Value: Very good. Eaton/Cutler-Hammer industrial breakers have strong demand. The Cutler-Hammer brand name is particularly well recognized in the industrial market.
General Electric (GE)
General Electric has a long history in the electrical equipment market, though GE's electrical distribution business has gone through several ownership changes. The GE brand name on circuit breakers is now licensed to ABB (which acquired GE's power business).
Residential Lines: THQL (standard) and THQB (bolt-on) breakers for GE load centers. GE residential breakers are widely used in homes built from the 1960s through the 2000s.
Commercial Lines: TED and TJD series for commercial panelboards.
Industrial Lines: TJK, TJL, and TJH series molded case breakers for industrial applications.
Resale Value: Good. GE residential breakers have steady demand for replacement in existing GE panels. GE industrial breakers have moderate secondary market demand.
Which Brand Is Best?
For new construction and new equipment purchases, all four brands produce high-quality, reliable circuit breakers. The best brand for a given application depends on compatibility with existing equipment, local contractor preferences, and availability.
For resale value, Square D and Siemens generally command the highest prices on the secondary market, followed closely by Eaton/Cutler-Hammer and GE.
Selling Your Circuit Breakers
Regardless of brand, Electrical Breaker Buyers purchases circuit breakers of all types and conditions. We buy Square D, Siemens, Eaton, GE, ABB, Westinghouse, ITE, and all other brands. Call 951-733-6603 for a free quote on your surplus circuit breakers. We pay fair market prices and respond within 24 hours.