The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·02556·Announced 2002-08-09

Square D Recalls MA/MH Circuit Breakers Due to Fire Hazard

Square D is recalling about 40,000 MA/MH circuit breakers sold between October 2000 and March 2002 because incorrect torque on mounting screws could cause overheating and fire.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (fire hazard) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Square D Company are recalling approximately 40,000 MA/MH circuit breakers. These products were manufactured between October 2000 and March 2002 and sold for between $3,000 and $9,000.

The recall is due to a potential defect where an incorrect torque load may have been applied to the lug mounting screws. This error could result in a lower clamping load than specified, causing the circuit breakers to overheat and creating a fire hazard. No injuries have been reported.

Consumers should contact Square D at (800) 634-8730 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday, to arrange a free repair. The repair involves verifying proper screw torque and tightening any screws that do not meet the required specifications.

The recalled product

Product
MA/MH circuit breakers
Manufacturer
Square D Company, of Palatine, Ill.
Category
Consumer Product — Electrical Components
Hazard
Affected units
40,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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