The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·08286·Announced 2008-05-27

Counterfeit Square D Circuit Breakers Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

Specialty Lamp International is recalling counterfeit Square D circuit breakers that may fail to trip during overloads, posing a fire risk.

What this means for you

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.

Plain-English summary

Specialty Lamp International is recalling approximately 371,000 counterfeit circuit breakers labeled as Square D QO-series and QOB-series models. The breakers were distributed nationwide through electrical product distributors from May 2005 through June 2006 for prices between $3 and $23. The products were manufactured in China.

Square D has determined that these specific breakers are counterfeit and can fail to trip when overloaded, which poses a fire hazard to consumers. No injuries have been reported in connection with this recall. Consumers can identify genuine Square D breakers by checking for white paint on the amperage numbers, the Square D insignia molded onto the side, and a yellow chromate mounting clip with the top half visible.

Consumers should contact Specialty Lamp International to determine if their breaker is counterfeit and to arrange for a free inspection, replacement, or refund. This is not a recall by the Square D Company.

The recalled product

Product
Counterfeit Circuit Breakers labeled as "Square D"
Hazard
Affected units
371,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.