The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·15050·Announced 2014-12-18

Schneider Electric Recalls PowerPact J-Frame Circuit Breakers for Fire Hazards

Schneider Electric is recalling about 62,500 PowerPact J-frame circuit breakers because they may fail to trip during overloads, posing fire, burn, and shock risks.

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, burn, electrical shock) where no injuries have been reported, which aligns with the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Schneider Electric USA Inc. is recalling approximately 62,500 PowerPact J-frame molded case circuit breakers with thermal-magnetic trip units. The recalled breakers are rated for 150 to 250 amps and were manufactured in two-pole and three-pole configurations between March 26, 2014, and September 26, 2014. They feature date codes ranging from 14131 to 14395 and bear catalog numbers beginning with "NJ" (Schneider Electric) or "J" (Square D).

The recall is due to a defect where the circuit breaker may fail to trip during an overload condition. This failure poses a risk of fire, burns, and electrical shock. No injuries have been reported in connection with this recall.

The affected breakers were sold through authorized Schneider Electric distributors, original equipment manufacturers, and in factory-assembled panel boards from March 2014 through September 2014 for prices between $2,900 and $11,200. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled circuit breakers and contact Schneider Electric for a free replacement or a handle update kit, along with a credit to cover installation labor costs.

The recalled product

Product
Circuit breakers
Manufacturer
Schneider Electric USA Inc., of Columbia, Mo., and Tlaxcala, Mexico
Category
Consumer Product — Electrical Components
Hazard
Affected units
62,500

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · fire

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