Scott Electric Co. Recalls Counterfeit Breakers

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Washington D.C. - November 16

Today, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Scott Electric Company Inc., of Greensburg, PA, recalled about 30,000 counterfeit "Square D" circuit breakers made in China and sold by Scott distributorships throughout Pennsylvania and Texas from May 2005 to May 2006.

Scott Electric company reports that these breakers might not trip when they are overloaded, thus posing a fire hazard to consumers. As of the time of this writing, Scott Electric wasn't aware of any incident or injuries associated with the counterfeit breakers, and wants consumers who have them to contact Scott Electric to arrange for a free inspection and, if necessary, replacement or a refund.

According to Scott Electric, the counterfeit breakers are labeled Square D and include QO-series breakers, models 115, 120, 130, 160, 215, 230, 260, 1515, and 1520.

Actual Square D circuit breakers have (a) the amp rating written on the handle in white paint on the front of the breaker. On the side of the breaker where the wire terminal screw is located, the arc shoot opening should have squared corners with the bottom edge of the opening angled upward, and the mounting clip should be yellow chromate with half of the top of the clip visible. There should be a Square D insignia molded onto the breaker.

If consumers have breakers that don't match this description, they could be counterfeit. (See the illustration for a counterfeit breaker). To arrange for a free inspection or for additional information, contact Scott Electric Company toll-free at 877-222-0473 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or log on to www.scottelectricusa.com.

Consumers and contractors can also obtain additional information by e-mailing Scott Electric at tdiorio@scottelectricusa.com.