Breaker boxes, including those from GE or General Electric, are found in many homes nowadays. GE is one of the most reputable and largest manufacturers of panel boards and circuit breakers.
If you have an electrical box from this brand, it is good to know what breakers are compatible with GE panel. This way, you can safely use other brands of circuit protectors in case GE breakers are not available at your nearest store.
Table of Contents
What is the Compatible Circuit Breaker for the GE Panel?
1. GE breakers vs GE panels
Generally speaking, panels and circuit breakers from the same brand should go together. In other words, if you have a GE electrical box, it is also good to use a GE circuit breaker.
However, when the latter becomes obsolete or old, there’s a chance that it may be unavailable where you live. In this case, you may consider looking for GE compatible breakers as a replacement.
GE circuit breaker cross reference for obsolete and other brand units is possible. However, you need to consider many things such as classification, type, construction, and specification to find the right replacement.
2. UL-classified vs GE panels
Typically, UL-classified breakers have the same construction and can be used interchangeably. You only need to know if your box can support these units.
For the breaker type, you need to be specific about whether you need a GFCI, AFCI, combination AFCI, or Dual Function Circuit Interrupter. Lastly, consider your needed circuit breaker ratings, which refer to the current and voltage capacity, short circuit capacity, and more.
3. Other Third-party breakers vs GE panels
As I said above, UL-classified breakers can be used in GE panels, so if the breakers from other brands have this certification, they can also be used in GE panels. To sum it up, please check the table I made below:
| Brand | GE Panel Compatibility | Notes |
| GE | Compatible | All GE breakers are compatible with GE panels. |
| Siemens | Some models compatible |
Some Siemens QT series breakers are compatible with certain GE panels without adapters. Check the UL compatibility charts for specific models.
|
| Cutler Hammer | Some models compatible |
Some older Cutler Hammer models might physically fit into GE panels, but safety concerns exist.
|
| Eaton (BR series) | Some models compatible |
Some Eaton BR series breakers are compatible with certain GE panels without adapters. Check the UL compatibility charts for specific models.
|
| Bryant | Not compatible |
It is not recommended to use Bryant breakers in GE panels due to potential safety concerns.
|
| Murray | Compatible |
Murray breakers were manufactured by GE for some time, making them generally compatible with GE panels. However, it is still advisable to check compatibility with your specific GE panel model.
|
| Square D | Not compatible | Square D refuses to make classified breakers for competitor panels, including GE panels. |
| Westinghouse | Not compatible |
Westinghouse breakers are not readily available and may not be UL-classified. Use only if compatibility is confirmed.
|
| Challenger | Not compatible |
Challenger breakers are not UL-classified and are not recommended for use in any panel, including GE panels.
|
| Home Fitline | Not compatible |
Home Fitline breakers are only UL-classified for Square D Homeline panels and are not compatible with GE panels.
|
How to Know What Circuit Breaker Fits in Your Panel?
There are many ways to identify which circuit breaker can fit perfectly to your panel, as well as GE breaker compatibility. One of them is to look for the label inside your electrical panel.
However, suppose the label is not readable since it is too old. In that case, I highly suggest looking for a GE circuit breaker compatibility chart online to see the compatible replacement for your unit.
Also, you can call a professional electrician and ask which brand and type of breaker is interchangeable with your GE unit.
Always remember that considering other brands of CBs is only good when your needed unit is unavailable. It is not ideal to consider other manufacturers just because they’re cheaper than the one required for your panel.
Using inappropriate circuit interrupters for a specific brand of panel may result in an electrical problem. The breaker might fail to do its duty during electrical faults. When this happens, the panel manufacturer may not cover your warranty.
This video by Circuit Breaker Wholesale will also give you clarification about circuit breaker interchangeability.
FAQs
Are GE and Westinghouse Breakers Compatible in One Electrical Box?
Yes, using these brands interchangeably in one electrical panel is possible, as long as they have the same qualifications like amperage rating, as said above.
Are Siemens and GE Breakers Interchangeable?
Will Siemens breaker fit GE panel? The answer is also yes. GE and Siemens circuit breakers are commonly known as a good match and interchangeable.
However, just be mindful about your needed circuit breaker rating when utilizing either of these brands to replace the other. Consider the classifications recommended by the panel manufacturer.
Are GE and Eaton Breakers Interchangeable?
Some Eaton and GE breakers are interchangeable, but you have to check their model numbers. Each GE breaker model with a specific amp and voltage rating has an equivalent model in the Eaton brand.
For example, the following Eaton Cutler-Hammer Series breakers are interchangeable with the following GE breakers:
| Amp Rating | Eaton Cutler-Hammer Series
CL Type Breakers |
General Electronics (GE) | |
| 1-Pole 120/240 VAC 10,000 AIC | 15 | CL115 | THQ1115 |
| 20 | CL120 | THQ1120 | |
| 25 | CL125 | THQ1125 | |
| 30 | CL130 | THQ1130 | |
| 35 | CL135 | THQ1135 | |
| 40 | CL140 | THQ1140 | |
| 45 | CL145 | THQ1145 | |
| 50 | CL150 | THQ1150 | |
| 2-Pole 120/240 VAC 10,000 AIC | 15 | CL215 | THQ1215 |
| 20 | CL220 | THQ1220 | |
| 25 | CL225 | THQ1225 | |
| 30 | CL230 | THQ1230 | |
| 40 | CL240 | THQ1240 | |
| 45 | CL245 | THQ1245 | |
| 50 | CL250 | THQ1250 | |
| 1-Pole 120 VAC 10,000 AIC GFCI | 15 | CL115GF | THQL1115GF1 |
| 20 | CL120GF | THQL1120GF1 | |
| 30 | CL130GF | THQL1130GF1 |
Conclusion
It would be helpful to know what breakers are compatible with GE panel. Having this knowledge enables you to choose a replacement when a breaker gets damaged or is no longer in production.
Did you find this article helpful? Does it resolve your issue with GE panel compatibility? Share your opinions in the comments section below.
I am Andrew Wright. With 8 years of experience designing, installing, and maintaining electrical power systems. I love my job, and I have always wanted to offer others the necessary help so they can take care of their houses.