Circuit Breaker Operating Temperatures: Product Data Bulletin

Understanding acceptable circuit breaker operating temperatures will help avoid unnecessary replacements and returns. A circuit breaker that is warm to the touch, or too hot to touch, is normally within acceptable operating temperatures. Therefore, it is important to obtain the temperature reading on the circuit breaker rather than going by touch. Non-metallic handles, knobs, and other user contact surfaces are allowed to reach a maximum temperature of 185ºF (85ºC) per Underwriters Laboratories (UL).