Characteristics are for QO & QOB 1-pole, 2-pole & 3-pole breakers under 80 amps and QO tandem breakers.
Note: Lack of the following characteristics does not guarantee authenticity of the breaker. To avoid counterfeits, only buy Square D products from an authorized Square D distributor or retailer.
Click here to find an Authorized US Distributor
Some counterfeit labels do not indicate country of origin.
Many counterfeit breakers have a bright silver rail clip.
Some counterfeit breakers have printed logos or logos that appear to be etched. Some counterfeit breakers may be missing the logo.
Ampere ratings molded into the handles of new (post 1999) breakers indicate the product is counterfeit.
Security features for QO Breakers
On the UL manifest label on genuine QO breakers* manufactured beginning January 1, 2009**, the following features can be seen under 10x magnification. The text for “ISSUE NO” shows:
- The two “S” characters in “ISSUE” are connected as shown below.
- The middle leg of the letter “E” in “ISSUE” is elongated as shown below.
- A five-point star appears after the letter “O” in “NO” as shown below.
* Breakers included are QO & QOB 1-pole, 2-pole & 3-pole breakers under 80 amps and QO tandem breakers.
** The 2nd character of the 2-character date code that is stamped in red on the UL manifest label is “U” for 2009 & “V” for 2010.