Arc Fault Circuit Breaker Modification Allows Easier Visual Identification

In order to assist our customers in readily identifying new production arc fault circuit breakers, we have changed the color of the “push-to-test button” from blue to green (see photo at left). Production of arc fault circuit breakers with the green button began 10/14/04, with product shipping to distributors the week of 10/18.

This design change has been made in response to the recall, announced in September 2004, of Square D arc fault circuit breakers. The recall pertains only to Square D QO® and Homeline® 15- and 20-amp AFI circuit breakers manufactured this year between March 1 and September 23, 2004. These products may not provide arc detection capability due to the failure of a third-party supplied internal component in the electronic detection circuit. While the breakers will continue to function like a regular circuit breaker, providing short circuit and overload protection, they may not detect a high resistance, low current arcing fault.

All arc fault circuit breakers with green buttons are conforming product and do not need to have the date code verified. Some arc fault circuit breakers with blue buttons may be affected by this recall. AFI circuit breakers installed prior to March 1, 2004 are not affected. Only AFI circuit breakers with blue buttons installed after March 1, 2004 will still need to have the date code verified.