If you see burn marks, melting, cracking, or severe corrosion, stop handling the equipment and consult a qualified electrical professional. Follow manufacturer instructions and the authority having jurisdiction for safe removal and disposition.
How we handle QO and QOB submissions
We review qualifying Square D QO and QOB circuit breakers for potential purchase. Submissions that include clear identification, accurate condition descriptions, and required photos are easier to assess. Saying an item may be submitted for purchase review means we will examine the information you provide and decide whether it meets our current buying guidelines.
A website submission is not an appraisal, offer, acceptance, safety inspection, compatibility determination, purchase order, pickup commitment, or shipping authorization. We do not imply affiliation with or endorsement by Square D or Schneider Electric; product names appear only to identify the make and series of the equipment you are offering.
- We evaluate only the items you describe and photograph; documentation speeds review.
- Provide quantity and condition honestly — misrepresentations slow or halt review.
- We cannot guarantee purchase; each submission is assessed case-by-case.
Exact identification fields we need
Accurate identification starts with the original QO or QOB label on the breaker body. Key fields that speed review include the series prefix (QO or QOB), catalog or model code stamped on the label, ampere rating, number of poles, trip type (thermal-magnetic, GFCI, AFCI, or combination), and any interrupting rating or interrupting capacity marking.
Additional useful fields are the manufacture or date code, part serial number if present, and Square D branding or logo on the label. If a breaker was factory‑modified or rebadged, state that clearly. Absence of the original label or missing catalog markings requires extra verification and may limit acceptance.
- Show the series prefix and catalog/model code on the label.
- Record ampere rating (e.g., 15A, 30A), number of poles (1P, 2P, 3P, 4P), and trip type.
- Note any accessory codes (handles, trip levers, auxiliary contacts) printed on the label.
Plug-on versus bolt-on: why it matters
Square D QO and QOB breakers include both plug‑on (also called snap‑in) and bolt‑on mounting styles. The mounting style affects physical fit and mechanical retention in a panelboard and influences how buyers may use the unit. For review, we request clear photos showing the breaker face and the rear/bus interface so the mounting type can be confirmed.
Bolt‑on breakers typically have screw holes or flanges for fastening to the bus, while plug‑on breakers have stab or blade contacts that snap onto bus stabs. Document the mounting hardware and any bus stabs or adaptor plates with close‑up images. State whether breakers are factory‑configured bolt‑on or field‑modified to avoid confusion.
- Photograph the rear/bus side to show bolt holes or stab contacts.
- Label each lot as plug‑on or bolt‑on and separate by mounting type.
- Note missing mounting screws, hardware, or visible bus adaptors.
Condition categories and quantity notes
Describe condition using straightforward categories: New (in box or new‑surplus with original labels and no evidence of installation), New‑surplus (original label present but packaging opened), Used‑serviceable (installed previously but functions and shows light wear), and Salvage/parts‑only (damaged, missing key components, or heavily corroded). Honest condition descriptions reduce delays during review.
Organize submissions by model and condition. Single items are reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis; commercial lots grouped by identical catalog number and condition are easier to assess. Providing estimated lot counts and how units are grouped helps determine whether the quantity is likely to draw buyer interest, but submission itself does not guarantee acceptance.
- Group identical breakers (same catalog number, amp rating, poles, mounting style) together.
- Label lots as New, New‑surplus, Used‑serviceable, or Salvage/parts‑only.
- Indicate approximate counts and whether items are individually bagged or palletized.
Photos and documentation that speed review
Required photos include a clear front view of the breaker label, a rear/bus‑interface view, a side view showing pole count and trip levers, and a close‑up of any damage, corrosion, or modification. If selling multiple units of the same model, include a wide shot of the lot and a close‑up of one representative label.
File clarity and organization matter. Name files to match the model and lot (for example, QO120‑1_front.jpg, QO120‑1_rear.jpg). Include a note listing the count, condition category, and any missing parts. Missing or blurry photos typically delay review or trigger a request for clarification.
- Front label, rear/bus interface, side/trip lever, and damage close‑ups are required.
- Provide a lot shot for multiple identical units and label the lot in photos.
- Supply packing lists, purchase paperwork, or tag numbers if available to aid provenance checks.
Commercial fit, compatibility, and safety limits
Buyers consider physical fit and label match when assessing commercial fit, but identical appearance does not guarantee electrical compatibility with a particular panelboard or application. We will not determine suitability for reuse, retrofits, or code compliance for end‑use installations; those assessments belong to qualified electrical professionals and the authority having jurisdiction.
If breakers bear factory accessories (auxiliary switches, handle ties, trip indicators), photograph and list them. Functional statements (tested, calibrated) should be supported by relevant test records; without records, items are assessed against visible condition and labeling. Prospective end users should rely on appropriately qualified professionals for installation and testing.
- Label‑match and mounting style are indicators, not conclusive proof of compatibility.
- List factory accessories and include photos of installed accessories.
- Do not attempt energized testing or installation for the purpose of sale — use qualified professionals.
Next step: prepare your submission and safety reminders
When you are ready, prepare the photos and a simple inventory listing (catalog/model, amp rating, poles, mounting type, count, and condition). Submit these details using the form linked from the parent page. Provide contact information so we can ask follow‑up questions if needed. Remember that a submission initiates a review only — it is not a purchase order or commitment.
Safety first: stop and consult a qualified electrical professional if breakers show burn marks, melted insulation, heavy corrosion, or physical deformation. Do not remove breakers from energized equipment or perform on‑board modifications for the sake of photography. Follow manufacturer instructions and the authority having jurisdiction for safe handling and removal.
- Assemble photos, inventory, and condition notes before submitting.
- Do not ship or move items without confirming instructions — a submission is not a pickup authorization.
- If breakers show evidence of overheating or mechanical damage, disclose that immediately.