OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
June 28, 1989
| MEMORANDUM FOR: |
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS |
| THRU: |
LEO CAREY
Director
Office of Field Programs |
| FROM: |
EDWARD J. BAIER
Director
Director of Technical Support |
| SUBJECT: |
Safety Hazard Information Bulletin: Faulty Electronic
Component in QO-GFI - Series 1, Square D,
Two-Pole Circuit Breakers |
The Dallas Regional Office has brought to our attention possible ineffective
Square D, two-pole QO-GFI circuit breakers due to a faulty electronic
component.
The manufacturer, Square D Company, has discovered that an electronic
component of the two-pole, QO-GFI circuit breakers, series 1 may fail
prematurely. While the unit continues to function as a switch, the failure
of the electronic component renders the ground fault interrupting feature
inoperable. This condition gives the user of the two-pole QO-GFI circuit
breaker false sense of protection and may expose workers to electrical shocks
from faulty equipment.
Square D had issued a product recall notice to contractors. The notice
identified the two-pole QO-GFI circuit breakers manufactured between March
1982 and December 1986 as the defective ones. Square D, in its recall
notice, listed the following "Quick Open" and "Quick Open Bolted" circuit
breakers with amperage from 215 to 230:
|
QO |
215 |
GFI |
|
QOB |
215 |
GFI |
|
QO |
220 |
GFI |
|
QOB |
220 |
GFI |
|
QO |
225 |
GFI |
|
QOB |
225 |
GFI |
|
QO |
230 |
GFI |
|
QOB |
230 |
GFI |
The two pole QO-GFI circuit breaker occupies two positions in the panel
board. It is easily recognized by the yellow "Push to Test" button and a
trip indicator. There is no Square D symbol next to the "Push to Test"
button for the series 1 circuit breakers. Square D wants all two pole QO-GFI
series 1 circuit breakers returned.
The recall was completed on June 30, 1988 and Square D has indicated that
most faulty QO and QOB-GFI circuit breakers have been returned. However,
some may still be in use. We recommend that compliance and consultation
personnel be aware of the hazard addressed in this bulletin.
Please disseminate this information to Area Offices, State Plan States, and
Consultation Project Offices.
|
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