Eaton: BR, CH and CL are different references.

Quick answer

Eaton sells four residential plug-in lines that people often mix up:

Eaton's knowledge base adds two direct statements:

• "CL breakers are not UL listed to be used in BR loadcenters. Only BR breakers are designed, tested and UL listed for use in BR load centers" [K3].
• Classified breakers "cannot be used for OEM loadcenters; only BR breakers are suitable" [K2]. (Eaton's catalog uses "OEM Loadcenters" as a section heading for its loadcenter interiors [E12 p.V1-T1-91].)

Compare a printed dimension, not an installation permission. Equal width does not establish a listed or classified combination.

Eaton CH3/4 in. per poleE5 p.5

Eaton BR1 in. per poleE5 p.5

Eaton CL1 in. per poleE12 p.103

Eaton CHQ3/4 in. per poleE5 p.8

Square D QO3/4 in. per poleQ7 p.67

Square D Homeline1 in. per poleQ7 p.67

Siemens QP1 in. per poleS9 p.1

Siemens QD3/4 in. per poleS9 p.47

GE / ABB THQL1 in. per poleG1 p.1

GE / ABB THQP1/2 in. per poleG1 p.1

Original drawing and source annotations

The original drawing is schematic, not a product label, field measurement or installation instruction.

Open the original full-size SVG

"½" THQP"; ABB not accepting new orders as of October 2, 2024

Sources: E5 Eaton Residential Product Guide MZ00400002E p.5, p.8; K5 Eaton KB 000015509; E12 Eaton CA08100002E (2022) p.103; E1 Eaton IL00304001Y p.1; Q6 Square D 0730CT9801 p.3;

Q7 Square D 1100CT0501 pp.45, 67; S9 Siemens SPEEDFAX SF-17 pp.1, 47; S4 Siemens QD brochure p.1; G1 ABB THQP notice (June 28, 2024) p.1. The panel label governs.

How to tell CH from BR

Eaton's residential guide [E5 PDF p.5] and its knowledge-base article "Major differences between BR and CH breakers" [K5] give these differences:

The handle colour is worded differently in the two Eaton documents (X11); we show both [E5 PDF p.5] [K5].

The same guide notes: "Installing a breaker that has not been tested by UL voids the product warranty" [E5 PDF p.5]. Eaton describes Westinghouse, Challenger and Bryant as legacy brands in its installed base [E5 PDF p.4].

BR in other old panels: "fits" is not "listed"

Eaton's knowledge base says BR is "Not UL listed but 'fits' in American Switch, Arrow-Hart, General Switch, GTE/Sylvania loadcenters" [K5]. Eaton itself calls this not UL listed.

CTL and Non-CTL (BR and CH)

• Eaton's catalog: "National Electrical Code Paragraph 384.15 requires branch circuit panelboards to be provided with physical means to prevent the installation of more overcurrent devices than that number of which the enclosure was designed, rated and approved." [E12 p.V1-T1-91]
• Class CTL duplex, quadplex and twin breakers (catalog prefixes BD, BQ, BQC and CHT) have a UL listed rejection tab over the line terminal, and Eaton's OEM interiors have notched stabs to accept them [E12 p.V1-T1-91].
• Type BD duplex and BQ/BQC quadplex breakers can be installed in CTL listed BR loadcenters; Type BR twin breakers can be installed in Non-CTL BR loadcenters [E12 p.V1-T1-68].
• Type CHT twin is "Suitable for CTL and non-CTL CH loadcenters" [E12 p.V1-T1-37].
• Non-CTL Type BRD breakers are "For replacement in enclosures manufactured prior to 1968 with unnotched stabs" and have no rejection tab [E12 p.V1-T1-78, p.V1-T1-83].

Type CL in detail

• Catalog range:
  • 1-pole CL115–CL150 and 2-pole CL215–CL250, in 15 to 50 A [E2 p.V1-T1-103] [E1 p.4].
  • Also ground-fault, arc-fault and dual-function versions (see the next table) [E1 p.4].
• What it replaces, per Eaton's compatibility list [E1 p.4]:

Eaton breaker numbers in that table: CL115GFT–CL130GFT (GF), CL115AF–CL120AF (AF), CL115CAF–CL120CAF, CLCAF115–CLCAF120, CLAF115 and CLAF120 (CAF), CLDF115–CLDF120 (DF) [E1 p.4]. The 2026 brochure prints some of these differently, for example CLGF115–CLGF130, QF115AFC and THQL1115DF [E3 p.3]. We list both versions.

• Panel lists: E1 p.1 carries the notes; meter centers are on pp.2–3 (p.3 also lists CLCAF-specified panelboards); p.4 holds the replacement tables; panelboards are on pp.5–10: ITE/Siemens pp.5–7, GE p.8, Crouse-Hinds/Murray p.9, Square D and Thomas & Betts p.10 [E1]. Eaton type headings are printed on pp.2–3 and on p.5 ("CLDF115, CLDF120") [E1 pp.2–3, 5].
• Limits printed on the list:
  • Single-phase, 3-wire, 120/240 V; maximum available short-circuit current 10 kAIC [E1 p.1].
  • "Do not use in series rated systems with those panelboards shown in this compatibility list" [E1 p.4].
  • If breakers must be handle-tied, both Classified breakers must be the same manufacturer and type [E1 p.1].
• Other Eaton statements:
  • Classified breakers can be used "in applications up to and including 120/240 volts, 225 ampere (A) panels" [E4 p.2].
  • They are listed by UL in "nearly 750" non-Eaton loadcenters [E4 p.2] [E3 p.2].
  • Eaton's catalog states a 15-year warranty on its Classified breakers [E2 p.V1-T1-101], repeated in its knowledge base [K4].
  • Eaton's knowledge base describes CL as "classified breakers for use in other manufacturer's panels" [K1].
• CL smart breakers: the catalog also lists "Type CL Classified Latching Remote Control Smart Breakers", 1-pole CLRP115–CLRP130 and 2-pole CLRP215–CLRP230, 10 kAIC [E12 p.V1-T1-103] [K4].

Type CHQ (for Square D QO)

• 1-pole CHQ115–CHQ150 and 2-pole CHQ215–CHQ260; ¾ inch per pole; 10 kAIC; 120 and 120/240 Vac [E2 p.V1-T1-102].
• The 2026 brochure lists CHFQ115–CHFQ150 and CHFQ215–CHFQ250 as replacing QO115–QO150 and QO215–QO250 [E3 p.3].
• Square D's position on non-Square D breakers is in the conflicts section below.

Era and series history

Recalls and counterfeits

• Challenger HAGF GFCI (1988). Challenger offered free replacement of 15 and 20 A type HAGF single-pole GFCI breakers made between February 22 and April 29, 1988. About 9,000 had not been located at the time of the release [C2].
• Eaton MBED3042 meter breakers (2014). About 1,100 residential meter breakers [C17 p.2], catalog numbers MBED3042B200BF, MBED3042B200BF6, MBED3042B225PV and MBED3042PV200BF [C17 p.3]. "The meter breakers are service entrance equipment systems that consist of a single meter socket and load center or a meter socket and main breaker combined in one enclosure." [C17 p.3] "The meter breaker's electrical components can be easily accessed, posing a shock hazard to consumers." [C17 p.2] "Only qualified electrical contractors should repair the product, and consumers should not open the meter breaker's enclosure." [C17 p.3]
• Counterfeit and gray-market Eaton breakers. Eaton's awareness guide (January 2013) lists warning signs [E6]:
  • a missing date code [E6];
  • a missing UL sticker [E6];
  • an old date code (Eaton says any product over two years old no longer has a factory warranty) [E6];
  • low-quality labeling or misspelled words [E6]. It advises buying from authorized Eaton resellers [E6].

Conflicts

• Square D's position (X1). Square D says other manufacturers' breakers void the UL listing and warranty of QO and Homeline load centers [Q1]. Eaton says its Classified breakers comply with NEC 110.3(B) and cites the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act on warranties [E4 p.1–2]. We do not decide between them.
• Naming differences (X3, X4, X10). The same products are written CHQ or CHFQ, and CL115GFT or CLGF115, and some replaced catalog numbers differ between E1 and E3 [E1 p.4] [E2] [E3 p.3].

Common confusions

• "BR and CL are the same 1-inch breaker."
  • Eaton documents BR for Eaton BR, Westinghouse, Challenger and Bryant loadcenters [E5 PDF p.5].
  • Eaton documents CL only for the other makers' panels listed in IL00304001Y [E1 p.1], and says CL is not UL listed for BR loadcenters [K3].
• "CL covers 15–125 A." Eaton's catalog lists CL at 15–50 A [E2 p.V1-T1-103].
• "Classified means not UL listed." Eaton says its Classified breakers are tested and listed by UL [E3 p.2], and UL's marking guide describes breakers that are both Classified and Certified (Listed) [U1 item 98].

FAQ

Can I use Eaton BR breakers in a Challenger panel? Eaton describes BR as the UL approved genuine replacement for Challenger loadcenters [E5 PDF p.5], and its knowledge base lists BR as "UL approved to be used in the following loadcenters: Westinghouse, Challenger, Bryant, Cutler-Hammer, and Eaton BR loadcenters" [K6]. Check your panel label.

What is the difference between Eaton CH and BR? CH is ¾ inch, trips to OFF, has a sandalwood handle, and is only for CH loadcenters. BR is 1 inch, trips to center, and has a black handle [E5 PDF p.5].

Can I put a Cutler-Hammer CH breaker in a BR panel? Eaton says CH is exclusively for CH loadcenters [E5 PDF p.5].

Can I put an Eaton CL breaker in my Eaton BR panel? Eaton's knowledge base says no: "CL breakers are not UL listed to be used in BR loadcenters" [K3]. A second article says classified breakers "cannot be used for OEM loadcenters; only BR breakers are suitable" [K2].

Will a BR breaker work in an American Switch, Arrow-Hart, General Switch or GTE/Sylvania panel? Eaton says BR is "Not UL listed but 'fits'" in those loadcenters [K5]. Eaton's UL-approved list for BR reads: "Westinghouse, Challenger, Bryant, Cutler-Hammer, and Eaton BR loadcenters" [K6].

What is the difference between BD, BQ and BR twin breakers? Eaton's catalog says BD duplex and BQ/BQC quadplex breakers go in CTL listed BR loadcenters, and BR twin breakers go in Non-CTL BR loadcenters [E12 p.V1-T1-68]. Check how many such positions your panel label allows.

Does Eaton make a breaker for Square D QO panels? Eaton's catalog prints "Type CHQ Replacement Breakers for Square D Type QO Loadcenters" [E2 p.V1-T1-102]; the 2026 brochure names the line CHFQ [E3 p.3]. Square D objects to non-Square D breakers [Q1].

Is Eaton CL allowed in my 200 A panel? Eaton states its Classified breakers can be used "in applications up to and including 120/240 volts, 225 ampere (A) panels" [E4 p.2]. Your panel must also be on E1, and the supply limits apply [E1 p.1].

What is an Eaton CL breaker? Eaton's UL Classified plug-in breaker for other makers' panels. Eaton lists the accepted panels, catalog number by catalog number, in IL00304001Y [E1], with limits of 120/240 V and 10 kA [E1 p.1], and says the list must not be used for series-rated systems [E1 p.4].

Are CL and BR breakers interchangeable? Not according to Eaton. CL breakers "are not UL listed to be used in BR loadcenters" [K3]. BR is UL approved for Westinghouse, Challenger, Bryant, Cutler-Hammer and Eaton BR loadcenters [K6]. A Classified breaker is marked for use only in the specified panelboards in its compatibility publication [U1 item 97].

Is Eaton CH better than BR? Eaton describes them as different families: CH is ¾ inch, trips to OFF and is only for CH loadcenters; BR is 1 inch and trips to center [E5 PDF p.5]. The right one is the one your panel label names.

Sources

All documents fetched 2026-11-15 or 2026-11-16 and archived with SHA256 (see SOURCE-LIBRARY.csv). Kind: primary = issued by the manufacturer/agency; primary-mirror = manufacturer document hosted by a third party.

Related reference photographs