1. Product Overview
The Square D Homeline 70 Amp Circuit Breaker is designed for reliable residential circuit protection, safeguarding against overloads and short circuits. Its plug-on neutral design facilitates easy installation into Square D Homeline load centers and CSEDs, occupying two spaces for a fast and efficient setup. This double-pole breaker operates on 120/240V AC circuits, suitable for appliances requiring higher power, such as clothes dryers, ranges, furnaces, and air conditioners. It features a 70A current rating, 10kA breaking capacity, and a compact design. UL-listed for safety and reliability, it is an essential component for residential electrical systems.
Key features include:
- Residential Circuit Protection: Engineered for fast installation and superior circuit protection.
- Easy Installation: Plug-on neutral design with a shorter footprint for quick plug-in mounting in Square D Homeline load centers and CSEDs.
- 70 Amp Two-Pole Configuration: Ideal for larger 240V appliances.
- Standard Protection: HACR rated, with clamp terminals accepting 8 AWG to 2 AWG copper or aluminum wire.
2. Safety Information
WARNING: Electrical work can be dangerous and should only be performed by qualified personnel. Always turn off the main power supply at the service panel before attempting any installation, maintenance, or inspection of circuit breakers or electrical systems. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death.
It is critical to use only Square D circuit breakers with Square D load centers. The electrical and mechanical characteristics of circuit breakers vary significantly between manufacturers. Using an incompatible circuit breaker can lead to catastrophic failure in electrical systems, posing a severe safety risk to homeowners and property. Always verify compatibility before installation.
3. Installation
The Homeline 70 Amp 2-Pole Mini Circuit Breaker is designed for plug-in mounting into Square D Homeline load centers and CSEDs. Ensure the main power to the load center is OFF before beginning installation.
- Prepare Wires: Loosen the terminal screws on the breaker. Strip the insulation from the circuit wires according to the manufacturer's specifications, typically found on the breaker label or in the load center manual.
- Connect Wires: Insert the circuit wires into the appropriate terminals. For a 2-pole breaker, connect the two hot wires to the two terminals. Ensure the wires are seated properly under the saddle clamp.
- Tighten Terminals: Securely tighten the terminal screws to the specified torque. Over-tightening or under-tightening can lead to poor connections and potential hazards.
- Mount Breaker: Align the plastic tabs on the bottom of the breaker with the corresponding slots in the load center's bus bar assembly. Push the breaker firmly onto the bus bar until it clicks into place. Ensure it is fully seated and stable.
- Verify Installation: Gently tug on the breaker to confirm it is securely mounted and cannot be easily dislodged.
4. Operation
The Square D Homeline circuit breaker is designed to automatically interrupt the flow of electricity in a circuit when an overload or short circuit condition occurs. This protection prevents damage to wiring and appliances, and reduces the risk of electrical fires.
- ON Position: When the breaker handle is in the 'ON' position, electricity flows through the circuit.
- OFF Position: Moving the handle to the 'OFF' position manually disconnects power to the circuit.
- TRIPPED Position: If an overload or short circuit occurs, the breaker will automatically move to a central 'TRIPPED' position (often indicated by a red flag or a position between ON and OFF). This indicates that the circuit has been interrupted for safety.
To Reset a Tripped Breaker:
- First, move the handle firmly to the full 'OFF' position.
- Then, move the handle firmly to the full 'ON' position.
If the breaker immediately trips again, there is likely a persistent electrical fault. Do not attempt to reset it repeatedly. Consult a qualified electrician.
5. Maintenance
The Square D Homeline circuit breaker is a sealed unit and generally requires no internal maintenance. However, periodic visual inspection of the breaker and its connections within the load center is recommended. This should be performed by a qualified electrician to ensure all connections are secure and there are no signs of overheating or damage.
Keep the load center door closed and free from obstructions to ensure proper ventilation and protection of the electrical components.
6. Troubleshooting
If you experience issues with your circuit breaker, consider the following:
- Frequent Tripping: If a circuit breaker trips frequently, it indicates an issue with the circuit it protects. This could be an overloaded circuit (too many devices drawing power), a short circuit, or a ground fault.
- Breaker Not Resetting: If the breaker does not reset after being moved to the full 'OFF' then 'ON' position, it may indicate a severe fault or a faulty breaker.
- No Power to Circuit: If a circuit has no power and the breaker is in the 'ON' position, check if the breaker has tripped to the middle position. If not, there might be an issue with the wiring or the breaker itself.
Important: For any persistent electrical issues or if you are unsure about the cause of a problem, immediately contact a qualified and licensed electrician. Do not attempt repairs beyond your expertise, as this can be extremely dangerous.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Schneider Electric |
| Model Number | HOM270CP |
| Current Rating | 70 Amps |
| Voltage | 120/240 Volts AC |
| Number Of Poles | 2 |
| Breaking Capacity | 10kA |
| Circuit Breaker Type | Standard, Thermal/Magnetic |
| Mounting Type | Plug-In Mount |
| Wire Compatibility | 8 AWG to 2 AWG copper or aluminum wire |
| Certifications | UL-listed, HACR-rated |
| Item Weight | 11.2 ounces |
| Material | Plastic |
8. Warranty and Support
This Square D by Schneider Electric Homeline circuit breaker comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. For detailed warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official Schneider Electric website.
For technical support, product inquiries, or to find authorized service providers, please visit the official Schneider Electric store or contact their customer service department:
- Schneider Electric Store: Visit Store
