1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe installation, operation, and maintenance of the Eaton GHQ1020 Bolt-On Mount Type GHQ Molded Case Circuit Breaker. Please read this manual thoroughly before attempting any installation or operation to ensure proper function and safety.
The Eaton GHQ1020 is a 1-pole, 20 Amp, 277 Volt AC circuit breaker designed for reliable overcurrent protection in electrical systems. It features a 14kA interrupting rating.
2. Safety Information
WARNING: Risk of electric shock or fire. Installation and servicing must be performed by qualified personnel only.
- Always disconnect power at the main service panel before working on circuit breakers or electrical panels.
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including insulated gloves and eye protection.
- Verify that the circuit breaker rating matches the circuit requirements.
- Do not use damaged or modified circuit breakers.
- Ensure all connections are tight and secure to prevent overheating.
3. Product Overview
The Eaton GHQ1020 is a compact molded case circuit breaker designed for bolt-on mounting. It provides thermal-magnetic protection for electrical circuits.

Figure 1: Front view of the Eaton GHQ1020 circuit breaker, showing the toggle switch and rating label.

Figure 2: Side view of the Eaton GHQ1020 circuit breaker, illustrating the bolt-on mounting points and a warranty seal.
4. Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | GHQ1020 |
| Brand | Eaton |
| Type | Bolt-On Mount Type GHQ Molded Case Circuit Breaker |
| Poles | 1-Pole |
| Amperage | 20 Amp |
| Voltage Rating | 277 Volt AC |
| Interrupting Rating | 14 kA |
| Mounting Type | Bolt-On Mount |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4 x 4 x 1 inches |
| Weight | 4.5 ounces |
5. Installation
This section outlines the general procedure for installing the Eaton GHQ1020 circuit breaker. Always refer to local electrical codes and standards.
- Power Disconnection: Ensure all power to the electrical panel is OFF at the main service disconnect. Verify with a voltage tester.
- Panel Access: Remove the electrical panel cover.
- Mounting: Position the GHQ1020 circuit breaker onto the appropriate bus bar or mounting rail within the panel. Secure it firmly using the bolt-on mechanism. Ensure proper alignment and contact.
- Wiring:
- Connect the load wire (typically black or red) to the load terminal of the circuit breaker. Tighten the terminal screw to the manufacturer's specified torque.
- Connect the neutral wire (typically white) to the neutral bus bar.
- Connect the ground wire (typically green or bare copper) to the ground bus bar.
- Verification: Double-check all connections for tightness and correct wiring. Ensure no bare wires are exposed.
- Panel Closure: Replace the electrical panel cover.
- Power Restoration: Restore power at the main service disconnect.
6. Operation
The Eaton GHQ1020 circuit breaker operates as a protective device for your electrical circuit.
- ON Position: Push the toggle switch fully to the "ON" position to allow current flow through the circuit.
- OFF Position: Push the toggle switch fully to the "OFF" position to manually interrupt current flow.
- TRIPPED Position: If an overcurrent or short circuit occurs, the circuit breaker will automatically trip to the center position (between ON and OFF). This indicates a fault in the circuit.
- Resetting a Tripped Breaker: To reset a tripped breaker, first move the toggle switch firmly to the "OFF" position, then push it to the "ON" position. If the breaker immediately trips again, there is still a fault in the circuit that needs to be addressed.
7. Maintenance
The Eaton GHQ1020 circuit breaker is designed for minimal maintenance. However, periodic inspection is recommended.
- Annual Inspection: Annually, with power disconnected, visually inspect the circuit breaker for any signs of physical damage, discoloration, or loose connections.
- Cleaning: If necessary, gently clean the exterior of the breaker with a dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use liquids or abrasive cleaners.
- Testing: While not typically required for residential applications, some industrial standards may recommend periodic trip testing. Consult a qualified electrician for such procedures.
8. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your circuit breaker.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit breaker trips repeatedly. | Overloaded circuit, short circuit, ground fault, or faulty appliance. |
|
| Circuit breaker will not reset. | Persistent fault (short circuit, severe overload) or internal breaker damage. |
|
| No power to circuit, but breaker is ON. | Loose connection, wiring fault, or internal breaker failure. |
|
9. Warranty Information
Eaton products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For specific warranty terms and conditions applicable to the GHQ1020 circuit breaker, please refer to the official Eaton warranty documentation provided with your purchase or visit the official Eaton website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Note: Removing the "Warranty Void If Removed" seal (as seen in Figure 2) may void your product warranty.
10. Customer Support
For technical assistance, product inquiries, or support, please contact Eaton customer service. You can find contact information on the official Eaton website:
When contacting support, please have your product model number (GHQ1020) and purchase details readily available.