1. Safety Information
WARNING: Risk of electric shock, explosion, or arc flash. Installation and maintenance must be performed by qualified personnel only. Read these instructions carefully and look at the equipment to become familiar with the device before trying to install, operate, service, or maintain it.
- Always turn off power at the main disconnect before working on electrical equipment.
- Use a voltage tester to confirm power is off before touching any wires.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Follow all local and national electrical codes.
- This circuit breaker is designed for use in Square D Homeline load centers only.
2. Product Overview
The Schneider Electric Square D HOM125 is a 25 Amp, single-pole, thermal-magnetic plug-in circuit breaker designed for use in Homeline load centers. It provides overcurrent protection for electrical circuits, safeguarding wiring and equipment from damage due to overloads and short circuits. This breaker has a 10 kA interrupting rating and is rated for 120/240 VAC at 50/60 Hz.
Key Features:
- Type: Thermal-Magnetic Branch Circuit Breaker
- Current Rating: 25 Amperes
- Poles: 1-Pole
- Voltage Rating: 120/240 VAC
- Interrupting Rating: 10 kA
- Mounting: Plug-In
- Terminal Type: Screw Clamp
- Compatibility: Square D Homeline Load Centers
Figure 1: Top-down view of the Square D HOM125 circuit breaker, showing the toggle switch and rating labels.
3. Installation
IMPORTANT: Installation must be performed by a qualified electrician in accordance with all applicable electrical codes.
- Prepare the Load Center:
- Ensure all power to the load center is OFF at the main disconnect. Verify with a voltage tester.
- Remove the load center cover.
- Connect the Circuit Wire:
- Strip approximately 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) of insulation from the circuit wire (14 to 8 AWG aluminum/copper, or two 14 to 10 AWG copper wires).
- Insert the stripped end of the circuit wire into the screw clamp terminal on the breaker.
- Tighten the terminal screw firmly to the specified torque (refer to load center instructions for exact torque specifications). Ensure the wire is securely fastened and no bare strands are exposed outside the terminal.
Figure 2: Rear view of the HOM125 circuit breaker, highlighting the screw clamp terminals for wire connection.
- Install the Breaker:
- Position the breaker so that the clip on the back engages with the mounting rail in the load center.
- Align the plug-on connector with the bus bar stab.
- Firmly press the breaker onto the bus bar until it is fully seated and clicks into place.
Figure 3: Side view of the HOM125 circuit breaker, illustrating the plug-in connection mechanism.
- Restore Power:
- Replace the load center cover.
- Turn the main disconnect power back ON.
- Switch the newly installed circuit breaker to the "ON" position.
4. Operation
The HOM125 circuit breaker operates as a protective device for your electrical circuit. It has two primary states: ON and OFF, and a tripped state.
- ON Position: When the toggle handle is in the "ON" position, power is supplied to the connected circuit.
- OFF Position: When the toggle handle is manually moved to the "OFF" position, power to the connected circuit is interrupted.
- TRIPPED Position: If an overload or short circuit occurs, the breaker will automatically move to a central, "TRIPPED" position (often indicated by the handle being between ON and OFF, or slightly past OFF). This indicates that the breaker has interrupted the circuit to prevent damage.
Figure 4: Close-up view of the HOM125 circuit breaker's toggle switch, which indicates the ON, OFF, or TRIPPED status.
Resetting a Tripped Breaker
If the circuit breaker trips, follow these steps:
- Identify the Cause: Unplug or turn off any appliances or devices on the affected circuit that may have caused the overload or short circuit.
- Reset the Breaker:
- First, firmly push the breaker handle completely to the "OFF" position. You may feel a click.
- Then, push the handle firmly to the "ON" position.
- Monitor: If the breaker trips again immediately, there may be a persistent issue (e.g., a short circuit or a faulty appliance). Do not repeatedly reset the breaker without addressing the underlying problem. Consult a qualified electrician.
5. Maintenance
The Square D HOM125 circuit breaker is designed for reliable, long-term operation with minimal maintenance. However, periodic inspection is recommended.
- Visual Inspection: Annually, or as needed, inspect the breaker for any signs of physical damage, discoloration, or loose connections. Ensure the toggle handle moves freely.
- Cleaning: If necessary, gently clean the exterior of the breaker with a dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use liquids or abrasive cleaners. Ensure power is off before cleaning.
- Connection Check: Periodically, with power off, verify that the wire terminal screws are tight. Loose connections can cause overheating.
If any issues are observed, consult a qualified electrician for assessment and potential replacement.
6. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your circuit breaker.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Breaker trips frequently. | Overloaded circuit, short circuit, ground fault, or faulty appliance. |
|
| Breaker will not reset. | Persistent overload or short circuit, or internal breaker fault. |
|
| Breaker is hot to the touch. | Overload, loose connection, or internal fault. |
|
7. Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | HOM125 |
| Brand | Schneider Electric (Square D) |
| Current Rating | 25 Amps |
| Number of Poles | 1 |
| Voltage Rating | 120/240 VAC at 50/60 Hz (UL/CSA) |
| Interrupting Rating | 10 kA |
| Circuit Breaker Type | Thermal-Magnetic, Standard |
| Mounting Type | Plug-In Mount |
| Terminal Type | Screw Clamp |
| Wire Size Compatibility | 14 to 8 AWG (Aluminum/Copper), (2) 14 to 10 AWG (Copper) |
| Dimensions (approx.) | 1 inch W x 2.98 inch D x 3.13 inch H |
| Approvals | UL, CSA |
8. Warranty and Support
For specific warranty information, please refer to the documentation provided with your Square D Homeline load center or contact Schneider Electric customer support directly. General product support and technical assistance can be obtained through the official Schneider Electric website or by contacting their customer service department.
Schneider Electric Contact Information:
- Official Website
- Refer to your load center manual for specific regional support contacts.
