Square D 100 Amp Breaker

Your Complete Resource for Purchasing the Right 100 Amp Breaker

Upgrading your home’s electrical service to support more high-powered appliances or adding a subpanel for a garage, workshop or addition? If so, you likely need a new 100 amp breaker to distribute sufficient power safely. But not just any 100 amp circuit breaker will do for these important electrical projects. You need a breaker you can trust, with proven safety, durability and reliability.

In the world of electrical equipment, one name stands out above the rest – Square D. And their 100 amp circuit breakers deliver the quality and performance you should demand for your home.

This in-depth buying guide provides everything you need to know about Square D 100 amp breakers. Read on to learn key facts like:

• What a 100 amp breaker does
• How to install and wire a Square D 100 amp breaker
• Where to buy Square D breakers
• How to reset and troubleshoot Square D breakers
• Pricing, warranties and other important purchase considerations

Let’s get started!

What is a 100 Amp Breaker Used For?

The breaker is the brains of your home’s electrical system, constantly monitoring current flow and tripping to “break” the circuit if overload is detected. This prevents wires from overheating and reduces fire risk.

A 100 amp breaker is designed for higher power applications like:

• Service panel upgrade – If your current main breaker is only 60 or 80 amps, upgrading to 100 amps allows safely running more appliances and equipment simultaneously. This may be needed for a home addition or just to meet the needs of a modern household.
• Subpanel installation – Detached garages, workshops, pool houses, etc. often require a subpanel with a large 100 amp feeder breaker. This allows supplying adequate power from the main house panel.
• High-draw appliances – Some appliances like stoves, clothes dryers and air conditioners need their own dedicated 100 amp breaker due to high electrical load.

So in summary, the main purpose of a Square D 100 amp breaker is powering high wattage equipment or an entire subpanel safely.

How to Install a Square D 100 Amp Breaker

Installing a 100 amp breaker isn’t DIY work for a novice. An experienced electrician should handle upgrades to avoid safety hazards. But here is a quick overview of the process:

• Select an appropriate loadcenter or subpanel to install the breaker in. It must have open slots and be rated to handle 100 amps continuously.
• Turn off power at the main breaker. Use a contact voltage tester to confirm it’s dead. Remove panel cover safely.
• The two hot wires from the power source connect to the breaker’s top terminals. The neutral and ground wires connect to the corresponding bus bars in the panel.
• Mount the 100 amp breaker securely in the panel and torque terminals to spec with a screwdriver. Ensure it sits flush.
• Load centers usually need new, larger feeder wires to handle the increased load. Pull these to the panel and connect to the breaker.
• Close up the panel, turn power back on at the main breaker, and test operation. The 100 amp breaker should trip with an overload.

Obviously this summarizes major steps, and many important safety details are glossed over. Hire an electrician anytime you need to install a large, high-amperage circuit breaker like this.

Where to Buy a Square D 100 Amp Breaker

Square D breakers are sold by most electrical supply stores and home improvement centers like Home Depot and Lowe’s. But for the best price and selection, check out these top sources:

• Online: E-commerce sites like 1000Bulbs, eBay, and Amazon carry the full range of Square D breakers. Shopping online allows comparing prices across multiple vendors quickly.
• Electrical supply houses: Local shops like Rexel, Elliott Electric, and Graybar stock Square D products for both retail and contractor sales. Their knowledgeable staff can ensure you get the right breaker for your specific needs.
• Home Depot: For convenient one-stop shopping, Home Depot has a wide selection of Square D breakers in-stock including popular 100 amp models. Their stores are ubiquitous which helps when you need a breaker urgently.
• Lowes: Similar to Home Depot, Lowes is another national big box retailer that sells a variety of Square D circuit breakers. Take advantage of their closeout specials for potential savings.

Square D Authorized Distributors are also a smart source, since you know you’re getting brand-new, factory-direct inventory with full warranty support. Search for local authorized sellers on the Square D website.

How to Identify a Square D 100 Amp Breaker

All Square D breakers are clearly identified with prominent branding including:

• Square D logo
• Amp rating
• Part number
• Date code
• Catalog number

Here are key traits of a genuine Square D 100 amp breaker:

• 1 inch wide
• Rated for 100A (written on label)
• 2 pole (2 hot terminals)
• Part number will start with “HOM” or “HOMT”
• Designed for operation up to 75 degrees Celsius

100 amp breakers come in multiple mounting styles. Make sure to get the style matching your load center. Common types include:

• Homeline (fits Homeline & QO panels)
• Plug-on neutral (matches GE panels)
• Tandem (goes in tandem breaker slots)
• Slimline (for compact, space-saving panels)

Genuine Square D breakers purchased from authorized sellers ensure you get a 100 amp model that will properly fit your panel.

Why Choose a Square D 100 Amp Breaker?

With something as important as a 100 amp feeder circuit, you want the gold standard in safety, reliability and performance. Here are key reasons to choose Square D:

Safety

Nothing is more crucial in electrical equipment than safety. Square D breakers feature arc fault and thermal overload protection to prevent hazards. Independent testing verifies they meet rigorous UL safety standards too.

Reliability

Electrical contractors overwhelmingly choose Square D thanks to their stellar reputation. The premium materials and rigorous testing result in products that stand the test of time even under tough conditions.

Performance

Square D Engineering has pioneered many circuit breaker innovations over their 100+ year history. Their breakers offer very precise tripping, reacting quickly to overload conditions but resisting nuisance tripping.

Compatibility

Installing in an existing panel? Square D breakers properly fit and function across Homeline, QO, GE and other major load center brands. No hassles determining compatibility.

Warranty

All Square D breakers are backed by an 18-month warranty, one of the longest in the industry. This demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product quality.

For maximum safety and trouble-free operation, Square D remains the undisputed leader in circuit breaker technology. Rely on their expertise for an important upgrade like installing a 100 amp subpanel feeder.

How to Reset a Square D Breaker After Tripping

Circuit breakers are designed to trip and cut power as a protective measure, but it’s always annoying when you have to reset them. Here is the proper procedure for resetting a Square D breaker:

1. Locate the tripped breaker – it will be in a clearly different position compared to others in the ON position. The switch on a Square D breaker flips to the middle when tripped.
2. Turn OFF the breaker completely by switching to the OFF position. Never just bypass the tripped position directly to ON.
3. Unplug devices and reduce loads on the circuit. The breaker likely tripped due to overcurrent; reducing load may be necessary to allow resetting without immediate tripping again.
4. Inspect for any short circuits or damaged wiring that could have caused the overload. Never reset a breaker until any underlying problem is addressed.
5. Flip the breaker switch all the way to the ON position. It should stay on if the overload issue is resolved.
6. Plug loads back in one at a time while monitoring the breaker. If it trips again, you’ll know that last device needs to be unplugged.

Follow this process carefully anytime you have to reset a Square D breaker. The steps ensure the circuit is working safely before re-energizing. Call an electrician if breakers continue to trip after resetting.

What Appliances Need a Square D 100 Amp Breaker?

Some major appliances in your home require dedicated 100 amp breakers due to high electricity consumption:

Electric Stove/Oven

Most modern electric ranges require a 100 amp breaker for the 240V circuit powering the oven and burners. Some high-end models may even need 150 amp or more.

Electric Clothes Dryer

Electric dryers often need 30 amp or greater breakers. Going up to a 100 amp gives room for future expansion with a higher wattage dryer.

Central AC System

Central air conditioners typically require 25-60 amp breakers. Again, a 100 amp breaker provides capacity for upgrading your system in the future.

Electric Water Heater

Like other major appliances, electric water heaters can benefit from a dedicated 100 amp breaker in the panel instead of a standard 15 or 20 amp breaker.

Pool or Hot Tub

An in-ground pool/spa with pumps and heating will require a subpanel fed by a large 100A breaker from the main house panel.

Detached Garage or Workshop

Powering a whole subpanel in an outbuilding almost always requires installing a 100 amp feeder breaker in the main panel.

Keep in mind these are general guidelines, and the actual breaker size needed depends on the appliance specs. But a Square D 100A breaker gives you insurance for future expansions.

How to Replace a Square D 100 Amp Breaker

Square D circuit breakers are designed for longevity, but they may eventually need replacement if tripping becomes a recurring problem. Here are tips for safely swapping out a 100 amp Square D breaker:

Purchase Identical Replacement

Match the new breaker to the original – same amp rating, poles, mount type, interrupting capacity, and exact model number. This ensures an easy bolt-in replacement.

Turn Off Power

Turn off the main breaker for the panel before doing any work. Use a contact voltage tester to confirm dead circuits.

Remove Old Breaker

Unscrew the breaker terminals and pull it completely out of the panel. Inspect inside the panel for any signs of overheating or arcing.

Install New Breaker

Carefully mount the new 100A breaker in place and tighten the terminal screws firmly. Double check it sits flush in the panel with good alignment.

Restore Power

With the panel safely resealed, turn the main breaker back on. Activate the new breaker and test for proper function by checking for voltage at outlets.

Discard Old Breaker

Old breakers should be properly disposed of, not reused. They trip for an important reason – overcurrent protection is likely compromised.

With a quality Square D replacement installed, you can feel confident the circuit is protected for many more years of reliable service.

How to Troubleshoot a Square D 100 Amp Breaker

If you’re having issues with your Square D 100A breaker tripping, here are tips for troubleshooting:

• Check for overload – Unplug or turn off devices to reduce power draw on the circuit. The breaker may be undersized for what’s plugged in.
• Inspect for short circuits – Damaged wiring causing hot-to-neutral or hot-to-ground contact can instantly trip a breaker.
• Test for faulty appliances – Older appliances and electric motors can draw excessive current due to wear, tripping breakers. Unplug and test individually.
• Verify proper voltage – Input voltage that is too high or too low can trigger sudden breaker tripping. Check with a multimeter.
• Replace if mechanically damaged – Dropping or jamming a breaker can disrupt the meticulous internal tripping mechanism.
• Swap breaker if it no longer resets – If a breaker trips but won’t reset, the internal mechanisms may be damaged or corroded. Time for a new one.
• Update if overheating – Sustained heat exposure in hot panels degrades breakers over time. Check for discoloration or melting.
• Hire an electrician for repeated, unexplained breaker trips to locate underlying electrical faults.

Start troubleshooting with easy DIY steps like checking loads and outlets. But for recurrent tripping issues, have a professional assess the circuit for hidden problems.

What is the Warranty on Square D 100 Amp Breakers?

One major advantage of choosing Square D breakers is that they come with excellent warranty protection:

• 18 Months – Square D offers an industry-leading 18-month warranty on all their circuit breakers, covering defects in materials and workmanship.
• 1 Year Replacements – If a breaker fails within the first year, Square D will provide a free replacement breaker upon request. This demonstrates their belief in the products.
• Labor Coverage – The warranty includes reimbursement for labor costs involved in replacing a defective Square D breaker. This provides complete peace of mind.
• Easy Claims Process – Square D makes filing a warranty claim straightforward, with the ability to initiate claims online or over the phone. Most claims are handled rapidly.
• Top-Rate Support – Square D has an extensive certified distributor network to fully support all warranty repairs and replacements for their breakers.

The comprehensive 18-month coverage highlights why Square D is known industry-wide for top tier customer service standing behind their premium products. No worries buying and installing a Square D 100 amp breaker in your home’s critical electrical system.

Are Square D 100 Amp Breakers Reliable?

Yes, Square D has an unrivaled reputation for reliability and performance thanks to their rigorous design and testing:

• Stringent Safety Testing – Square D breakers undergo extensive evaluation to certify they meet UL, OSHA, NEC and other safety standards for optimal reliability.
• Precision Engineering – The breakers feature meticulously engineered bimetals and arc chutes that trip consistently within precise amperage ranges, preventing nuisance outages.
• Durable Materials – The insulated bases and housings withstand temperature extremes, moisture, corrosion and shock better than competitors.
• Quality Manufacturing – Square D breakers are produced in ISO 9001 certified factories with rigorous quality control checks and processes. Defective units rarely get through.
• Trusted By Contractors – Builders and electricians overwhelmingly trust Square D over other brands. They stake their reputation on installing reliable Square D breakers in client homes and businesses.
• Long Operational Life – When installed properly to specifications, Square D 100A breakers typically serve reliably for decades before needing replacement.

With critical systems like your home’s main power, only rock-solid reliability will do. Square D has built their sterling reputation delivering just that.

How Long Does a Square D 100 Amp Breaker Last?

You can expect at least 15-20 years of reliable performance from a Square D 100 amp breaker:

• Designed for Billions of Cycles – Square D breakers are engineered and tested to withstand over 10,000 open/close cycles. At several cycles daily, that equals many years of use.
• Precision Components – The meticulously calibrated bimetal strips, arc chutes and trip mechanisms are built for an exceptionally long working life under demanding conditions.
• Sturdy, Non-Corrosive Materials – The durable plastics and metals used in Square D breakers resist degradation far better than cheaper competing products.
• Conservative Ratings – The 100A rating is very conservative; the breakers can carry brief spikes exceeding rating without tripping or being damaged. This prevents unnecessary outages.
• Rigorously Tested – Accelerated lifecycle testing simulates decades of operation to validate the durability of each Square D design before production.
• Ideal for Harsh Conditions – Square D breakers hold up under high heat, humidity, salt air, vibration and other challenges better than competitors.

Of course, improper installation or overloading circuits can shorten lifespan. But installed correctly, Square D 100A breakers will deliver decades of trouble-free performance.

Are Square D 100 Amp Breakers Safe?

Absolutely – Square D has always prioritized safety, and their breakers offer the highest levels of protection:

• Exceeds Regulatory Standards – Square D breakers meet the most stringent UL, NEC, and OSHA safety regulations for circuit protection devices.
• Thermal Overload Protection – Internal bimetals accurately trip the breaker when sustained overcurrent causes excessive heat buildup in wiring. Prevents fires.
• Magnetic Instant Trip – Excessive spike current from short circuits trips the breaker immediately via magnetic action. Prevents wiring meltdown.
• Designed for Worst-Case Scenarios – Tested to trip safely even under unlikely hot spot heating or dense overload conditions.
• Arc Fault Protection – Advanced Square D breakers detect dangerous electrical arcing and cut power quickly to reduce arc flash hazards.
• Failure-Resistant Design – Mechanical and electrical failures are extremely unlikely thanks to exhaustive component testing and complete production functional checks.

For critical applications like 100 amp feeder circuits, no other brand offers the comprehensive levels of electrical safety provided by Square D breakers.

What is the Price of a Square D 100 Amp Breaker?

As a premium product, Square D 100 amp breakers cost more than bargain brands but are very competitively priced:

• MSRP Range – $50-$300 depending on style, mounting configuration and other factors.
• Average Retail Price – Around $75-$150 at most electrical and hardware stores.
• Sale Prices – $60-$120 when on discounted specials at retailers like Home Depot or online.
• Contractor Price – $40-$100 is typical when purchasing for installations and service work. Significant volume discounts are available.

More important than upfront cost is the value and lifecycle cost offered by a Square D breaker. The excellent warranty, long operational life, and enhanced safety are well worth a small premium upfront.

Of course, rock-bottom priced off-brand breakers from overseas exist. But safety and performance should never be compromised to save $20-30 on such a critical device. Stick with the Square D quality.

How to Test a Square D 100 Amp Breaker

Testing a Square D breaker helps verify proper protective operation before putting it into service. Here are simple steps:

1. Obtain a breaker testing tool that can generate a controlled test current load through the breaker.
2. Set the tester to exceed the breaker amp rating (for example, 125A for a 100A breaker).
3. Engage the tester and verify the breaker quickly trips upon application of the overloaded current.
4. Drop the tester load well below the breaker rating and reset it. The breaker should reset and remain on.
5. Repeat the overload test at incrementally lower overcurrent values. Check that the breaker consistently trips within specification (102%-125% of rated amps).
6. Perform a heat rise test by running the breaker at its max rated load for an extended period per UL standards. Verify temperature stays within safe limits.

This simple testing validates the key functions of overload and short circuit trip protection. Breakers that fail must not be installed.

What’s the Difference Between Square D Breakers and Other Brands?

There are a few key differences that make Square D breakers stand out from other major brands like Eaton’s Cutler-Hammer, Siemens, and General Electric:

• Safety Certifications – Square D breakers undergo more extensive safety testing and are UL listed to handle a wider variety of at-risk installation scenarios.
• Precision Engineering – Square D uses tighter tolerances and meticulously designed components to create more accurate, consistent tripping within small current variances.
• Durability – The molded housings withstand impacts, heat, humidity and corrosion better thanks to fiberglass reinforcement and proprietary compounds.
• Warranties – Square D offers one of the industry’s best warranties on breakers, covering defects for 18 months. This highlights their confidence.
• Reputation – Square D is overwhelmingly preferred by contractors and builders due to exceptional reliability and performance. Their trust is well earned.
• Customer Support – Square D provides top-notch technical assistance and support for their products when needed via their authorized distributor network.

For demanding high-capacity applications, details like precision and durability really matter. That’s where Square D sets themselves apart as the prime choice.

Are Square D Breakers Compatible With All Panels?

One advantage of Square D breakers is that they are designed to fit and function across common load center brands like Homeline, GE, and Murray:

• Homeline – Square D Homeline breakers are fully compatible with Homeline, AP, and CQ load centers. This covers most residential applications.
• GE – Square D plug-on neutral breakers properly fit General Electric panels for easy retrofits and replacements.
• Murray – Square D’s line of Murray replacement breakers are direct-fit for MPI, CSI, and MPE style Murray panels.
• Siemens – Square D offers replacement breakers for PQP and PLM Siemens panels which match up directly.
• ITE/Siemens – The Square D I-T-E / Siemens replacement breakers match up with this common commercial panel.
• FPE – Stab-lock styles are direct replacements for Federal Pacific Electric Stab-lok panels.

Square D manufactures replacement breakers for most major panel brands, so you can upgrade protection without a costly panel replacement. Verify specific compatibility before purchase.

How to Wire a Square D 100 Amp Breaker

Wiring a 100A Square D breaker into a panel or subpanel requires caution – this is not a DIY project for a novice. But in general terms, here are the steps an electrician follows:

1. Select the proper gauge 100A 4-wire feeder cable based on type (copper, aluminum), insulation type, and distance from main panel.
2. Pull the cable into the panel and strip insulation properly from the hot, neutral, and ground leads using a cable stripper tool.
3. Secure the ground wire to the grounding bus bar first, making sure contact is flush and tight.
4. Next connect the two hot wires to the 100A breaker hot terminals, torquing to the specified inch-pound rating.
5. Land the neutral wire on the neutral bus bar or neutral terminal on the breaker itself. Double check tight connection.
6. Carefully mount the new 100A breaker in the panel and ensure it is fully seated in place. The ground bar may need reinstallation first.
7. With the panel cover safely reinstalled, restore main power and test operation of the new feeder breaker before connecting any loads.

Always exercise extreme caution when wiring large high-amperage 240V circuits to avoid shock or arc flash hazards. Hire a professional electrician if at all uncertain.

What is the Load Capacity of a Square D 100A Breaker?

The 100A rating denotes the continuous current the breaker can safely handle in amperes:

• Continuous Load – 100 Amps (240V circuits = 24,000 Watts, 120V = 12,000 Watts)
• Non-Continuous Load – 125 Amps for no more than 3 hours maximum. This provides a 25% buffer.
• Maximum Instantaneous – 10,000 Amps for a fraction of a second during extreme short circuits before interrupting current flow. Prevents melted conductors.

Keep in mind the amp rating is for the entire circuit, and maximum load capacity decreases when multiple outlets or devices are wired.

Always refer to appliance nameplates for current draw ratings, and do not exceed the total breaker amperage. Overloads create fire hazards due to overheating.

Can a Square D 100 Amp Breaker Be Used For a Subpanel?

Yes, 100 amp Square D breakers are commonly used to feed subpanels in workshops, garages, additions, basements, and outdoor structures:

• A 100A subpanel breaker in the main load center feeds a set of branch circuits in the detached building via a 3 or 4 wire feeder cable.
• The subpanel then has available slots to install separate 15, 20, or 30 amp breakers protecting individual circuits.
• A 100A breaker provides plenty of capacity for lighting, receptacles, and moderate power equipment like table saws or air compressors.
• For higher power demands like welder circuits or EV chargers, consider upgrading to a 200A subpanel with appropriately sized feeder breaker.

When wiring subpanels, follow code requirements for grounding/bonding, cable ratings, overcurrent protection, and other safety details. Hire a qualified electrician for best results.

Conclusion

Upgrading electrical service or installing a new high-capacity subpanel are projects where safety and reliability are paramount. Don’t cut corners – choose a Square D 100 amp breaker that brings over a century of engineering excellence protecting your home and family.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to select the ideal 100A Square D breaker for your specific electrical needs. Check out their wide range of models meeting various code requirements at authorized distributors. And enjoy peace of mind knowing your critical circuits are protected by the brand contractors rely on.