The Ultimate Guide to Circuit Breakers: Types, Brands, and How to Choose the Right One

Category: Circuit Breakers

When it comes to electrical safety, circuit breakers are the first line of defense. They protect your home, business, and equipment by automatically cutting off power when a circuit becomes overloaded or shorted. At Electrical Liquidator, we specialize in offering high-quality and hard-to-find breakers from trusted brands – whether you’re upgrading a modern panel or maintaining an older system that’s no longer in production.

Our main Circuit Breakers category includes leading manufacturers such as Bryant/Westinghouse, Eaton, GE (General Electric), ITE Siemens, Square D, and Zinsco/Challenger/Sylvania. Let’s explore each one and help you pick the right breaker for your project.

What Is a Circuit Breaker and Why Is It Important?

A circuit breaker is an automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect circuits from damage caused by overloads or short circuits. Its basic function is to interrupt current flow after a fault is detected.

Without breakers, an overload could cause wires to overheat, start fires, or damage appliances. That’s why every electrical panel – from a small residential setup to large industrial systems – depends on them.

Key benefits of circuit breakers:

Prevent electrical fires by cutting off fault current instantly.
Protect appliances and wiring from overload damage.
Allow quick reset (unlike fuses, which must be replaced).
Meet NEC code requirements for modern safety.

Explore Our Circuit Breaker Categories

Electrical Liquidator offers a diverse range of breakers for different panels, brands, and needs. Below are the main subcategories, each linking directly to our store pages.

Bryant / Westinghouse Circuit Breakers

These legacy brands have powered homes and businesses for decades. Though Bryant and Westinghouse panels are no longer widely manufactured, many systems are still in service today — especially in older properties.

At Electrical Liquidator, you’ll find authentic and replacement Bryant/Westinghouse breakers designed to fit original panel specifications. Perfect for those looking to keep vintage or discontinued panels running safely without expensive replacements.

Ideal for:

Replacing breakers in older homes.
Maintaining Westinghouse load centers.
Avoiding full panel upgrades by sourcing compatible breakers.

Eaton Circuit Breakers

Eaton is a global leader in power management and one of the most trusted names in circuit protection. They manufacture modern, code-compliant breakers used in both residential and commercial applications.

Why choose Eaton breakers:

Excellent quality and UL-listed reliability.
Compatible with several modern panel types.
Available in standard, AFCI, GFCI, and dual-function options.
Great for remodels, panel upgrades, and new construction.

Whether you’re an electrician or homeowner, our Eaton section includes a range of popular models for easy installation and peace of mind.

GE (General Electric) Circuit Breakers

General Electric (GE) has been synonymous with quality electrical products for over a century. Their breakers are known for durability, innovation, and compatibility across many GE load centers.

At Electrical Liquidator, our GE circuit breakers include both common and hard-to-find models – ideal for replacements in older GE panels or expanding existing systems.

Top features:

Reliable protection for homes and light commercial applications.
Wide variety of single-pole, double-pole, and specialty breakers.
Smooth compatibility with GE PowerMark load centers.

Use these breakers when:

Replacing an existing GE breaker.
Adding new circuits to a GE panel.
Ensuring code compliance and reliability in upgrades.

ITE / Siemens Circuit Breakers

Siemens, which also includes the legacy ITE brand, is a world-renowned name in electrical protection. Many older panels still reference ITE, and Siemens breakers remain fully compatible with these designs.

ITE Siemens breakers are valued for:

Robust construction and consistent quality.
Compatibility across generations of Siemens panels.
A wide selection of configurations for residential, commercial, and industrial setups.

If you’re maintaining or expanding an ITE or Siemens panel, our collection provides the best options for safe operation and long-term dependability.

Square D Circuit Breakers

Square D (a Schneider Electric brand) is one of the most popular and reliable names in electrical distribution. From residential load centers to industrial panels, Square D breakers are engineered for safety and performance.

We offer both QO and Homeline series breakers:

QO Series – Premium line with visual trip indicators and fast-acting trip mechanisms.
Homeline Series – Cost-effective residential line with straightforward installation.

Ideal for:

New installations or panel replacements.
Upgrading outdated systems with safer, code-compliant breakers.

👉 Learn more in our detailed post: Essential Role of Square D Breakers.

Zinsco / Challenger / Sylvania Circuit Breakers

If your property still uses older panels from Zinsco, Challenger, or Sylvania, you’re not alone — and finding compatible breakers can be a real challenge.

At Electrical Liquidator, we specialize in hard-to-find breakers for these legacy brands, helping homeowners and electricians keep panels operational or transition safely to modern systems.

Why this category is important:

Many homes built before the 1990s still use these panels.
Replacements are limited – we carry rare, tested units.
Ideal for short-term maintenance before full panel upgrades.

⚠️ Note: Some older Zinsco and Challenger panels may have safety issues due to outdated designs. Consult a licensed electrician if you notice overheating, corrosion, or melted bus connections.

How to Choose the Right Circuit Breaker

Before purchasing, consider the following:

Panel brand and model – Breakers must be compatible with your specific load center (Eaton, GE, Square D, etc.).
Breaker type – Single-pole, double-pole, AFCI, GFCI, or dual-function.
Amperage rating – Match the current draw of your circuit (15A, 20A, 30A, etc.).
Voltage and pole count – For example, 120V single-pole or 240V two-pole breakers.
Code compliance – Use AFCI or GFCI breakers where required by local electrical codes (e.g., kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms).

Always consult a qualified electrician if unsure – selecting the wrong breaker can lead to panel damage or safety risks.

Why Buy Circuit Breakers from Electrical Liquidator?

Specialized in rare and discontinued parts – Perfect for hard-to-find panels like Zinsco, Challenger, and Sylvania.
Comprehensive category coverage – All major brands in one place: Circuit Breakers.
Verified, safe replacements – All breakers are inspected and sourced for compatibility.
Expert support – Need help identifying your breaker type? Our team can assist with model matching and part selection.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right circuit breaker is more than just a hardware decision – it’s about safety, reliability, and longevity. Whether you need a brand-new Eaton or Square D breaker, or a legacy Zinsco or Bryant replacement, Electrical Liquidator has you covered.

Explore our full collection:

Protect your electrical system today – browse our circuit breaker inventory and find the perfect fit for your panel.

Tip: Regularly inspect your breakers for signs of wear, overheating, or loose connections. Replacing faulty breakers early prevents costly electrical failures later.