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The Siemens circuit breaker recall announced in 2010 affected roughly 2.2 million Siemens and Murray circuit breakers, load centers, and meter combos. It is one of the easier recalls to check because Siemens published specific date codes and catalog numbers. You should take a minute to check your panel if your home was built or had electrical work done around 2010.
What Went Wrong
On September 23, 2010, Siemens Industry recalled roughly 2.2 million Siemens and Murray circuit breakers, load centers, and meter combos (CPSC recall notice). The defect was a spring clip inside the breaker that could break during normal use.
That might not sound like much, but it can create a serious connection problem. The spring clip helps maintain the force needed for a proper connection between the breaker and the bus bar. If it breaks, the breaker can lose clamping force. A connection that should be tight can become loose, and a loose connection under load can generate heat. That heat can lead to arcing, damage the panel’s insulation, and potentially start a fire.
Siemens received one report of a spring clip breaking during installation. No injuries were reported. The recall was voluntary.
How to Check Your Equipment
The Siemens circuit breaker recall applies to specific breakers, load centers, and meter combos. The date code, catalog number, and equipment type can help you determine whether yours is included.
| Product Type | Date code or manufacturing window | Where to find the marking |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit breaker, 15A to 50A single and double pole | 0610 or 0710 | Label on the side of the breaker |
| Load centers | June 23 to August 25, 2010 | Date code stamped inside the metal box; catalog number on the label inside the door and on the packaging |
| Meter combos | June 23 to August 25, 2010 | Date code stamped inside the metal box; catalog number on the label inside the door and on the packaging |
Table 1. Where to look for Siemens and Murray recall markings. The applicable catalog number must also match the CPSC recall notice.
The affected breaker catalog numbers published in the notice include Q115, Q120, Q130, Q215, Q230, Q250, MP115, MP115U, MP120, MP130, MP215, MP230, MP230U, and MP250. The affected load centers and meter combos are listed separately in the CPSC notice.
On some panels, you may be able to read the breaker-side label through the panel door opening without removing the dead front. Load center and meter combos usually require a closer look. As with every panel on our list, leave the interior cover in place unless a licensed electrician is removing it. Our panel safety walkthrough explains what is reasonable to check yourself.
What the Remedy Was
Siemens offered a free inspection by an electrician and free replacement product. The consumer line published in the notice was 800-756-6996. That recall is now more than 15 years old, so the original program may no longer be available. If you find equipment that might be affected, having it checked by a local electrician is the practical next step.
Why This Recall Covers Siemens and Murray
Murray was a Siemens-owned brand, so seeing both names on the same recall can be confusing. If you have a Murray panel and are wondering whether it has a separate manufacturer and safety history, the relationship is a little more complicated than that. The 2010 recall covered specific Siemens and Murray breakers, load centers, and meter combos identified by their catalog numbers and applicable date codes or manufacturing dates.
Murray panels do raise a separate, non-recall issue that is worth knowing. Murray-branded equipment has been phased out in favor of newer Siemens products, so replacement parts for some older Murray equipment can be harder to source. That parts availability issue is one reason some owners of older panels eventually consider replacement. It is simply something to keep in mind when deciding whether to repair or upgrade.
If you have Siemens or Murray equipment from 2010 and want it verified, MAS Pro can check the model and date code during a free inspection.
Book through our contact page or call the number above. We serve Vancouver, Brush Prairie, Kalama, and the rest of Clark and Cowlitz County If you smell burning or see scorching around your panel right now, call our emergency electrical line instead of waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Siemens circuit breaker recall affect my breaker if it has no 0610 or 0710 code?
Not based on the breaker date code alone. The recalled circuit breakers have date codes 0610 or 0710 and specific catalog numbers. Load centers and meter combos use a different date range and catalog numbers. If you cannot confirm the markings, have the equipment checked rather than guessing.
What if I cannot find a date code?
Then have it looked at rather than guessing. We can check the recall status as part of a free inspection.
Should I replace the whole panel or just the breaker?
For a recalled circuit breaker, replacing the affected breaker may be sufficient, assuming the rest of the panel and its components are in suitable condition. That is different from the Federal Pacific situation, where the concerns extend to the panel and bus system. See panel repair for the smaller scope of work.
Disclaimer: This article is general educational information, not a safety assessment of any specific product or installation. Recall status, panel condition, and the right course of action depend on the individual equipment in your home and must be verified by a licensed electrician. Recall details are summarized from public notices that may be updated or superseded; always confirm current information directly with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission or the manufacturer. Brand names are used only to identify equipment accurately and do not imply any affiliation with, or endorsement by, their owners.
