How to Identify a Cutler Hammer

Air Breakers

1). Locate the product sticker on the front panel of the breaker. You will locate "DS" or "DS II" after the word "Type."
2). Inspect the top of the product sticker for the manufacturer. You will locate, "Square D Company" at the top of the product sticker. This company manufactured the unit for Westinghouse.
3). Inspect the front of the unit. Each type of DS or DSII used a long handle with a black knob. This is called the charging handle. Electrically operated units have a smaller handle than the manually operated units.

1). Turn off the main circuit breaker on your breaker panel. Remove the screws that hold the front panel onto the circuit breaker panel and then place the panel off to the side.
2). Inspect the sides and the face of the breaker for a product label. On the product label, you will see the name of the manufacturing company. However, if the sticker has fallen off or is no longer legible, you cannot use this method.
3). Locate the part number on the top left side of the breaker. Write the number down. Consult a company that sells replacement breakers, which can tell you if the breaker is a Cutler Hammer breaker. You can also refer to the Southland Electric website listed in Resources for a comprehensive list of part numbers. However, this list may not have old and outdated circuit breakers. For older breakers, contacting a sales rep at an electrical supply company will give you the best possibility for determining the manufacturer.