2. misc-audio
  3. 178041-4169

Square D QO Panel Recall

Some people have heard there is a Square D QO panel recall.  These are good panels.   I specify and provide them for clients all the time.

I have gone to the Schneider Electric (Square D) website and found the recall is based upon "The wire binding screw within the lug body could potentially not be torqued properly to the Plug-on-Neutral bar." 

I don't believe I can drop a picture here.  Go to my website and I will post an image there. Kingrexelectric.com.  There are 2.  One on each side of the panel.

Use a T20 Torx wrench and check the screw is tight.  In the next day or so I will get the actual torque. 

I assume most people won’t have a calibrated torque wrench.  Try and turn the screw with a hand driver such as in the image.  If it feels tight and won’t move it is fine.  If it starts to screw in, continue until it lands tight, and then use firm force to set it in place.  I use 2 hands and nudge it tight.

This is a very safe panel.  It is one of the best affordable panels for audiophile to use.  Especially when the ground and neutral is changed to copper.  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. 

Rex

Kingrex Electric

kingrex
erik_squires
16,354 posts
 

Relatively small number of very recently sold panels:

Sold At:

Authorized Schneider Electric distributors and home improvement and hardware stores nationwide and online including Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Menard’s from February 2020 through January 2022 for between $90 and $1,660.

Plug-on-neutral panels are relatively new innovations that simplify the installation of CAFCI and GFCI breakers.  If your house is older than 2 years you don't have this problem.

From what the OP Is saying, it sounds like the panels left the factory with loose parts.

erik_squires
16,354 posts
 

PS - TBC:  Plug on neutral is older than 2 years.  I just meant the recall is from 2020.

kingrex OP
107 posts
 

Exactly.   A loose screw.  This is an issue if not addressed. 

Fortunately its very easy to remedy. 

FWIW, I use these panels for audio.  As such, I don't use the plug on neutral..

  I use AFCI with tails to keep all my contact points cooper.  Never use aluminum wire in the audio chain.  .  Pigtails make the bar a mount only.  With breakers locked into it as a support, it won't fall out.  But used as a neutral is would suffer loose contact and arch at the connection point causing havoc with any appliance plugged into it.   It would also burn at the connection point but I highly doubt the arc would ever propagate out of the metal enclosure.  

kingrex OP
107 posts
 

What happened to roxy54 candid response?😁

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,901 posts
 

@kingrex,

Thanks! for the information

Mike

More to discover