Will a QO or Homeline GFI, AFI, CAFI, or DF circuit breaker be fully operational in a panelboard or load center that does not have a neutral bar?

Issue:
Does the correct operation of a GFI breaker require a line neutral connected to a neutral bar in the panel?

Product Line:
QO, QOB, and Homeline breakers

Resolution:
No, QO and Homeline GFI, AFI, CAFI, and DF electronic circuit breakers will not be fully functional in a panel without a neutral bar. The breaker must be tied to the panel neutral (not to the panel ground).

Whether GFI, AFI, CAFI, or Dual Function, QO and Homeline electronic circuit breakers require a 120 V source for their push to trip/test feature to operate correctly. This means a neutral must be present in the voltage system supplying the panel, the panel must include a neutral bar, and the breaker must be tied to the panel neutral through the white pigtail wire or plug-on neutral connection. This is required EVEN IF there is no neutral present in the load.

NOTE: If the panel does not have a neutral bar, do NOT tie the breaker pigtail to the ground bar. Instead, install a panel that includes a neutral bar.

Released for:Schneider Electric USA