Murray Breaker Compatibility: What Actually Replaces a Discontinued Murray Breaker
If your Murray breaker needs replacing, the officially UL-listed replacement is the Siemens Type QP series — a direct result of Siemens acquiring Murray and later phasing out the brand name entirely. This isn't a workaround or a "close enough" substitute; it's a documented cross-listing confirmed by Siemens itself for panels manufactured after January 2002.
⚡ Key Takeaways
- Siemens Type QP is the officially UL-listed replacement for Murray Type MP breakers
- Siemens Type QT duplex breakers are the certified replacement for Murray tandem breaker positions
- This cross-listing applies most reliably to Murray panels manufactured after January 2002
- Siemens has phased out the Murray brand name entirely, starting 2019-2020
- For pre-2002 Murray panels, check the wiring diagram inside your panel door rather than assuming the same listing applies
- Some sources reference Eaton CL breakers as an alternative for certain Murray models, but Siemens QP is the most consistently documented option
Why Murray Breakers Are Discontinued
Murray's history traces back further than most homeowners realize: Murray used to brand-label ITE breakers and panels, and Siemens acquired ITE in the 1980s — meaning Siemens effectively already owned the underlying product line years before formally acquiring the Murray brand name itself. Starting in 2019-2020, Siemens announced it was phasing out the Murray brand entirely, consolidating everything under the Siemens name going forward.
The Officially Documented Siemens Replacement
The Siemens Type QP series is the current, officially UL-listed direct replacement for Murray's original Type MP breakers — this isn't informal guidance, it reflects Siemens' own substitution documentation issued after the acquisition. For Murray's tandem (duplex) breaker positions specifically, the Siemens Type QT series is the certified replacement.
⚠️ Using a breaker that is not explicitly UL-listed for your specific Murray panel invalidates the safety certification of the entire panel assembly. The question isn't which breaker physically fits — it's which breaker is officially safety-listed for your panel's exact bus bar design.
The January 2002 Cutoff — Why It Matters
Siemens' documented substitution letter specifically confirms this cross-listing for Murray panels manufactured after January 2002. This date matters because it reflects when the underlying manufacturing and listing alignment between Murray and Siemens/ITE products became formally consistent enough to support a direct UL cross-listing.
For Murray panels manufactured before that date, the same blanket assurance does not automatically apply. Check the wiring diagram or manufacturer's label inside your specific panel door, or consult a licensed electrician, rather than assuming the post-2002 Siemens QP listing covers your older panel too.
What About Eaton, Square D, or Cutler-Hammer?
You may encounter references to Eaton CL series breakers as an alternative for certain Murray models — Eaton's CL line is UL Classified as a substitute for a range of competitor panels, and some Murray models are among them. However, across our research, the Siemens QP replacement is by far the most consistently documented and directly confirmed option specifically for Murray panels, since it stems from Siemens' own direct acquisition and substitution letter rather than a third-party classification.
Some general sources mention Square D or Cutler-Hammer breakers as also potentially compatible in some Murray panels, but we could not find a consistently documented UL Classification confirming this the way the Siemens relationship is confirmed. Treat any non-Siemens option as something to verify carefully against your specific panel model before purchasing — see our Eaton compatibility guide for more on Eaton's CL series specifically.
Check Your Panel's Overall Capacity
While confirming breaker details, see if your panel has room for what you're adding.
⚡ Run Free CalculatorHow to Identify Your Murray Panel and Breaker Type
- Check your panel door label for the model number and manufacture date
- Look for a Murray model number in the format similar to LC2040B1200 — the panel's specific model helps confirm the correct Siemens equivalent
- Note whether your panel predates or postdates January 2002, since this determines whether the standard Siemens QP cross-listing applies directly
- See our how to read your electrical panel guide for more on identifying panel labels generally
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My Murray panel doesn't support plug-on neutral breakers — is that normal?
A: Yes, this is common for older Murray and legacy panel designs. Plug-on neutral (PON) is a newer breaker connection style not supported by all panel generations — confirm with a licensed electrician whether your specific panel supports PON breakers before purchasing one.
Q: Where can I get official documentation of the Murray-to-Siemens cross-listing?
A: Siemens has issued a formal substitution letter confirming this relationship, referenced across multiple independent sources researching this topic. A licensed electrician or Siemens' own customer support can provide or confirm this documentation for your specific panel model.
Q: Is it worth replacing my entire Murray panel instead of sourcing replacement breakers?
A: This depends on your panel's overall age and condition, not just breaker availability. If your panel is otherwise sound and Siemens QP breakers remain readily available, replacement breakers are typically the more cost-effective path — see our replacement cost guide if you're weighing full panel replacement instead.
Q: What breaker replaces a Murray breaker?
A: The Siemens Type QP series is the officially UL-listed replacement for Murray Type MP breakers, following Siemens' acquisition of Murray. Siemens Type QT duplex breakers are the certified replacement for Murray's tandem breaker positions.
Q: Does the Siemens replacement work for all Murray panels?
A: Primarily for Murray panels manufactured after January 2002. Siemens has issued a substitution letter confirming this cross-listing for post-2002 panels. For older Murray panels, check the wiring diagram inside the panel door, since compatibility before that date is not guaranteed under the same listing.
Q: Is Murray still being manufactured?
A: No. Siemens, which acquired Murray, announced a phase-out of the Murray brand name starting in 2019-2020. Siemens has stated equivalent Siemens products cover all Murray breaker and panel replacement needs going forward.
Q: Can Eaton or Square D breakers be used in a Murray panel?
A: Some sources reference Eaton CL series breakers as UL Classified for certain Murray models, but Siemens QP is the officially documented and most consistently confirmed replacement. Always verify any non-Siemens option against your panel's specific label or a licensed electrician before installing.