Siemens Breaker Compatibility: QP, QD, and QT Series Explained
Siemens acquired the Murray brand, and Murray breakers are now nearly identical in design to Siemens QP breakers — but the compatibility picture gets more specific once you look at Siemens' QD series, which is a UL Classified substitute specifically for Square D QO panels, not a general "works everywhere" breaker. Here's the documented picture.
⚡ Key Takeaways
- Siemens acquired Murray, and the Murray brand name is being phased out
- Murray breakers are nearly identical in design to Siemens QP breakers
- Siemens QD is UL Classified specifically as a substitute for Square D QO panels
- Siemens has documented Classified breakers approved for some Eaton (Cutler-Hammer) panels, verify per specific model
- QT, QAF, and QPF are residential subtypes within the standard Siemens lineup — verify the specific type against your panel
The Murray Connection — Same Company, Similar Breakers
For the full picture specific to discontinued Murray panels, including the important January 2002 cutoff date, see our dedicated Murray compatibility guide.
Murray was acquired by Siemens, and the Murray brand name is being phased out of current production. Murray breakers are nearly identical in design to Siemens QP breakers, reflecting their shared engineering lineage under the same parent company. If you have an older Murray panel, Siemens QP-series breakers are generally the closest currently-manufactured match — though always verify your exact panel model rather than assuming universal interchange.
The QD Series — Siemens' Square D QO Substitute
Siemens' QD series is a UL Classified breaker specifically designed and tested to interface safely with Square D QO panel bus bars. This is a genuine, tested approved substitute — not a generic claim of compatibility — see our Square D compatibility guide for the full picture on QO panels specifically, including the alternative Eaton CHQ option.
⚠️ QD compatibility is specific to Square D QO panels — it does not mean Siemens breakers generally work in any Square D product line. Homeline panels have entirely different compatibility rules; see our Square D guide for that distinction.
Crossover With Eaton (Cutler-Hammer) Panels
According to industry sourcing on this topic, Siemens has documented Classified breakers approved for use in some Eaton (Cutler-Hammer) panels. This reflects a broader pattern of interchange documented among Eaton, Siemens, Murray, and Cutler-Hammer BR-family products specifically — see our Eaton compatibility guide for the Eaton side of this picture. As with all cross-brand claims in this space, verify the exact breaker model against your specific panel before purchasing.
Check Your Panel's Overall Capacity
While confirming breaker details, see if your panel has room for what you're adding.
⚡ Run Free CalculatorQT, QAF, and QPF Residential Subtypes
Beyond the standard QP series, Siemens' residential lineup includes several subtypes — QT, QAF, and QPF among them — each generally compatible with traditional Siemens panels, but potentially differing in specific features (AFCI, GFCI, or dual-function protection, for example). Always verify the specific type required for your panel and the specific circuit's code requirements, rather than assuming any Siemens-branded breaker is interchangeable with any other.
Identifying Which Series You Have
- Check your panel door label for the specific series designation
- Look at existing breaker markings — series designations are typically printed directly on the breaker face
- If your panel is branded Murray, note the model number and consult the current Siemens equivalent, since Murray is being phased out as a brand
- See our how to read your electrical panel guide for more on identifying panel labels generally
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My panel says Murray — can I still buy replacement breakers?
A: Yes, generally through Siemens' current QP-series equivalents, since Murray and Siemens share close engineering lineage. Confirm the specific model match with a licensed electrician or supplier before purchasing.
Q: Are Siemens breakers compatible with GE panels?
A: We could not confirm a documented, current UL Classification for Siemens breakers specifically in GE panels during our research. Do not assume compatibility here based on general brand reputation — verify directly against the UL White Book or with a licensed electrician.
Q: Is it safe to mix Siemens QP and QD breakers in the same panel?
A: Only if both are specifically approved for your exact panel model — QD is classified specifically for Square D QO panels, not for standard Siemens panels themselves, so mixing them inappropriately would not be a safe or standard configuration. Confirm with a licensed electrician.
Q: Is Murray the same as Siemens?
A: Murray was acquired by Siemens and the Murray brand name is being phased out. Murray breakers are nearly identical in design to Siemens QP breakers, and the product lines share close engineering lineage.
Q: What is the Siemens QD breaker series used for?
A: Siemens QD is a UL Classified breaker series specifically designed and tested to interface safely with Square D QO panel bus bars, serving as an approved substitute for original Square D QO breakers.
Q: Can Siemens breakers be used in Eaton panels?
A: Siemens has documented UL-Classified breakers approved for use in some Eaton (Cutler-Hammer) panels according to industry sourcing, though this must be verified for your specific panel model rather than assumed generally across all Eaton panel types.
Q: What are the QAF, QPF, QT, and QP Siemens breaker types?
A: These are different Siemens breaker subtypes within their standard residential lineup, generally compatible with traditional Siemens panels. Always verify the specific type against your panel's requirements rather than assuming any Siemens-branded breaker fits any Siemens panel.