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Siemens Q-Series Circuit Breakers: Buyer's Guide for Electricians & Contractors

Siemens Q-Series Circuit Breakers: Buyer's Guide for Electricians & Contractors

What Are Siemens Q-Series Breakers?

Siemens Q-Series (QP) circuit breakers are the standard plug-in breakers used in Siemens PL- and ES-series load centres — among the most widely installed residential and light commercial panels in North America. If you're working on a Siemens or Murray panel (Murray was absorbed into Siemens), Q-Series is your breaker.

Q-Series Lineup: What's Available

Standard Single-Pole (QP115, QP120, QP130, etc.)

Single-pole Q breakers handle 120V circuits: lighting, outlets, small appliances. Available 15A to 60A. The QP120 (20A single-pole) is the most common SKU for kitchen and bathroom circuits.

Double-Pole (QP215, QP220, QP230, etc.)

Double-pole breakers handle 240V loads: dryers, ranges, EV chargers, A/C units, water heaters. 240V at 15A to 200A available. QP230 (30A 2-pole) is standard for dryer circuits; QP250 (50A 2-pole) for EV Level 2 chargers.

GFCI Breakers (QF115, QF120, QF220)

GFCI circuit breakers protect the entire branch circuit — required by code in outdoor, garage, bathroom, crawlspace, and unfinished basement circuits (CEC Rule 26-700). Siemens QF breakers include a self-test function and neutral pigtail.

AFCI Breakers (QA115, QA120, QA220)

AFCI protection is now required by CEC for all bedroom branch circuits (and expanding). Siemens QA-series are combination AFCI/GFCI in dual-function models (QDF series), simplifying compliance for new construction.

Tandem Breakers (QT1515, QT2020)

Tandem (twin) breakers fit two circuits into one pole space — useful when a panel is full. Verify your specific Siemens panel accepts tandems; not all spaces in a load centre are tandem-rated (check the panel directory or PN sticker).

Compatibility Guide

Siemens Q-Series breakers are compatible with:

  • Siemens PL-series load centres (residential)
  • Siemens ES-series load centres (commercial)
  • Murray load centres (post-acquisition)
  • Select ITE panels (older Siemens brand)

Not compatible: Square D QO/HOM panels, Eaton BR/CH panels, Leviton load centres. Always match breaker to panel brand.

Key Buying Considerations

  • Ampere rating: Match to wire gauge (15A = 14 AWG, 20A = 12 AWG, 30A = 10 AWG).
  • Interrupt rating: Standard Q-Series is 10kAIC. Verify this meets your panel's fault current rating — most residential services are fine; large commercial services may require higher KAIC breakers.
  • Voltage: Single-pole = 120V; double-pole = 120/240V.
  • New construction vs. replacement: For replacement in existing panels, confirm the exact existing breaker style (bolt-on vs. plug-in doesn't apply for Q-Series, but verify handle tie for 2-pole).

Siemens Q-Series at Maple Electric Supply

We stock Siemens Q-Series breakers in all common amperages — single-pole, double-pole, GFCI, AFCI, and tandem — ready for same-day pickup at our Toronto-area location or next-day delivery across Ontario. Browse our Siemens collection or call our counter for bulk contractor pricing.