Circuit breakers come with several circuit breaker accessories and enclosures. Whether you are installing circuit breakers in buildings or homes, large equipment or automobiles, you should consider the available accessories. Accessories include remote control devices, ground fault circuit interrupters and bell alarms. In general, the accessories make maintenance of the circuit breakers easier.

Once installed, you'll want to enclose the circuit breaker panel in a box or cabinet to protect it and limit access. Circuit breaker enclosures come in a variety of styles, remember that the type of circuit breaker panel you use will determine the types of accessories and enclosures available. When selecting a circuit breaker accessory and circuit breaker enclosure, research the following:

1. Buy from circuit breaker accessory suppliers that offer a range of products.

2. Find circuit breaker accessories with user-friendly features.

3. Use electrical breaker enclosures that enhance the safety of the device.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate reputable distributors for circuit breaker accessories and enclosures

There are many electrical suppliers who specialize in circuit breakers and accessories. Check with local electricians and electrical supply shops for feedback about sales and service. Request catalogs from the ones at the top of your list.

I recommend: Pacific Coast Breaker represents the top names in circuit breaker technology. Review the information about mounting hardware, contact kits and other accessories of interest. The online catalog for Schneider Electric contains a variety of factory-installed and field-installed accessories. Review the products in both categories to locate accessories for your project.

Purchase accessories for circuit breaker boxes that have easy-to-use features

The accessories you choose for circuit breakers and boxes should make the system easy to use. Available accessories include locking enclosures, remote control systems, a variety of mounting options for different spaces, and much more. Order samples of some items to compare.

I recommend: In addition to an extensive catalog of more than 600 circuit breaker enclosures, Altech Corporation carries large inventory of enclosure accessories. You can find abundant information about industrial enclosures and industrial enclosure accessories. Among the accessories are cable guards, mounting hardware, and much more. The Newark online catalog contains circuit breaker accessories and enclosures such as lockout handles, connector kits, alarm switches sealing boots and more. Check the entries for the components you seek as well as for substitute products and additional details.

Find circuit breaker covers with the features you need

The style of circuit breaker panel and where and how it is mounted help determine the type of enclosure you want. Be sure that the enclosure you buy fits the panelboard style and location. Consider sampling several accessories and covers that fit your project.

I recommend: Galco Industrial Electronics specializes in circuit breaker enclosures. View the images to see the different types they carry, including wall mount, floor mount, consoles and push button. Look at the differences among the enclosures available in each style. You can find complete specifications for all products. At Automated Systems Interconnect, review the details about PCB enclosures. Gather information on enclosures, trays and accessories for mounting and protecting circuit breaker panels.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure your circuit breaker panels are secure. Invest in a locking circuit breaker panel cover. Also use circuit breaker boots to eliminate water, dirt, insects and similar intrusions.