Square D QO 20A 1-Pole Combina...
IN STOCK (leaves warehouse same day if ordered before 3pm ET)
$119.61
Square D QO 20A 1-Pole Combination Arc-Fault Circuit Breaker

Square D QO 20A 1-Pole Combination Arc-Fault Circuit Breaker

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Model: QO120CAFI

In Stock (leaves warehouse same day if ordered before 3pm ET)

$119.61
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Square D QO 20A 1-Pole Combination Arc-Fault Circuit Breaker

The Square D QO 20A 1-pole combination Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) breaker delivers overcurrent protection and arc-fault detection for 120VAC residential and light commercial branch circuits. Part of the QO range, this thermal magnetic breaker features an over-center, trip-free toggle mechanism with quick-make, quick-break action for reliable switching. Rated for a 10kA interrupt capacity, it mounts plug-in style with a pigtail neutral connection and is UL Listed and CSA certified for code-compliant installation.

Key Features

  • Poles: 1-pole configuration (1P) for single-circuit branch protection.
  • Voltage Rating: 120V AC operational voltage for standard residential branch circuits.
  • Interrupt Rating: 10kA interrupt capacity for dependable fault clearing.
  • Combination AFCI Protection: Detects both parallel and series arc faults to help reduce electrical fire risk.
  • Mounting & Connection: Plug-in style mounting with a pigtail neutral terminal connection for simplified panel installation.
  • Trip-Free Toggle Mechanism: Over-center, quick-make quick-break action provides positive trip-free operation on ac and dc systems.
  • Wire Compatibility: Accepts AWG 14...AWG 8 copper and AWG 12...AWG 8 aluminum conductors.
  • Space Requirement: Requires 1 panel space, simplifying load center planning.

Certifications & Compliance

  • UL Listed
  • CSA Certified
  • TAA Compliant

Technical Specifications

  • Warranty: 18 months
  • Warranty Period: 18 months
  • Sustainable Packaging: No
  • Mercury Free: Yes
  • Number Of Spaces Required: 1
  • Packaging Without Single Use Plastic: Yes
  • Tier Id: 1
  • ROHS Eur In Scope: Yes
  • Recycled Metal Content At Cr Level: 0 %
  • Poles Description: 1P
  • Serviceability: No
  • With Recycled Cardboard: No
  • WEEE Product Category: 5
  • Range Of Product: QO
  • Compliance: TAA
  • Total Lifecycle Carbon Footprint: 39 kg CO2 eq.
  • China ROHS In Scope: No
  • Return Indicator: Y
  • Take Back: No
  • Returnability: Yes

Typical Applications

  • Residential Load Center and Panelboard Circuits
  • Branch Circuit Overcurrent Protection
  • Arc-Fault Safety Upgrades for Bedrooms and Living Areas
  • New Construction and Panel Replacement Projects
  • Renovation and Electrical Service Upgrades

Why Square D?

Square D QO breakers are engineered with a trip-free toggle mechanism and combination AFCI detection to help protect homes from arc-related electrical fires. Backed by UL Listing, CSA certification, and an 18-month warranty, the QO range delivers dependable, code-compliant circuit protection for professional electricians and contractors.

Manufacturer Resources

Product Specs

Product Type:
GFCI/AFCI Circuit Breaker
Voltage Rating:
120V
Amperage Rating:
20A
Connection Type:
Plug-In
Configuration:
1-Pole
Listing:
UL Listed
Standards:
CSA
Series:
QO
Department:
Electrical
Product Group:
Circuit Protection
Product Subgroup:
Circuit Breakers
Product Width:
0.75 in
Product Depth:
2.91 in
Product Height:
4.76 in

Square D QO120CAFI – Frequently Asked Questions

1) Will a Square D QO120CAFI arc-fault breaker fit any load center, or only QO panels?
The QO120CAFI is a plug-in style breaker built on the Square D QO footprint, so it goes into QO load centers and panelboards that accept QO plug-in breakers. It takes 1 panel space and measures 0.75 in wide by 4.76 in high by 2.91 in deep. It is not interchangeable with Homeline, GE/ABB THQL, or Eaton CH panels, those use their own breaker footprints.
2) Why does this arc-fault breaker have a pigtail wire, and where does it land?
The QO120CAFI uses a pigtail neutral connection: the white lead from the breaker goes to the panel neutral bar, while the circuit neutral lands on the breaker's own neutral terminal. That is how the device senses current on both conductors. Pigtail breakers work in standard neutral-bar panels, unlike plug-on neutral designs such as the ABB THQL plug-on neutral ground fault breaker, which rely on a bus in the panel.
3) Does the Square D QO120CAFI meet code for bedroom and living area arc-fault requirements?
It is a combination type AFCI, which is the device type required for dwelling-unit branch circuits serving bedrooms and living areas, and it is UL Listed and CSA certified. It is also TAA compliant, which matters on federal and institutional purchases.
4) What is the difference between the Square D QO120CAFI and the ABB Q-Line THQL11 dual function breaker?
The Square D QO120CAFI is a combination arc-fault (AFCI) breaker rated 20A, 1-pole, 120V, and it detects parallel and series arc faults only. The ABB Q-Line THQL11 DFCI is a dual function AFCI/GFCI device, meaning it combines arc-fault detection with ground-fault protection in one unit. If the circuit needs both protections from a single breaker - a kitchen or laundry branch under dual-function requirements - the dual function device covers both; if the requirement is arc-fault protection on a bedroom or living area circuit, the QO120CAFI is the arc-fault-only answer. They are also not interchangeable in the panel: the QO breaker is a plug-in QO-series device and the THQL11 is an ABB Q-Line device.
5) Can I use an ABB THQL or Eaton CH breaker in place of a Square D QO AFCI breaker?
No. The Square D QO 20A 1-pole AFCI is a QO-series plug-in breaker and only seats in load centers built for QO breakers. The ABB THQL plug-on neutral ground fault breaker and the Eaton CH Series Class A GFCI breaker are each designed for their own panel interiors, so neither drops into a QO load center. Match the breaker family to the panel brand and interior first, then match amperage, poles and protection type.
6) I need ground-fault protection, not arc-fault. What should I use instead of the QO120CAFI?
The QO120CAFI is a combination arc-fault device and does not provide ground-fault protection. For a GFCI breaker, the Eaton CH Series Class A GFCI breaker uses a pigtail neutral like the QO AFCI does, and the ABB THQL Q-Line Model 3 self-test GFCI breaker is a GFCI option in the ABB Q-Line family. Choose the one that matches your panel: the Eaton unit for CH interiors, the ABB unit for Q-Line interiors.
7) What wire sizes will the QO120CAFI terminals take?
The load terminal accepts AWG 14 through AWG 8 copper and AWG 12 through AWG 8 aluminum. For a 20A branch circuit that covers 12 AWG copper comfortably, and the larger range lets you land oversized conductors on long runs.
8) Is 10kA interrupting rating enough for a residential panel?
10kA interrupt capacity is the usual rating for residential and light commercial load center branch breakers, and it is what the QO120CAFI carries at 120V AC. If your available fault current at the panel exceeds that, the circuit needs a higher AIC device, so check the service calculation on larger multi-family or commercial services.
9) I need to upgrade a whole building's bedroom circuits to arc-fault, can I standardize on one part number?
For 20A, 120V single-pole circuits in QO panels, QO120CAFI is the single part number to standardize on. Each one occupies 1 space, so a panel swap is a one-for-one replacement of existing 20A single-pole breakers with no space penalty. Circuits at other amperages or 2-pole circuits need the matching QO AFCI rating instead.
10) What is the difference between this QO combination AFCI and a GFCI breaker like the Eaton CHFN?
Different hazards. The QO120CAFI watches for arcing faults, parallel and series, to cut fire risk from damaged cable and loose terminations. A Class A GFCI breaker such as the Eaton CH Series GFCI with pigtail trips on current leaking to ground, which is shock protection for wet locations. They are not substitutes for each other, and the Eaton unit fits CH panels, not QO.
11) What do I use for a 2-pole 240V circuit that needs fault protection instead of the QO 20A 1-pole AFCI?
The Square D QO120CAFI covers a single 120V branch circuit and occupies one panel space, so it will not serve a 2-pole 240V load. The ABB THQB 2-pole GFT breaker is rated 240V with a 10kA interrupting rating and is built for a 2-pole circuit, though it is a THQB-family device and belongs in a panel that accepts THQB breakers rather than a QO load center. For 240V protection inside a QO panel, specify a 2-pole QO device.
12) Is a plug-on neutral breaker the same as the plug-in pigtail QO AFCI?
No. The Square D QO120CAFI uses plug-in mounting with a pigtail neutral lead that you land on the panel neutral bar. The ABB THQL plug-on neutral ground fault breaker makes its neutral connection through the panel's plug-on neutral bar instead of a pigtail, which requires a load center built for that connection. The Eaton CH Series Class A GFCI breaker is a pigtail-style device like the QO AFCI. Confirm which neutral arrangement your panel interior supports before ordering.
13) Where is the Square D QO120CAFI made?
Country of origin is Mexico, and the breaker is TAA compliant, which is what government and institutional buyers need for procurement rules.
14) Does the QO 20A AFCI have a self-test feature like the ABB Q-Line Model 3 GFCI?
The ABB THQL Q-Line Model 3 breaker is identified as a self-test GFCI device. The Square D QO120CAFI is a combination arc-fault breaker with an over-center, trip-free toggle mechanism and quick-make, quick-break action, UL Listed and CSA certified. The two address different fault types, so the choice follows what the circuit must detect - arc faults or ground faults - rather than the test method.
How fast can I get the Square D QO120CAFI delivered?
Most orders ship the same day from our distribution partners, with quick delivery throughout the continental U.S. Need it urgently? Contact Us for expedited shipping options.
Can I return it if it doesn’t work for me?
Yes—ZenSupply offers a hassle-free return policy. If the product isn’t the right fit, reach out to our support team for a return authorization or setup a return by following our return instructions.
Does the Square D QO120CAFI come with a warranty?
Absolutely. The Square D QO120CAFI is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty. For full warranty terms, check the product documentation or Contact Us.
How do I get technical support or installation help for the Square D QO120CAFI?
You can call, text, or email our expert support team for fast answers. We’re here to help with product selection, installation tips, and troubleshooting. Contact Us
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