Replace Murray MP-T Breakers with Siemens

Replacing Murray MP-T breakers with Siemens QP breakers in load centers.

Table Of Contents
  1. Replace Murray MP-T With Siemens QP
  2. Understanding Murray MP-T Branch Breakers
  3. Why Murray MP-T Breakers Need Replacement
  4. Siemens QP Replacements for MP-T
  5. Match Murray and Siemens Catalog Numbers
  6. Confirm Murray Load Center Compatibility
  7. Match Breaker Poles Amps and Voltage
  8. Find Murray MP-T Replacement Breakers
  9. Replacing Murray Breakers FAQ
  10. About Murray Circuit Breakers

Replacing Murray Breakers?

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Replace Murray MP-T With Siemens QP

Replacing Murray MP-T Branch Breakers with Siemens QP Breakers

Murray MP-T breakers were installed in residential and light-commercial load centers. These full-size plug-in breakers protect branch circuits supplying receptacles, lighting, appliances and other electrical loads. Aging Murray breakers are harder to find, so property owners and electricians need a dependable Murray breaker replacement.

The usual Siemens replacement for a Murray MP-T breaker is a Siemens QP breaker. Siemens’ official cross-reference places Murray MP-T and Siemens QP in the same full-size, one-inch-per-pole product category. You’ll still need to confirm the breaker type on the load-center label before making a selection to replace a Murray MP-T Breaker.

Understanding Murray MP-T Branch Breakers

Understanding Murray MP-T Full-Size Breakers

A Murray MP-T full-size branch breaker is a plug-in thermal-magnetic circuit breaker. The thermal element responds to overloads that overheat. The magnetic element reacts quickly to high-current short circuits. Standard MP-T breakers don’t provide AFCI or GFCI protection unless the breaker belongs to a specialized Murray family.

MP-T catalog numbers communicate basic breaker information. MP115 identifies a one-pole, 15-amp breaker. MP230 identifies a two-pole, 30-amp breaker. That numbering system makes the initial cross-reference easier, but the catalog number isn’t all that matters.

Why Murray MP-T Breakers Need Replacement

Why Murray MP-T Breakers Need Replacement

Siemens phased out Murray circuit breakers and small load centers beginning in 2019, followed by other Murray product categories. Siemens stated that equal Siemens products would replace Murray MP-T Breaker. Siemens Murray phaseout information

A Murray MP-T breaker replacement is needed because the original breaker is damaged, won’t reset or has loose or overheated connections. Replacement is suggested if you modify a circuit or restoring an older load center.

Siemens QP Replacements for MP-T

Siemens QP Replacements for Murray MP-T

The normal Murray MP-T to Siemens QP replacement, like a Murray MP115 typically progresses to a Siemens Q115, while an MP230 progresses to a Q230.

Both families use full-size plug-in construction, and Siemens documentation for load centers identifies MP-T and QP as workable breaker types. For example, Siemens panel documentation lists an MP-T/QP breaker hold-down and identifies both types in its branch-breaker information. Siemens load-center documentation

This relationship doesn’t mean every Siemens breaker belongs in every Murray panel. The replacement must be right for the specific load center and circuit. The Siemens QP designation, catalog number and electrical ratings need to be verified.

Match Murray and Siemens Catalog Numbers

Matching Murray and Siemens Catalog Numbers

The table below shows common standard MP-T-to-QP progressions. The Siemens catalog numbers link to corresponding Relectric product pages.

Murray MP-TSiemens QP ReplacementPolesAmpsTypical Voltage
MP115Q115115A120V
MP120Q120120A120V
MP130Q130130A120V
MP215Q215215A120/240V
MP220Q220220A120/240V
MP230Q230230A120/240V
MP240Q240240A120/240V
MP250Q250250A120/240V
MP260Q260260A120/240V

This table is a starting point, not approval for installation. Variations such as high-interrupting, switched-neutral, shunt-trip, AFCI or GFCI breakers need a more specific cross-reference. Don’t replace one of those breakers with a standard QP model just because the amp rating and number of poles match.

Confirm Murray Load Center Compatibility

Confirming Load Center Breaker Compatibility

Before choosing a replacement breaker for a Murray load center, locate the label inside the panel door or enclosure. Record the complete load-center catalog number and the breaker types listed for that equipment.

The load-center label is more important than physical appearance. Two breakers can have similar cases and mounting arrangements but different listings, bus connections or performance characteristics. A breaker snapping onto the bus doesn’t mean it’s approved for the panel.

Check whether the label identifies Murray MP-T, Siemens QP or both. If the label is missing, damaged or unclear, use the panel catalog number to locate manufacturer documentation. An electrician or experienced electrical supplier can verify the correct progression.

Match Breaker Poles Amps and Voltage

Matching Poles, Amperage, and Voltage

A Siemens QP breaker replacement should match the original breaker’s number of poles, current rating, voltage and interrupting capacity. It must provide the protection required for the circuit.

Also distinguish standard MP-T breakers from Murray breakers with AFCI, GFCI or other specialized functions. Replacing a protective breaker with a standard thermal-magnetic QP breaker can remove required protection. Those applications need the corresponding Siemens protective breaker family.

Find Murray MP-T Replacement Breakers

Finding Murray MP-T Replacement Breakers

When sourcing a Murray MP-T replacement breaker, start with the complete original catalog number and the panel information. For a standard MP-T model, the corresponding Siemens QP breaker can provide a straightforward current replacement.

Original MP-T breakers can be available as new surplus, used or professionally reconditioned equipment. That option can be useful when an existing installation calls for the original catalog number.

Your goal isn’t just to find a breaker that fits. It’s to select a breaker that matches the circuit ratings, keeps necessary protective functions and is documented for the existing load center. Careful identification protects the panel, the circuit and the people who depend on the electrical system.

Replacing Murray Breakers FAQ

Can Siemens QP replace a Murray MP-T breaker? +
A corresponding Siemens QP breaker is the normal replacement for many standard Murray MP-T breakers. Confirm QP compatibility on the load-center label and match all electrical ratings.
What replaces a Murray MP115 breaker? +
The standard Siemens replacement is the Q115, a one-pole, 15-amp breaker. Confirm the load-center listing and interrupting rating before installation.
What replaces a Murray MP120 breaker? +
A Siemens Q120 is the standard corresponding model for a Murray MP120. Both are normally one-pole, 20-amp branch breakers.
Are Murray MP-T and Siemens QP breakers identical? +
They belong to corresponding full-size breaker families, but you shouldn’t assume every variation is identical. Check the catalog number, panel listing, electrical ratings and protective functions.
Can I use a Siemens breaker in any Murray panel? +
No. The specific Siemens breaker type must be listed or documented for the Murray load center. Brand relationship and physical fit alone don’t establish compatibility.
Can a standard QP replace a Murray AFCI or GFCI breaker? +
No. A standard QP breaker doesn’t provide AFCI or GFCI protection. Use the correct Siemens protective-breaker family documented for the panel and circuit.
Why does my Murray breaker keep tripping? +
Repeated trips can indicate an overload, short circuit, ground fault, damaged appliance or loose connection. Diagnose the circuit instead of assuming the breaker is defective.
Should I replace an MP-T breaker with a higher amperage? +
No. Don’t increase breaker amperage unless the complete circuit has been evaluated and designed for the higher rating. The breaker must protect the installed conductors.
Should an electrician replace a Murray MP-T breaker? +
A qualified electrician should handle the replacement when you’re uncertain about compatibility, energized components, conductor sizing, bus condition or local electrical requirements.

About Murray Circuit Breakers

Protection using a thermal element for overloads and a magnetic element for short circuits.
Term Definition
Branch circuit The wiring between the final overcurrent device and the outlets or connected loads.
Bus stab The load-center connection onto which a plug-in circuit breaker mounts.
Catalog number The manufacturer’s identifier describing a particular breaker configuration.
Circuit breaker A resettable protective device that opens a circuit during an overcurrent condition.
Full-size breaker A breaker that generally occupies one inch of load-center width per pole.
Interrupting rating The maximum fault current a breaker can safely interrupt under specified conditions.
Load center An enclosure containing a main device, bus structure and branch-circuit breakers.
MP-T Murray’s family of full-size plug-in thermal-magnetic branch breakers.
Pole The number of circuit conductors switched and protected by a breaker.
QP Siemens’ family of full-size plug-in thermal-magnetic branch breakers.
Thermal-magnetic
UL listing Product certification showing that equipment was evaluated for specified uses and conditions.