BQ and BQH are Siemens thermal-magnetic circuit breaker families. Their thermal element deals with sustained overloads, and the magnetic element responds to short circuits. You may see Siemens or ITE identification on existing equipment, so record the Siemens BQ Circuit Breakercomplete catalog number. Don’t rely on just the brand name.

Connection details deserve particular attention. Siemens lists BQ/BQH under lug-in/lug-out breakers, supplied with load-side lugs; an L suffix identifies versions ordered with line-side lugs. Siemens Canada catalogs Siemens BQ Circuit Breaker bolt-on breakers. If you’re searching for Siemens bolt-on circuit breakers, confirm the equipment connection and approved breaker type before ordering. Regional descriptions alone don’t mean interchangeability.

The key difference in BQ vs BQH breakers is interrupting capacity. Standard BQ models are listed at 10 kA, while Siemens BQH circuit breakers are shown as 22 kA. Read the rating at the applicable voltage on the specific device. Siemens lists exceptions and application footnotes, so the family name isn’t the entire specification.

Amperage and interrupting capacity answer different questions. A 20A breaker protects a circuit based on its trip characteristics; a 22 kA interrupting rating describes its ability to interrupt fault current under specified conditions. A higher interrupting rating doesn’t mean a higher circuit load. Your replacement needs compatibility with available fault current and the equipment’s documented rating or approved series combination.

Photograph the full label, handle markings, terminals, and mounting arrangement. Capture the panel or enclosure nameplate and its approved breaker list. Use Relectric’s Siemens and ITE catalog to locate the complete part number, including every suffix.

For example, BQ1B020 identifies a BQ, single-pole, 20A model. BQ1B020H identifies its BQH counterpart. The number following BQ indicates the pole count in these examples, and 020 identifies 20A. Additional characters identify terminal or accessory options, so don’t shorten a part number when requesting a quote.

These ten examples with linked model numbers open Relectric listings. Ratings below use Siemens catalog family data and model descriptions; verify the breaker’s markings and equipment.

Single-pole examples show the conservative 120V product-listing description. Siemens’ family selection table includes 120/240V single-pole entries; use the exact breaker marking and system application when evaluating voltage suitability.

Start with the Siemens BQ breaker replacement catalog number and the equipment documentation. Confirm the circuit’s amperage, pole count, voltage, and interrupting rating. Then compare mounting dimensions, terminal arrangement, conductor suitability, and any accessories.

Don’t raise the ampere rating to solve repeated tripping. Have the cause investigated and the circuit requirements checked. Same with a BQH model’s higher interrupting rating, it doesn’t automatically make it an approved substitute for every BQ installation.

Similar ratings can mean different connections. Siemens identifies BL/BLH as panelboard-mounted breakers, while QP uses a plug-in connection. BQ/BQH must be evaluated for the particular lug or bolt-on application involved. A shared Siemens name or similar case shape alone doesn’t mean one family replaces another.

For identification comparisons, you can review the Type BL B260 listing and Type QP Q240 listing. These examples help differentiate product families; they aren’t replacement recommendations for your BQ or BQH breaker.

Send the complete catalog number, label photographs, panel identification, quantity, and required delivery date. Include clear views of the connection hardware and any accessory wiring. Mention the required condition and ask the supplier to confirm the exact offered configuration. If the label is damaged, provide measurements and equipment documentation rather than a photograph alone.

You can use the linked models above to begin your search or request a Siemens BQ or BQH breaker quote. Include your nameplate and mounting photos so Relectric can evaluate the request and confirm availability. Accurate identification gives you a clearer replacement decision and helps avoid ordering a breaker with the right amperage but wrong connection.