Square D FA36020 Molded Case Circuit Breaker | I-Line Plug-In | 20A 3-Pole 600V
Product images are representative only. Actual product may vary.
Square D FA36020 — I-Line Plug-In Molded Case Circuit Breaker
The Square D FA36020 is a 3-pole, 20 Amp, 600V thermal-magnetic molded case circuit breaker built for reliable overcurrent protection in commercial and industrial power distribution systems. Featuring an I-Line plug-in mounting, it installs quickly and securely into Square D I-Line panelboards and switchboards — no tools required for connection.
Manufactured by Schneider Electric under the Square D brand, the FA36020 is engineered for demanding environments where dependable protection and fast installation matter. It includes both long-time (LI) and instantaneous trip functions, offering dual-layer protection against sustained overloads and high-magnitude short-circuit faults.
Key Specifications
| Part Number | FA36020 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Square D / Schneider Electric |
| Breaker Type | Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) |
| Mounting Style | I-Line Plug-In |
| Frame | F-Frame (FA Series) |
| Amperage | 20 Amps |
| Poles | 3-Pole / 3-Phase |
| Voltage Rating | 600V AC / 250V DC |
| Interrupting Rating | 18kAIC @ 480V / 14kAIC @ 600V |
| Trip Unit | Thermal Magnetic — LI (Long-Time & Instantaneous) |
| Wire Range | (1) 14–4 AWG Copper / (1) 12–4 AWG Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 6" H × 4.5" W × 4.13" D |
| Temperature Rating | 40°C |
| Certifications | UL 489, CSA, IEC, Federal Spec W-C-375B |
| Applications | Commercial, Industrial, OEM, Control Panels |
What Is an I-Line Plug-In Circuit Breaker?
An I-Line plug-in circuit breaker is a type of molded case breaker designed to snap directly into Square D I-Line panelboards or switchboards using a blade-style plug-on connection. This eliminates the need for separate line-side wiring to the breaker, saving significant installation time. The FA36020 uses this industry-standard I-Line interface, making it a direct-install solution for Square D I-Line electrical panels in commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and OEM equipment enclosures.
Why Choose the Square D FA36020?
- Fast plug-in installation — I-Line blade connection snaps directly into compatible panelboards, reducing labor time
- Dual-function trip protection — Long-time thermal trip guards against sustained overloads; instantaneous magnetic trip responds to high-level short circuits in milliseconds
- Industrial-grade ratings — 600V AC / 250V DC voltage rating suitable for a wide range of 3-phase commercial and industrial systems
- Compact F-frame design — Space-efficient footprint for dense panelboard installations
- Multi-standard certified — UL 489, CSA, and IEC listed for North American and international compliance
- Proven Square D reliability — Part of Schneider Electric's trusted I-Line / PowerPact family used across thousands of facilities worldwide
Compatible Applications
- Square D I-Line panelboards and switchboards
- Commercial building electrical distribution panels
- Industrial control equipment and machine panels
- OEM equipment manufacturing
- 3-phase motor branch circuits (HACR rated)
- Lighting and power distribution feeders
Modern Equivalent / Upgrade Path
The FA36020 is part of the legacy FA Series. Its current Schneider Electric replacement is the PowerPact HDA36020, which offers updated performance ratings and enhanced features. Contact our team if you need assistance identifying the right modern equivalent for your panel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What panels is the Square D FA36020 compatible with?
The FA36020 is designed for use with Square D I-Line panelboards and switchboards. Its plug-in blade connection is specific to the I-Line system and is not compatible with standard bolt-on or QO-style panels.
What is the interrupting rating of the FA36020?
The FA36020 has an interrupting rating of 18kAIC at 480V and 14kAIC at 600V, making it suitable for most commercial and light industrial distribution systems.
Is the FA36020 still in production?
The FA Series is a legacy Square D product line. The recommended modern replacement is the Schneider Electric PowerPact HDA36020. However, the FA36020 remains widely used in existing installations and is still available as new or recertified stock.
What wire sizes are compatible with the FA36020?
The FA36020 accepts (1) 14 to 4 AWG copper or (1) 12 to 4 AWG aluminum wire on the load side.
What certifications does the FA36020 carry?
The FA36020 is listed under UL 489, CSA, IEC, and Federal Specification W-C-375B, making it compliant for use in the United States, Canada, and internationally.