CH2150X and CH2200X: The Legacy Main Breakers for Classic Cutler-Hammer Panels

If you're dealing with an older Cutler-Hammer panel and you've come across the catalog numbers CH2150X or CH2200X, you're likely working on something important. These breakers aren’t made for new builds — they’re built to keep older systems running safely and reliably.

Here’s what you need to know — especially before making a purchase or calling in a pro.

Why These Breakers Still Exist

The CH2150X and CH2200X are main breakers used in legacy Cutler-Hammer CH-series panels — the kind that were common in homes and small businesses from the 1970s to early 2000s. These panels had a reputation for durability, and many are still in service today.

Over time, even the best breakers can fail. If your panel’s main breaker has gone bad — maybe it's tripping for no reason, feels hot, smells burnt, or won’t reset — you’re probably here looking for a direct replacement.

Eaton (who now owns Cutler-Hammer) still makes these breakers for that exact reason: to support the thousands of aging CH panels still in use.

What Exactly Is a CH2150X?

Here’s the quick breakdown:

• 150-amp rating

• 4-pole body, used as a 2-pole disconnect

• 120/240V AC

• 10,000 AIC interrupting rating

Its job? It’s the main disconnect and overcurrent protection for certain CH panels. And here’s a key safety note: this breaker should never be used as a branch breaker. Doing so could cause a dangerous short.

Compatibility is Everything

Before ordering or replacing anything, double-check your panel. The CH2150X and CH2200X only work with specific, now-discontinued CH panels — such as CHP, CHL, or CHC series.

They won’t fit:

• Eaton’s newer CH panels

• BR-series panels

The mounting style and bus-bar connection are completely different.

When Should You Replace It?

If your main breaker shows any of these signs, it’s time to act:

• Tripping even under normal load

• Feels hot to the touch

• Melted plastic or scorch marks

• Electrical burning smell

• Won’t reset

Don’t ignore these symptoms. The main breaker is a critical part of your system.

Installation: Leave It to the Pros

This isn’t a DIY project.

Replacing a main breaker means shutting off power at the source, often by having the utility company pull the meter. It’s dangerous and must be done according to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local regulations. Always use a licensed electrician for this type of work.

Before they install, make sure:

• The panel is rated for 150 amps

• Wires are sized properly (typically #1/0 or #2/0 copper)

• The utility service can handle the load

Why This Breaker Still Matters

There’s no need to rip out a whole panel just because the main breaker failed. If your system is otherwise safe and intact, using a direct OEM replacement like the CH2150X or CH2200X can save you money and keep your system up to code.

They’re built for the job — and they’ve been doing it well for decades.

Looking for honest advice or real-world experiences? Mike Holt’s Forum is a trusted spot where professional electricians share insights on breaker issues, code updates, and older systems like these.

If you’re replacing your main breaker, you might also want to read:  Main Breaker Replacement: Everything You Need to Know

References & Bibliography

• National Electrical Code (NEC), NFPA 70

• Eaton CH Series Product Data Sheets

• U.S. Dept. of Energy: Electrical Safety Guidelines

• IEEE Protection Standards