Square D KA / KAL: Replacement & Cross-Reference

The Square D KA and KAL are discontinued K-frame molded-case breakers rated to 250 A, common as feeders and MCC mains. The current path is the PowerPact J-frame (JD / JG / JJ / JL), selected by interrupting rating. KAL is the higher-AIC version of the KA frame. Edmundson Industrial sources new-surplus, used-tested, and reconditioned KA / KAL breakers to keep legacy panels running.

Status

Brand	Square D / Schneider Electric
Frame	K-frame (KA standard, KAL higher AIC)
Amp range	to 250 A (nominal: confirm on nameplate)
Poles	2, 3
Voltage	240 / 480 / 600 VAC by catalog code
Interrupting	KA standard, KAL higher AIC: verify at quote
Current replacement	PowerPact J-frame (JD / JG / JJ / JL)
Example catalogs	KA36150, KAL36250 (decode: frame–poles–voltage–amps; confirm on nameplate)

Cross-Reference

If you have (obsolete)	Recommended path	Notes
KA (standard AIC)	PowerPact JD / JG by amp & AIC	Match the interrupting rating to the available fault current.
KAL (higher AIC)	PowerPact JJ / JL	KAL is the high-interrupting version: keep the AIC at or above the original.
Keep the panel as-built	New-surplus / used-tested KA or KAL (we source)	True drop-in. Match poles, voltage, amp, and AIC on the full catalog string.
MCC main or feeder	Like-for-like surplus	Avoids re-terminating bus and cable on an existing bucket or panel.

Cross-references are starting points: confirm interrupting rating, poles, voltage, trip type, and mounting before substituting. Send the catalog number and we'll verify the match.

Key Specs (frame overview)

K-frame thermal-magnetic molded-case breaker, to 250 A
2 or 3 pole; 240 / 480 / 600 VAC by catalog code
KA vs KAL = interrupting-rating tiers on the same frame
Common as MCC mains and feeder breakers
Accessories: shunt trip, auxiliary / alarm switch, undervoltage release, lugs: confirm per catalog

Is the Square D KA / KAL still made?

No. KA and KAL are discontinued; the PowerPact J-frame is the current equivalent. KA-class breakers anchor a huge installed base of 150–250 A feeders and MCC mains, so numbers like KAL36250 and KA36150 stay in steady surplus demand. Because re-terminating a 250 A feeder is real work, a surplus drop-in can keep the installed footprint until a planned upgrade.

FAQ

Is the Square D KA / KAL discontinued?

Yes: the KA and KAL frames are discontinued. New-surplus, used-tested, and reconditioned units remain available through Edmundson Industrial.

What is the difference between KA and KAL?

Same K-frame and amp range; KAL carries a higher interrupting rating (AIC). Match or exceed the original AIC when cross-referencing.

What replaces a Square D KA breaker?

The PowerPact J-frame (JD / JG / JJ / JL), selected by amp and interrupting rating. We also source original KA / KAL surplus.

Can you source KA36150 or KAL36250?

Yes: both are common catalog numbers on the surplus market. Send the exact string and we'll quote new-surplus, used-tested, or reconditioned with condition disclosed.

Will a PowerPact J-frame fit my KA application?

Unit-mount usually adapts; check lug size and mounting. Our fabrication side makes adapter and filler hardware where the footprint changed.

Availability & Quote

Condition disclosed before sale, new-surplus, used-tested, or reconditioned, with photos on request.

Request a Quote

or send the catalog number to sales@edmundsonindustrial.com · (832) 975-8827 · Houston, TX. Response timing is confirmed with the request.

Related Square D pages

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