When you're choosing a breaker for electrical distribution switchgear protection, the first thing to decide is not the brand-it's the load. These two Square D breakers are engineered for very different parts of your power system. The BDA36070 is a compact unit for smaller industrial feeds, while the 12-718012-38 is a massive frame for high-capacity distribution. The price gap reflects the difference in capacity and condition, and there's a clear answer once you know your circuit's requirements.
Quick verdict
If you need a breaker for a lower-current industrial feeder and want a compact unit with instantaneous response, go with the BDA36070. If you're protecting a large distribution bus and need far more current capacity, the 12-718012-38 is the one you'll be shopping for.
At a glance
| Product | Price | Amps | Poles | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square D BDA36070 70A I-line | $269.99 | 70A | 3 | New open box |
| Square D 12-718012-38 900A 600V | $799.90 | 900A | 3 | Used |
Where each product wins
- The BDA36070 wins for smaller branch circuits where a compact breaker and quick overload response are the priorities.
- The 12-718012-38 wins for large distribution runs where the current demand exceeds what a small frame can offer.
Product notes
Square D BDA36070, 70amp 3 pole I-line circuit breaker BD70 Powerpact, 70A
This Square D breaker pairs an I-line mounting style with a 70A current rating and an open-box condition. It's built for interior industrial use, with thermal interruption and Type D tripping characteristics, plus an instantaneous break time that responds quickly to overloads. The switch control style and 551-600V voltage range make it a straightforward fit for a compatible panelboard. Choose it when you need a new 70A, three-pole protective device with an I-line connection. The one real limitation is the ampacity: at 70A, it's not designed for the kind of current a much larger frame handles.
Square D 12-718012-38 900A 600V 3 Pole Circuit Breaker
This is the heavyweight option. The 12-718012-38 is a 900A, 600V three-pole breaker that comes to you preowned, removed from a working environment and tested for basic functionality when applicable. It may show minor cosmetic wear, but the capacity is exactly what you want for high-amp distribution and protection in select Square D switchgear. The reason to choose it is simple: you need the extra current headroom that a compact breaker can't give you. The limitation to keep in mind is its used history-you're not dealing with a new unit, and you should confirm compatibility with your existing breaker frame, trip configuration, and mounting arrangement before installing it.
Final choice by use case
There's no universal winner, but there is a right answer for each installation. Pick the BDA36070 if your circuit calls for a modest current rating and you want a compact breaker. Choose the 12-718012-38 if you need a high-current breaker for large distribution. Let your load determine the choice, and you'll end up with the right Square D breaker for the job.
