When you need electrical distribution switchgear protection, the first question is whether the breaker fits your panel's mounting style and voltage range, not just how many amps it can carry. The Square D BDA36070 and the GE THED134150 both serve three-pole industrial circuits, but they solve different problems.
Quick verdict
If your panel accepts I-Line breakers, the Square D BDA36070 is the straightforward pick at $269.99. If you need a higher-current circuit and your panel uses bolt-on breakers, the GE THED134150 is the capable choice at $460.00. The Square D is new open box; the GE is used.
Comparison table
| Feature | Square D BDA36070 | GE THED134150 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 269.99 | USD 460.00 |
| Current rating | 70A | 150A |
| Poles | 3 | 3 |
| Voltage | 551-600V | 480V max |
| Mounting | I-Line | Bolt-On |
| Trip type | Thermal, instantaneous | Thermal-magnetic |
| Condition | New - Open box | Used |
Where each breaker fits
- The Square D BDA36070 fits when you have an I-Line panel, need a 70A circuit, and want a new open box breaker with overload protection. Its 551-600V voltage range suits higher-voltage industrial circuits.
- The GE THED134150 fits when you need 150A of protection at 480V and your panel uses bolt-on mounting. It also brings the thermal-magnetic trip system common in motor control and distribution applications.
Product notes
Square D BDA36070, 70amp 3 pole I-line circuit breaker
This Square D BDA36070 is a new open box unit. Its I-Line mounting style works with plug-on switchgear connections, and the thermal interruption type with instantaneous break time gives quick overload response. The switch control style is straightforward for industrial use, and the 70A current rating matches circuits in the 61-70A range. The limitation is the voltage range: at 551-600V, it is not the right choice for a 480V distribution panel. And if your load draws more than 70A, this unit does not have headroom to spare.
GE THED134150 150A 480V 3P Molded Case Circuit Breaker
The GE THED134150 is a 150A molded case breaker built for larger current. It is rated for 480V, uses a bolt-on mounting style, and its thermal-magnetic trip system handles both overloads and short circuits. The THED frame and three-pole design make it a fit for industrial power distribution, commercial switchgear, panelboards, and motor control circuits. The trade-off is that it is a used surplus unit, so you are depending on a breaker pulled from an operating environment rather than a fresh factory box. For someone who needs this much capacity, that is often the reality of the replacement market.
Final choice by use case
Choose the Square D BDA36070 when your panel has I-Line mounting and you need to protect a 70A circuit. Choose the GE THED134150 when your circuit requires 150A at 480V and your panel accepts bolt-on breakers.
