Circuit Breaker Boots (Lever-Actuated Sealing Boots for Circuit Breakers)

What Are Circuit Breaker Boots?

When circuit breakers are exposed to harsh or unpredictable environments, performance and reliability can suffer. That’s where APM Hexseal’s circuit breaker boots come in. Designed specifically for lever-actuated circuit breakers, our rugged, transparent silicone enclosures are engineered to create a tight seal around the actuator and panel cutout. Available in front-panel and back-panel mount options, they seal out salt, moisture, dust, and other contaminants.

Discover how circuit breaker boots from APM Hexseal prevent downtime and equipment failure in critical marine, industrial, and military settings.

Key Features & Advantages

APM Hexseal’s boots are precision-engineered solutions designed for reliability in rugged environments. A flange seals the boot to the panel, maintaining full operation and visibility of the actuator while blocking ingress points. Backed by patented sealing technology and decades of field-proven performance, our boots offer critical protection in even the harshest environments. Key features and benefits include:

• Single‑piece transparent silicone (RUBRGLAS^®). Manufactured from a proprietary high-strength, UV-stable silicone material that resists yellowing, tearing, and cracking.
• Patented molded trigger. Ensures easy actuation and reliable breaker reset with a built-in molded actuator that minimizes false triggers and fatigue over time.
• Hermetic sealing. Features a precision-molded sealing rib around the perimeter and includes SEELSKREWS^® to eliminate the need for additional gaskets or O-rings.
• Extreme environmental protection. Operates effectively in temperatures ranging from -103 °F to +400 °F and resists salt spray, oils, acids, ozone, and fungus.
• Durable frame & fasteners. Front-panel-mounted boots feature corrosion-resistant zinc-chromate frames; stainless steel frames are also available for use in marine or corrosive environments.
• Certified performance. UL recognized (UL 50) and meets stringent MIL-DTL-5423 standards.
• Extended lifespan. Engineered to withstand 10,000+ actuations with a silicone material shelf life exceeding 25 years.

Industries & Applications

OEMs and engineers who can’t afford system failures trust APM Hexseal’s circuit breaker boots to secure power systems in the middle of the ocean, on the battlefield, in cleanrooms, and on factory floors. Industries that rely on circuit breaker boots include:

• Marine & offshore. Circuit breaker boots prevent saltwater intrusion, corrosion, and water damage on dashboards and offshore rigs.
• Defense & aerospace. Naval and land gear rely on complete sealing in high-vibration and extreme weather conditions. Circuit breakers in avionics panels and cockpit controls must be protected to maintain functionality.
• Food & beverage. These boots are ideal for washdown zones where sanitary conditions are essential.
• Industrial machinery. Boots keep dirt, metal chips, chemicals, and oils away from sensitive controls.
• Transportation. Circuit breakers in generators, HVAC equipment, and more require reliable ingress protection.
• Construction equipment. Shield circuit breakers from mud, dust, and moisture.
• Medical devices. Boots support cleaning and sterilization processes while preventing contamination by foreign substances.

Product Options & Custom Configurations

Front-panel mount versions are ideal for applications where visual status is important. They’re available in 1-, 2-, and 3-pole configurations and include mounting frames and hardware. For cleaner installations or space-constrained designs, back-panel mount styles offer a streamlined, gasket-free seal. Here’s an overview of all the options:

• Front-panel mount. Standard models include the HE 1015 (1-pole), HE 1020 (2-pole), and HE 1050 (3-pole), with other sizes available upon request.
• Back-panel mount. Part numbers 1113/40 and 1113/42 offer secure sealing from the rear for sleek panel finishes.
• Customization options. We offer unique pole counts and other customizations for your project with quick prototyping and technical support.

Ingress Protection & Compliance

Our UL-recognized lever-actuated circuit breaker boots are rated up to IP66 or IP68 when properly installed. They are also NEMA 4X, 6, and 6P compliant enclosures. Originally developed for military aircraft, these boots are standard in ruggedized equipment and meet MIL-DTL-5423 requirements. All boots are made in the U.S. and comply with RoHS standards.

What to Consider When Choosing a Boot

Selecting the right circuit breaker boot means understanding both your equipment’s specs and your environment’s challenges. Start by identifying whether you need a front- or back-panel mount. From there, match the pole count and actuator type to the appropriate boot model. Consider your environmental conditions. How much are your circuit breakers exposed to salt spray, oil, or frequent washdowns? Determining these criteria will help you select the boots that will last the longest and maximize your return on investment.

Protect Your Circuit Breakers With APM Hexseal

Don’t leave your critical systems exposed. APM Hexseal’s lever-actuated circuit breaker boots are the high-performance, high-reliability solution you need. Whether you’re specifying for harsh outdoor environments or precision indoor applications, we’ve got a boot to match.

APM Hexseal has been pioneering sealing technology since 1947. Our commitment to quality, U.S.-based manufacturing, and proven product performance has made us the go-to source for high-stakes sealing solutions across every industry. Every boot is backed by decades of research, rigorous testing, and attention to detail.

Contact us or request a quote for your sealing solution.