I replaced three old receptacles (outlets) with modern rectangular outlets in my 12 year old kitchen backsplash being careful to buy the same type of switch, 15 amp 125 volts, and duplicating the wire's positions. The new switches throw the breaker. Returning the old switches solves the problem. Any ideas what could be wrong? Do brand new outlets sometimes not work? And I buy three of them?

Not likely. Are you replacing outlets or switches or both? Compare outlets, look at neutral side on old outlets, have tabs connecting the two silver screws been removed? Describe wiring in boxes.

Only replacing outlets to update look. Not sure what you are calling tabs but looking at old outlets nothing seems removed. They look exactly like the new outlets. The wiring was ground, white wire which was attached on the lower of the two silver positions, black wire and red on the (hot) brass side. All three outlets are wired the same.

Sorry, should have said look on the hot side for the broken tab. Having a red and a black wire indicates two circuits. One for the top of the outlet and one for the bottom. The metal tab connecting the two has to be removed.

Thank you! I see the brass tab IS missing. You have really made my day!