Overview

• The Schneider 3P 3kA MCB C-Curve DIN is a high-performance, robust, and essential miniature circuit breaker designed for comprehensive circuit protection in three-phase electrical distribution systems.
• As a core component of Schneider Electric's globally recognized Easy9 range, this 3-pole thermal-magnetic MCB is meticulously engineered to safeguard electrical installations against the damaging effects of overcurrents, encompassing both sustained overload conditions and severe short-circuit faults.
• Its specific C-curve tripping characteristic makes it an ideal choice for a wide array of general-purpose applications where moderate inrush currents are anticipated, effectively preventing nuisance tripping while ensuring rapid and decisive fault isolation.
• With a formidable breaking capacity of 3 kA at 400 V AC 50/60 Hz, the Schneider 3P 3kA MCB C-Curve DIN provides superior protection, thereby ensuring the safety, integrity, and uninterrupted operation of your critical electrical infrastructure.
• Available in a versatile range of rated currents from 6A to 63A, this MCB offers tailored, cost-effective solutions for diverse power requirements, making it a reliable choice for commercial, light industrial, and large residential distribution boards.

Features

• Three-Pole Configuration: Provides simultaneous interruption across all three phases, ensuring complete circuit isolation and enhanced safety for three-phase systems.
• Thermal-Magnetic Trip Unit: Combines thermal protection for sustained overloads and a magnetic mechanism for instantaneous short-circuit protection, offering comprehensive and reliable fault detection.
• C-Curve Tripping Characteristic: Optimized for general-purpose applications with moderate inrush currents, preventing premature tripping from transient loads like motors, transformers, and fluorescent lighting.
• 3 kA Breaking Capacity (Icu): Engineered to safely and effectively interrupt short-circuit currents up to 3000 Amperes at 400 V AC 50/60 Hz, adhering to the stringent SANS 60947-2 standard.
• High Rated Service Breaking Capacity (Ics): Matches the Icu at 3 kA (100% of Icu) at 400 V AC, ensuring the device can repeatedly clear fault currents without significant degradation in performance.
• DIN Rail Mountable (Clip-on): Designed for quick, tool-free installation onto standard 35mm DIN rails, simplifying setup and integration into existing or new electrical panels.
• Suitability for Isolation: Fully compliant with SANS 60947-2 for isolation purposes, providing a safe and clear means to de-energize circuits for maintenance or repairs.
• Contact Position Indicator: Features a clear visual indicator (toggle switch) that provides an immediate and unambiguous status of the circuit breaker's contact position (ON/OFF), enhancing operational transparency.
• Exceptional Durability: Boasts high mechanical durability of 10,000 cycles and electrical durability of 4,000 cycles, ensuring a long operational lifespan and consistent performance over time.
• Versatile Terminal Connections: Equipped with tunnel type terminals compatible with a broad range of rigid (1 to 35 mm²) and flexible (1 to 35 mm²) conductors, offering flexibility during installation.
• Optimized Tightening Torque: Specific tightening torque values (2 N.m or 3.5 N.m depending on current rating) ensure secure and reliable electrical connections, minimizing resistance and heat buildup.
• Compact Design: With dimensions of 81mm (Height) x 54mm (Width) x 66.5mm (Depth) and 6 x 9mm pitches, its compact form factor allows for efficient use of space within distribution boards.
• Environmental Compliance: Certified to IP20 degree of protection (conforming to IEC 60529), suitable for environments with a pollution degree of 2, and compliant with EU RoHS and REACH regulations, utilizing sustainable packaging.

Benefits

• Enhanced Safety for Three-Phase Systems: The three-pole design ensures complete disconnection of all live phases during a fault, providing superior protection against electrical hazards and preventing potential damage to sensitive three-phase equipment and wiring.
• Reliable Performance & System Uptime: A 3 kA breaking capacity, coupled with 100% Ics, ensures that the Schneider 3P 3kA MCB C-Curve DIN can reliably interrupt high fault currents, maintaining system integrity and minimizing downtime even under severe electrical disturbances.
• Prevents Nuisance Tripping: The C-curve characteristic is specifically tailored to handle the moderate inrush currents typical of inductive loads (e.g., motors, transformers), preventing unnecessary interruptions and ensuring continuous operation of critical equipment.
• Simplified and Faster Installation: Its clip-on DIN rail mounting feature drastically reduces installation time and effort, allowing for quick integration into electrical panels and streamlining project timelines.
• Long-Term Investment Value: High mechanical and electrical durability ratings translate into an extended product lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lowering long-term maintenance and operational costs.
• Versatile Application: This MCB's robust design and various current ratings make it highly suitable for a broad spectrum of commercial, light industrial, and larger residential applications, providing flexible protection solutions for diverse electrical setups.
• Optimized Panel Space: The compact 3-pole design (6 x 9mm pitches) allows for efficient use of space within crowded distribution boards, leading to more organized and aesthetically pleasing installations.
• Supports Sustainability Initiatives: Compliance with EU RoHS and REACH directives, along with the use of recycled cardboard and avoidance of single-use plastics in packaging, aligns with modern environmental responsibility standards, contributing to greener projects.
• Clear Operational Status: The integrated contact position indicator provides an immediate visual confirmation of the breaker's state (ON/OFF), simplifying operational checks and enhancing safety during fault finding.

In-Depth Technical Specifications

The Schneider 3P 3kA MCB C-Curve DIN is precision-engineered to meet stringent safety and performance standards for three-phase electrical distribution.

Variations by Rated Current (In):

The Schneider 3P 3kA MCB C-Curve DIN series offers variations in terminal connection capacity, tightening torque, and specific weight based on the rated current:

• For 6A (EZ9F53306), 10A (EZ9F53310), 16A (EZ9F53316), 20A (EZ9F53320), 25A (EZ9F53325):
  • Net Weight: Ranges from 0.3 kg (e.g., 310g for 16A, 312g for 6A, 316g for 10A, 318g for 20A, 326g for 25A).
  • Connections - Terminals (Rigid & Flexible): Suitable for 1...25 mm² conductors at both the top and bottom terminals.
  • Tightening Torque: 2 N.m (Newton-meters) for both top and bottom connections.
• For 32A (EZ9F53332), 40A (EZ9F53340), 50A (EZ9F53350), 63A (EZ9F53363):
  • Net Weight: Ranges from 0.3 kg (e.g., 354g for 32A/40A, 358g for 50A, 310g for 63A).
  • Connections - Terminals (Rigid & Flexible): Suitable for 1...35 mm² conductors at both the top and bottom terminals.
  • Tightening Torque: 3.5 N.m (Newton-meters) for both top and bottom connections.

Ideal Use

The Schneider 3P 3kA MCB C-Curve DIN is ideally suited for a wide range of three-phase electrical distribution applications where reliable, efficient, and robust circuit protection is critical.

• Commercial Buildings: Providing robust overcurrent and short-circuit protection for lighting, HVAC systems, office equipment, and general power distribution in commercial spaces such as offices, retail stores, and restaurants.
• Light Industrial Facilities: Essential for safeguarding machinery, motor control circuits, workshop equipment, and general three-phase power distribution in light industrial settings, workshops, and small manufacturing units.
• Large Residential Properties: Applicable in larger homes or multi-dwelling units that utilize three-phase power for heavy loads like central air conditioning, electric vehicle charging stations, or large appliances.
• Distribution Boards (DBs) and Sub-Boards: Serves as a primary or secondary protective device within main electrical distribution boards or sub-boards, ensuring selective tripping and minimizing power outages to unaffected parts of the system.
• Infrastructure Projects: Suitable for various infrastructure applications, including utility substations, telecommunications equipment, and public buildings where stable and protected three-phase power is paramount.
• Renovation and Upgrades: An excellent choice for modernizing existing three-phase electrical systems or for new installations, due to its compliance with modern standards and ease of integration.

Tips

• Precision Sizing: Always ensure that the selected rated current ([In]) for the Schneider 3P 3kA MCB C-Curve DIN perfectly matches the calculated load and the conductor size of the specific three-phase circuit it is protecting. Incorrect sizing can lead to either inadequate protection or frequent, unnecessary tripping.
• Qualified Installation is Imperative: All electrical installations involving the Schneider 3P 3kA MCB C-Curve DIN must be performed by a certified and experienced electrician. Adherence to local electrical codes, national wiring regulations, and safety standards is paramount to ensure the safe and proper operation of the electrical system.
• Accurate Terminal Torquing: When connecting conductors, strictly adhere to the specified tightening torque values (2 N.m for 6A-25A models, 3.5 N.m for 32A-63A models). Using a calibrated torque screwdriver is highly recommended. Insufficient torque can cause loose connections, leading to high resistance, overheating, and potential fire hazards. Excessive torque can damage the terminal block.
• Regular Visual Inspections: Periodically inspect installed MCBs for any physical damage, discoloration, or signs of overheating at the terminals. Although the Schneider 3P 3kA MCB C-Curve DIN is built for durability, routine checks can help identify and rectify potential issues proactively.
• Environmental Considerations: The MCB carries an IP20 rating, meaning it is protected against solid objects (like tools or fingers) but offers no protection against water. Always install the Schneider 3P 3kA MCB C-Curve DIN within an appropriate enclosure (e.g., an IP4X or higher-rated distribution board) to shield it from moisture, excessive dust, and other environmental contaminants.
• Effective System Coordination: For complex industrial or commercial electrical systems, consider performing a coordination study. This ensures that the Schneider 3P 3kA MCB C-Curve DIN works harmoniously with other upstream and downstream protective devices, allowing for selective tripping that isolates only the faulted circuit, minimizing disruption to unaffected loads.
• Optimal Storage Conditions: Prior to installation, store the MCBs in a dry, clean environment that adheres to the specified ambient temperature range (-40°C to 85°C). Avoid areas with high humidity, corrosive atmospheres, or direct sunlight to preserve the product's integrity and long-term performance.
• Responsible End-of-Life Management: At the end of its useful life, the Schneider 3P 3kA MCB C-Curve DIN should be disposed of in accordance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directives and local environmental regulations. Do not discard it with general waste; instead, utilize designated electronic waste recycling and disposal channels.