ABB brand circuit breakers
TME – Transfer Multisort Elektronik – Parameters and features of the S200M UC series installation protections
Overcurrent circuit breakers are the primary means of circuit protection – they mainly prevent dangerous overloads of wires and electrical devices, allowing, among other things, to avoid overheating of cable runs. ABB is renowned as a manufacturer of excellent solutions in this area.
Below we present a group of breakers from the S200M UC series. These are universal installation protections for AC installations, i.e., network installations, although their design allows installation in DC circuits. They have numerous certifications and varied parameters, facilitating the selection of a consistent, mutually compatible set of protective elements of the best quality available on the market.
In this article, we cover topics such as:
- General division of S200M UC series breakers
- What is the characteristic of a breaker?
- Key certifications of overcurrent breakers
Overview of models in the offer
S200M UC overcurrent breakers are based on internal arc extinguishing chambers with permanent magnets. This means that their design anticipates the mitigation of electrical arcs occurring at voltages up to 500V DC. This allows avoiding dangerous situations where unwanted voltage remains in the circuit despite the opening of the breaker contacts – which can occur (with disastrous consequences) when using cheap substitutes. It is worth noting that such functionality requires powering the breaker from the appropriate side.
At the outset, it should be emphasized that the S200M series breakers are available in single-pole and multi-pole versions, capable of simultaneously disconnecting 2, 3, or 4 circuits up to 400V AC or DC (most models):
S201M-Z6UC Single-pole
S202M-B6UC 2-pole
S203-B13 3-pole
S204-B100 4-pole
In terms of appearance and format, the presented breakers fit into international MCB standards, i.e., Miniature Circuit Breakers. They are housed in bodies for mounting on a DIN rail (TH35) in cabinets with a cover. They have screw terminals capable of accepting both wires (with a wide range of cross-sections) and busbars. The contact position indicator is clearly visible, signaling the opening/closing of the circuit.
Regardless of the version, the breakers are characterized by a short-circuit resistance level of 10kA, and the manufacturer estimates their electrical durability at 20,000 cycles. The rated current (tripping) of the breakers can range from 0.3A to 63A at voltages from 220V DC and 230V AC to 400V AC/DC (for most solutions in the offer). The S200M UC series products are intended for operation in environments with temperatures from -25°C to 55°C.
Characteristics
In many industrial applications and large-scale applications (e.g., multi-residential buildings), an important factor will be the characteristic of the breaker, that is, its tripping speed and response to sudden changes in current intensity. In this aspect, ABB offers four types of S200M UC breakers:
- Type B – immediate tripping when the rated current is exceeded in the range of 3 to 5 times (most commonly found in household circuits, lighting, etc.);
- Type C – tripping at currents from 5 to 10 times the rated value, used in industry and commercial applications for powering transformers, motors, fluorescent lighting, fans;
- Type K – elements with a wide tolerance, reacting to overloads 8…12 times, necessary for handling loads with significant but short-term inrush currents (elevator motors or compressors);
- Type Z – used in the most sensitive circuits (electronic, measuring, control devices) react very quickly, and their tolerance does not exceed 3 times the rated value.
Standards
As mentioned, ABB products are made in accordance with many international standards and have been certified. This allows the presented overcurrent breakers to be used in industrial installations, residential building systems, etc. The most important of these are:
IEC EN 60898
Standard for overcurrent breakers for domestic installations, as well as office installations. It assumes handling by unqualified persons and provides basic protection against wire overloads and short circuits.
IEC EN 60947-2
Standard relating to industrial and commercial control equipment, where relatively high currents occur. Therefore, such elements are usually handled by trained personnel: electricians, electrical engineers, maintenance workers, service technicians, etc.
UL1077
A set of North American (UL from Underwriters Laboratories) regulations in the field of motor and electronic component protection (e.g., industrial controllers). Compliance with this standard means that the breakers can be used, for example, in the USA market.
CSA C22.2 No. 235
The Canadian equivalent of UL1077 developed by CSA, or Canadian Standards Association. It allows the use of the presented products in Canada – in control cabinets, industrial machines, and consumer installations.
