Circuit Breakers

Table of Contents
Introduction...............................................................................2
Need for Circuit Protection........................................................4
Types of Overcurrent Protection Devices..................................6
Circuit Breaker Design...............................................................9
Types of Circuit Breakers.........................................................20
Circuit Breaker Ratings............................................................24
Time-Current Curves................................................................26
Selective Coordination.............................................................29
Series-Connected Systems.....................................................31
Siemens Circuit Breakers........................................................34
Residential Circuit Breakers.....................................................35
Panelboard Circuit Breakers.....................................................43
General Purpose Thermal-Magnetic Circuit Breakers...............46
Solid-State Trip Unit Circuit Breakers.......................................53
Internal Accessories................................................................59
External Accessories...............................................................62
VL Circuit Breakers..................................................................68
WL Circuit Breakers................................................................. 76
Review Answers......................................................................86
Final Exam...............................................................................88

Introduction
Welcome to another course in the STEP series, Siemens

Technical Education Program, designed to prepare our
distributors to sell Siemens Industry, Inc. products more
effectively. This course covers Basics of Circuit Breakers and
related products.
Upon completion of Basics of Circuit Breakers you will be able

to:
Explain the need for circuit protection
Identify various types of overcurrent protection devices
Explain the basic operation of a thermal-magnetic circuit

breaker
Describe time-current characteristics on a time-current

curve
Define important circuit breaker rating terms
Explain why circuit breaker coordination is important
Identify internal and external circuit breaker accessories
Identify the various types of Siemens circuit breakers
Identify circuit protection ratings for various types of

Siemens circuit breakers

This knowledge will help you better understand customer
applications. In addition, you will be better able to describe
products to customers and determine important differences
between products. You should complete Basics of
Electricity before attempting Basics of Circuit Breakers. An
understanding of many of the concepts covered in Basics of
Electricity is required for Basics of Circuit Breakers.
After you have completed this course, if you wish to determine

how well you have retained the information covered, you can
complete a final exam online as described later in this course. If
you pass the exam, you will be given the opportunity to print a
certificate of completion from your computer.
Siemens is a trademark of Siemens AG. Product names

mentioned may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies. Specifications subject to change without
notice.
NFPA70, National Electrical Code, and NEC are registered

trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association,
Quincy, MA 02169.
NEMA is a registered trademark and service mark of the

National Electrical Manufacturers Association, Rosslyn, VA
22209.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and UL are registered

trademarks of Underwriters Laboratories Inc., Northbrook, IL
60062-2096.
Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Need for Circuit Protection
Current and Temperature Current flow in a conductor always generates heat. The greater
the current flow, the hotter the conductor.
Normal Current Flow
Excessive Current Flow
Excess heat is damaging to electrical components. High

levels of heat cause the insulation to breakdown and flake off,
exposing conductors. For that reason, conductors have a rated
continuous current carrying capacity or ampacity.
Good Insulation
Insulation Affected by Heat

Excessive current is referred to as overcurrent. An overcurrent
may result from an overload, short circuit, or ground fault.
Some circuit breakers provide only short circuit protection, but
many circuit breakers to provide protection against short circuits
and overloads, and some circuit breakers provide protection
against all three types of overcurrent. Overloads and short
circuits are discussed in the following paragraphs. Ground faults
are discussed later in this course.
Overloads An overload occurs when too many devices are operated on

a single circuit or when electrical equipment is made to work
beyond its rated capabilities. When an overload occurs, damage
to connected equipment or the conductors that supply that
equipment can occur unless the circuit is shut down by an
overcurrent protection device. Slight overloads can be allowed
to continue for a short time, but as the current magnitude
increases, the circuit breaker must open faster.
Short Circuits A short circuit is a low resistance path for current created
when bare conductors touch. When a short circuit occurs with
voltage applied, the decrease in resistance results in a short
circuit current that can be thousands of times higher than
normal operating current. The heat generated by this current
will cause extensive damage to connected equipment and
conductors unless current is interrupted immediately when a
short circuit occurs.
Conductor
Insulation
Ohms Law describes the relationship of current, voltage,

and resistance. For example, a 240 volt motor with 24 of
resistance draws 10 amps of current. When a short circuit
develops, resistance drops. If resistance drops to 24 milliohms,
current increases to 10,000 amps.
I= E I = 240 V I=
240 V
R 24 0.024
I = 10 A I = 10,000 A

Types of Overcurrent Protection Devices
To protect a circuit against overcurrents, a protection device

must detect a fault and automatically disconnect the electrical
equipment from the voltage source. An overcurrent protection
device must be able to recognize the difference between
overloads and short circuits and respond in accordingly. Small
overloads can be allowed to continue for a short time, but larger
overloads require quicker response, and short circuits must be
interrupted instantaneously.
Fuse A fuse is a one-shot device. The heat produced by overcurrent

causes the current carrying element to melt open,
disconnecting the load from the source voltage.
Good Element
Open Element
Non-Time-Delay Fuse Non-time-delay fuses provide excellent short circuit protection.

When an overcurrent situation occurs, heat builds up rapidly in
the fuse. Non-time-delay fuses usually hold 500% of their rating
for approximately one-fourth second, after which the current
carrying element melts. This means that these fuses cannot be
used in motor circuits, which often have inrush currents greater
than 500%.
Time-Delay Fuses Time-delay fuses provide overload and short circuit protection.
Time-delay fuses usually allow five times the rated current for
up to ten seconds to allow motors to start.

Circuit Breaker Circuit breakers provide a manual means of energizing and
de-energizing a circuit and automatic overcurrent protection.
Unlike fuses, which must be replaced when they open, a circuit
breaker can be reset once the overcurrent condition has been
corrected. A simple push of the handle to the OFF then back
to the ON position restores the circuit. If a circuit reopens
upon reset to the ON position, a qualified electrician should
be consulted to determine the problem.
All circuit breakers perform the following functions:
SENSE when an overcurrent occurs.

MEASURE the amount of overcurrent.
ACT by tripping the circuit breaker in a timely manner to
prevent damage to itself and the associated load cables.
Circuit Breaker Operation In the following illustration, an AC motor is connected through

a circuit breaker to a voltage source. When the circuit breaker is
closed, a complete path for current exists between the voltage
source and the motor allowing the motor to run. Opening the
circuit breaker breaks the path of current flow and the motor
stops. The circuit breaker automatically opens when it senses
a fault. After the fault has been cleared, the breaker can be
closed, allowing the motor to operate.
Circuit Breaker
Circuit Breaker Closed Circuit Breaker Open

Motor Running Motor Stopped
Note: NEC Article 240 covers overcurrent protection. You are

encouraged to become familiar with this material.

Review 1
1. With an increase in current, heat will
a. increase
b. decrease
c. remain the same
2. Three causes of overcurrent are ________, ________,

and ground faults.
3. A ________ is a low resistance path for current created

when bare conductors touch.
4. An _________ occurs when too many devices

are operated on a single circuit or when electrical
equipment is made to work beyond its rated
capabilities.
5. A circuit breakers provides a ________ means of

energizing and de-energizing a circuit while also
providing ________ overcurrent protection.

Circuit Breaker Design
The following section presents some basics of circuit breaker

design. Variations to these design principles are discussed
later in the course. Circuit breakers are constructed from the
following five major components:
Frame (Molded Case)

Contacts
Arc Chute Assembly
Operating Mechanism
Trip Unit
Frame The frame provides an insulated housing to mount the circuit

breaker components. The construction material is usually a
thermal set plastic, such as glass-polymer. The construction
material can be a factor in determining the interruption rating
of the circuit breaker. Typical frame ratings include: maximum
voltage, maximum ampere rating, and interrupting rating.
!
DANGER ! PELIGRO ! DANGER
Frame MG Type/Typo
NMG
ON
I
Type/Tipo NJG
Frame DG
OFF ON I
800A O
Type/Tipo NDG
Frame DG
ON I
OFF
400A O
OFF
O
150A
Three Circuit Breaker Frame Sizes

Straight-Through Contacts The current flowing in a circuit controlled by a circuit breaker
flows through the circuit breakers contacts. When a circuit
breaker is turned off or is tripped by a fault current, the circuit
breaker interrupts the flow of current by separating its contacts.
Many circuit breakers use a straight-through contact

arrangement, so called because the current flowing in one
contact arm continues in a straight line through the other
contact arm.
Spring
Movable Contact Arm
Magnetic Field
Stationary Contact Arm
Blow-Apart Contacts As an improvement overMagnetic Field

the straight-through contact design,
Siemens developed the blow-apart contact design now
commonly used by circuit breakers with higher interrupting
ratings. With this design, the two contact arms are positioned
parallel to each other, as shown in the following illustration.
As current flows through the contact arms, magnetic fields
develop around each arm. Because the current flow in one
arm is opposite in direction to the current flow in the other
arm, the two magnetic fields oppose each other. Under normal
conditions, the magnetic fields are not strong enough to force
the contacts apart.
Movable Contact Arm
10
When a fault develops, current increases rapidly causing the
strength of the magnetic fields surrounding the contacts
to increase as well. The increased strength of the opposing
magnetic fields helps to open the contacts faster by forcing
them apart.
Movable Contact Arm
By reducing the time required to open circuit breaker contacts

when a fault occurs, the blow-apart contact design reduces
the damaging heat felt by the circuit protected by the circuit
breaker.
Straight Through Contacts
Contacts Opened
Overcurrent Sensed
IP
Blow-Apart Contacts
Arc Chute Assembly When circuit breaker contacts open, current continues to
flow for a short time by arcing across the air space between
the contacts. When the contacts open far enough, the arc is
extinguished and the current stops.
Minimizing the arc is important for two reasons. First, arcing can
damage the contacts. Second, the arc ionizes gases inside the
molded case. If the arc isnt extinguished quickly the pressure
from the ionized gases can cause the molded case to rupture.
11
Circuit breakers commonly use an arc chute assembly to
quench the arc. This assembly is made up of several U shaped
steel plates that surround the contacts. As the arc developes, it
is drawn into the arc chute where it is divided into smaller arcs,
which are extinguished faster.
Arc Chute Assembly

Arc Quenched by
Arc Chute Assembly
Operating Handle As previously stated, a circuit breaker must provide a manual

means for energizing and de-energizing a circuit and must be
capable of being reset after a fault condition has been cleared.
These capabilities are typically provided through use of an
operating handle.
Molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs) are trip free, meaning

that they cannot be prevented from tripping by holding or
blocking the operating handle in the ON position. There are
three positions of the operating handle: ON (contacts closed),
OFF (contacts open), and TRIPPED (mechanism in tripped
position, contacts open). The circuit breaker is reset after a trip
by moving the handle to the OFF position and then to the
ON position.
ON
TRIPPED
OFF
Operating Mechanism The operating handle is connected to the moveable contact

arm through an operating mechanism. Siemens molded case
circuit breakers use an over-center toggle mechanism that is a
quick-make and quick-break design.
12
In the following illustration, the operating handle is moved
from the OFF to the ON position. In this process a spring
begins to apply tension to the mechanism. When the handle
is directly over the center, the tension in the spring is strong
enough to snap the contacts closed. This means that the speed
of the contact closing is independent of how fast the handle is
operated.
Handle in OFF Position

Handle in ON Position Contacts Open
Contacts Closed
The contacts are opened by moving the operating handle from

the ON to the OFF position. In this process, a spring begins
to apply tension to the mechanism. When the handle is directly
over the center, the tension in the spring is strong enough to
snap the contacts open. Therefore, contact opening speed is
also independent of how fast the handle is operated.
Handle in OFF Position

Handle in ON Position Contacts Open
Contacts Closed
13
Trip Unit In addition to providing a means to open and close its contacts
manually, a circuit breaker must automatically open its contacts
when an overcurrent is sensed. The trip unit is the part of the
circuit breaker that determines when the contacts will open
automatically.
In a thermal-magnetic circuit breaker, the trip unit includes

elements designed to sense the heat resulting from an overload
condition and the high current resulting from a short circuit. In
addition, some thermal-magnetic circuit breakers incorporate a
Push-to-Trip button.
Manual
Push-to-Trip Adjusting Screw
Button
Tripper Bar
Thermal Overcurrent
Sensing Element Electromagnet
Short Circuit
Sensing Element
Thermal-Magnetic Trip Unit
Trip Mechanism The trip unit includes a trip mechanism that is held in place
by the tripper bar. As long as the tripper bar holds the trip
mechanism, the mechanism remains firmly locked in place.
Trip Mechanism
Held by Tripper Bar
Tripper Bar
Trip Mechanism
Trip Mechanism Locked
Trip Unit with Trip Mechanism
14
The operating mechanism is held in the ON position by the
trip mechanism. When a trip is activated, the trip mechanism
releases the operating mechanism, which opens the contacts.
Note: the drawings in this section show an AC power source;

however, a DC source could also be used.
Operating Mechanism Held

Handle in ON Position in Place by Trip Mechanism
Load
Contacts Closed Power Source
15
Manual Trip Some molded case circuit breakers, especially larger breakers,
can be manually tripped by pressing the Push-to-Trip button
on the face of the circuit breaker. When the button is pressed,
the tripper bar rotates up and to the right. This allows the trip
mechanism to unlock, releasing the operating mechanism. The
operating mechanism opens the contacts.
The Push-to-Trip button also serves as a safety device by

preventing access to the circuit breaker interior in the ON
position. If an attempt is made to remove the circuit breaker
cover while the contacts are in the closed (ON) position, a
spring located under the pushbutton causes the button to lift up
and the breaker to trip.
Operating Mechanism
Released by Trip Mechanism
Load
Power Source
16
Overload Trip Thermal-magnetic circuit breakers employ a bimetallic strip
to sense overloads. When sufficient current flows through
the circuit breakers current path, heat build up causing the
bimetallic strip to bend. After bending a predetermined
distance, the bimetallic strip makes contact with the tripper bar
activating the trip mechanism.
Operating Mechanism
Released by Trip Mechanism
Bimetallic Strip Bends

to Trip the Breaker
Load
Power Source
A bimetallic strip is made of two dissimilar metals bonded

together. The two metals have different thermal expansion
characteristics, so the bimetallic strip bends when heated.
When current flows through a bimetallic strip, heat causes

the strip to bend. The more current, the hotter the bimetallic
becomes, and the more it bends. When the circuit breakers
contacts open, the bimetallic strip cools and returns to its
original condition. This allows a circuit breaker to be manually
reset once the overload condition has been corrected.
17
Short Circuit Trip As previously described, current flow through a circuit breakers
blow-apart contacts creates opposing magnetic fields. Under
normal operating conditions, these opposing forces are not
sufficient to separate the contacts. When a short circuit occurs,
however, these opposing forces increase significantly.
The current that flows through the contacts also flows through
a conductor that passes close to the circuit breakers trip unit.
At fault current levels, the magnetic field surrounding this
conductor provides sufficient force to unlatch the trip unit and
trip the breaker.
The combined actions of magnetic fields forcing contacts

apart while simultaneously tripping the circuit breaker result
in rapid interruption of the fault current. In addition, because
the magnetic forces are proportional to the current, the greater
the fault current, the shorter the time it takes to interrupt the
current.
Operating Mechanism Held

in Place by Trip Mechanism
Short Circuit Load Breaker Trips Load

Fault Current Interrupting
Begins to Flow Current Flow
18
Review 2
1. When a circuit breaker is turned off or is tripped by a
fault current, the circuit breaker interrupts the flow of
current by separating its ________.
2. Siemens developed the ________ contact design that

greatly reduces the amount of time it takes for breaker
contacts to open when a fault occurs.
3. The ________ assembly reduces contact damage by

dividing the arc into smaller segments which can be
extinguished faster.
4. Siemens circuit breakers use an ________ toggle

mechanism that ensures that the breakers contacts
will open or close quickly when a breaker is manually
operated.
5. A ________ strip is made of two dissimilar metals

bonded together.
6. In a thermal-magnetic circuit breaker, a ________ field

trips the circuit breaker when a short circuit is sensed.
19
Types of Circuit Breakers
Instantaneous Magnetic- As the name indicates, instantaneous magnetic-trip-only

Trip-Only Circuit Breakers circuit breakers provide short circuit protection but do not
provide overload protection. This type of circuit breaker is
typically used in motor control applications where overload
protection is provided by an the overload relay.
3-Pole Breaker
Motor Starter Contacts

Overload Relays
3-Phase
Motor
Power In
Thermal-Magnetic As described previously, a thermal-magnetic circuit breaker

Circuit Breakers has a trip unit that senses heat to detect an overload and
senses a magnetic field generated by current to detect a short
circuit. This type of circuit breaker trips immediately when a
short circuit occurs, but delays an appropriate amount of time
before tripping in the event of an overload.
Interchangeable Trip The user cannot change the trip unit in many circuit breakers,
Circuit Breakers but some circuit breakers have an interchangeable trip unit.
This feature allows the user to change the continuous current
rating of the breaker without replacing the breaker. This is done
by replacing the trip unit with one of a different rating.
Note: Care must be exercised when considering

interchangeable trip circuit breakers. A circuit breaker may be
listed by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) for a specific
interchangeable trip unit only. Circuit breaker frames are usually
designed to prevent the installation of an improper trip unit size
or type.
20
Interchangeable Trip Unit
Molded Case Switch Siemens molded case switches employ the same operating
mechanism as the thermal-magnetic and magnetic-only units.
However, a preset instantaneous function is factory installed to
allow the switch to trip and protect itself at a high fault current,
but the switch provides no thermal overload protection or short
circuit protection.
Current Limiting Many electrical power distribution systems can deliver large
Circuit Breakers short circuit currents to electrical equipment. This high current
can cause extensive damage. Current limiting circuit
breakers protect equipment by significantly reducing the
current flowing in the faulted circuit.
One way to accomplish current limiting is with an additional

set of contacts that feature two moveable arms. These dual-
pivot contacts separate even more quickly than the single-
pivot contacts. The dual-pivot contacts are connected in series
with the single-pivot contacts. As with the single-pivot design,
current flows in opposite directions through the contact
arms, creating a magnetic repulsion. As current increases, the
magnetic repulsion force increases.
21
In an overload condition, where current may only be one to six
times normal current, the dual-pivot contacts remain closed
until the breaker trips. However, when a short circuit occurs,
fault current is extremely high and both sets of contact arms
open simultaneously, generating high impedance arcs. The
contact gap of the dual-pivot contacts increases more rapidly,
which increases arc impedance more rapidly. Once the arcs
are extinguished, the dual-pivot contacts close due to spring
tension. The single-pivot contacts are held open by the breaker
mechanism, which tripped during the fault and must be
manually reset.
The frame on current limiting circuit breakers of this design

is extended to allow room for the dual-pivot set of contacts.
Siemens current limiting breakers can handle fault currents of
up to 200,000 amps.
Single-Pivot Contacts
Frame Extension
Dual-Pivot Contacts
22
Solid-State Circuit Breakers Solid-state circuit breakers and thermal-magnetic circuit
breakers have similar contact mechanisms, but their trip units
are different. A solid-state trip unit still determines when to trip
the circuit breaker, but a solid-state trip unit has programmable
features and improved accuracy and repeatability.
The brain of a solid-state trip unit is a microprocessor.

Adjustments on the trip unit set numerical values that the
microprocessor uses in performing protective functions. Current
sensors connected to the trip unit monitor the load current. The
trip unit continuously compares this current to trip unit settings.
When current exceeds a preset value for the selected time, the
trip unit triggers a magnetic latch. The magnetic latch opens the
breakers contacts, disconnecting the protected circuit from the
power source.
Power
Source
Solid-State Circuit Breaker
Trip
Solid-State Signal Magnetic Breaker
Trip Unit Latch Mechanism
Current
Sensors
Protected
Circuit
23
Circuit Breaker Ratings
Voltage Rating Every circuit breaker has a voltage rating that designates the
maximum voltage it can handle. In other words, the voltage
rating of a circuit breaker can be higher than the circuit voltage,
but never lower. For example, a 480 VAC circuit breaker could
be used in a 240 VAC circuit, but a 240 VAC circuit breaker could
not be used in a 480 VAC circuit. The voltage rating is a function
of the circuit breakers ability to suppress the internal arc that
occurs when the circuit breakers contacts open.
Some circuit breakers have what is referred to as a slash

voltage rating, such as 120/240 volts. In such cases, the breaker
may be applied in a circuit where the nominal voltage between
any conductor and ground does not exceed the lower rating and
the nominal voltage between conductors does not exceed the
higher rating.
Continuous Current Rating Every circuit breaker has a continuous current rating, which is
the maximum continuous current a circuit breaker is designed
to carry without tripping. The current rating is sometimes
referred to as the ampere rating because the unit of measure
is amperes, or, more simply, amps.
The rated current for a circuit breaker is often represented as In.

This should not be confused with the current setting (Ir), which
applies to those circuit breakers that have a continuous current
adjustment. Ir is the maximum continuous current that a circuit
breaker can carry without tripping for the given continuous
current setting. Ir may be specified in amps or as a percentage
of In.
As mentioned previously, conductors are rated for how much

current they can carry continuously. This is commonly referred
to as the conductors ampacity. In general, the ampacity of
conductors must be at least equal to the sum of any non-
continuous load current plus 125% of the continuous load
current. Conductor ampacity is one of the factors that must be
considered when selecting and applying a circuit breaker.
24
Siemens circuit breakers are rated using 60C or 75C
conductors. This means that even if a conductor with a higher
temperature rating is used, the ampacity of the conductor must
be figured on its 60C or 75C rating.
Frame Size The circuit breaker frame includes all the various components
that make up a circuit breaker except for the trip unit. For any
given frame, circuit breakers with a range of current ratings can
be manufactured by installing a different trip unit for each rating.
The breaker frame size is the highest continuous current rating
offered for a breaker with a given frame.
Interrupting Rating Circuit breakers are also rated according to the maximum level
of current they can interrupt. This is the interrupting rating or
ampere interrupting rating (AIR). Because UL and IEC testing
specifications are different, separate UL and IEC interrupting
ratings are usually provided.
When designing an electrical power distribution system, a main

circuit breaker must be selected that can interrupt the largest
potential fault current that can occur in the selected application.
The interrupting ratings for branch circuit breakers must also
be taken into consideration, but these interrupting ratings will
depend upon whether series ratings can be applied. Series-
connected systems are discussed later in this course.
The interrupting ratings for a circuit breaker are typically

specified in symmetrical RMS amperes for specific rated
voltages. As discussed in Basics of Electricity, RMS stands
for root-mean-square and refers to the effective value of an
alternating current or voltage. The term symmetrical indicates
that the alternating current value specified is centered around
zero and has equal positive and negative half cycles. Siemens
circuit breakers have interrupting ratings from 10,000 to
200,000 amps.
25
Time-Current Curves
Time-current curves, similar to the one shown on the

following page, are used to show how fast a breaker will trip
at any magnitude of current. The following illustration shows
how to read a time-current curve. The figures along the bottom
(horizontal axis) represent multiples of the continuous current
rating (In) for the breaker. The figures along the left side (vertical
axis) represent time in seconds.
Time in Seconds
Multiple of In
To determine how long a breaker will take to trip at a given

multiple of In, find the multiple on the bottom of the graph and
draw a vertical line to the point where it intersects the curve.
Then draw a horizontal line to the left side of the graph and find
the time to trip. For example, in this illustration a circuit breaker
will trip when current remains at six times In for 0.6 seconds.
Note that the higher the current, the shorter the time the circuit
breaker will remain closed. Time-current curves are usually
drawn on log-log paper. Many time-current curves also show
the bandwidth, tolerance limits, of the curve.
From the information box in the upper right hand corner, note
that the time-current curve illustrated on the next page defines
the operation of a Siemens MG frame circuit breaker. For this
example, operation with an 800 ampere trip unit is shown, but,
depending upon the specific breaker chosen, this circuit breaker
may be purchased with a 600, 700, or 800 amp continuous
current rating.
26
Time Current Characteristics Curve
SIEMENS MG Frame Circuit Breaker
Thermal Magnetic Trip Unit 525 3-Pole
For application and coordination purposes only.
Based on 40oC ambient, cold start. Tested
in open air with current in all poles.
The Curve shown is for I n = 800 Amps @ 480V

Interruption Ratings
27
Overload Protection The top part of the time-current curve shows the continuous
current performance of the circuit breaker. The black line
shows the nominal performance of the circuit breaker and
the gray band represents possible variation from this nominal
performance that can occur even under specified conditions.
Using the example of an MG breaker with an 800 amp

continuous current rating (In), note that the circuit breaker can
be operated at 800 amps (1.0 times In) indefinitely without
tripping. However, the top of the trip curve shows that an
overload trip will occur in 10,000 seconds at 1000 amps (1.25
times In). Additionally, the gray area on either side of the trip
curve shows the range of possible variation from this response.
Keep in mind that this trip curve was developed based upon
predefined specifications, such as operation at a 40C ambient
temperature. Variations in actual operating conditions will result
in variations in circuit breaker performance.
Instantaneous Trip The middle and bottom parts of this time-current curve show
the instantaneous trip (short circuit) performance of the circuit
breaker. Note that the maximum clearing time (time it takes for
the breaker to completely open) decreases as current increases.
This is because of high-speed contact designs which utilize
the magnetic field built up around the contacts. As current
increases, the magnetic field strength increases, which speeds
the opening of the contacts.
This circuit breaker has an adjustable instantaneous trip point

from 3250 to 6500 amps, which is approximately four to
eight times the 800 amp continuous current unit rating. This
adjustment affects the middle portion of the trip curve, but not
the top and bottom parts of the curve. The breaker shown in
this example has a thermal-magnetic trip unit. Circuit breakers
with solid-state trip units typically have additional adjustments.
28
Selective Coordination
Selective coordination is the application of circuit protection

devices in series such that, when a fault occurs, only the device
nearest the fault opens. The rest of the devices remain closed,
leaving other circuits unaffected.
In the following example a short circuit has occurred in the

circuit fed by branch circuit breaker C. Power is interrupted to
equipment supplied by circuit breaker C only. All other circuits
remain unaffected.
29
Time-current curves are essential for coordinating circuit
breakers. For example, in the following illustration, the trip
curves of main breaker A, feeder breaker B, and branch
breaker C are placed on the same graph and there is no
overlapping, indicating that the breakers are coordinated.
0.8 Breaker A
Time in Seconds B
0.15 Breaker B
C
Breaker C
0.04
400
Current in Amperes
These circuit breakers have been coordinated so that for any

given fault value, the tripping time of each breaker is greater
than tripping time for the next downstream breaker.
In this example, circuit breaker C is set to trip if a 400 amp

fault current remains for 0.04 seconds. Circuit breaker B will
trip if the fault remains for 0.15 seconds, and circuit breaker A
if the fault remains for 0.8 seconds. If a 400 amp fault occurs
downstream from circuit breaker C, it will trip and clear the
fault and circuit breakers A and B will not trip.
30
Series-Connected Systems
NEC Article 110.9 requires circuit protection equipment to

have an interrupting rating sufficient for the available current.
There are two ways to achieve this requirement, the full rating
method and the series rating method.
The full rating method requires all circuit protection devices

to have an interrupting rating equal to or greater than the
available fault current. This means that, in the case of a building
with 65,000 amperes of fault current available at the service
entrance, every circuit breaker must have an interrupting rating
of at least 65,000 amperes.
A - Main Breaker (65,000 amps)
B - Feeder Breaker (65,000 amps)
C - Branch Breaker (65,000 amps)
31
The second method is to select circuit breakers with a series
combination rating equal to or greater than the available
fault current at the service entrance. The series-rated concept
requires the main breaker to have an interrupting rating equal
to or greater than the available fault current of the system, but
subsequent downstream breakers connected in series can be
rated at lower values.
For example, a building with 65,000 amperes of available fault

current might only need the breaker at the service entrance
to have an interrupting rating of 65,000 amperes. Additional
downstream breakers can be rated at lower values. The series
combination must be tested and listed by UL.
A - Main Breaker (65,000 amps)
B - Feeder Breaker (22,000 amps)
C - Branch Breaker (10,000 amps)
Siemens series-rated breakers are listed under Series

Connected Short Circuit Ratings in the Siemens SPEEDFAX
catalog.
32
Review 3
1. ________ circuit breakers protect against short circuits,
but provide no overload protection.
2. ________ circuit breakers have both overload and

instantaneous trip features.
3. Siemens circuit protection products include current

limiting circuit breakers that can interrupt fault currents
up to ________ amps.
4. A circuit breakers continuous current rating is also

referred to as its ________ rating.
5. The upper part of a circuit breakers time-current curve

shows the circuit breakers ________ performance,
while the middle and lower part of a time-current
curve shows the circuit breakers instantaneous trip
performance.
6. ________ is the application of circuit protection devices

in series such that, when a fault occurs, only the device
nearest the fault opens.
33
Siemens Circuit Breakers
Siemens offers a broad selection of circuit breakers. The

remainder of this course provides a brief overview of Siemens
circuit breakers that fall into the following categories.
Residential circuit breakers - this category includes main and

branch circuit breakers intended for use in Siemens load centers
and other enclosures used in residential and light commercial
applications.
Panelboard circuit breakers - this category includes a few

thermal-magnetic molded case circuit breaker types used in
Siemens panelboards.
General purpose thermal-magnetic circuit breakers - this

category includes thermal-magnetic molded case circuit
breakers in various frame sizes with continuous current ratings
up to and including 2000 amps.
Solid-state trip unit circuit breakers - this category includes

molded case circuit breakers with solid-state trip units in various
frame sizes with continuous current ratings up to and including
1600 amps.
VL circuit breakers - this category includes Siemens newest

molded case circuit breakers which are available in various
frame sizes up to and including 1600 amps. VL circuit breakers
can be equipped either with a thermal-magnetic trip unit or a
solid-state trip unit.
WL circuit breakers - this category includes Siemens 3pole

power circuit breakers available in three frame sizes with
continuous current ratings from 200 to 5000 amps.
Because this course is intended to provide only an overview

of Siemens circuit breakers, some Siemens circuit breaker
types are not included. However, understanding the types of
circuit breakers summarized on the following pages will provide
you with a good foundation for further study. Refer to the
SPEEDFAX catalog for additional information.
34
Residential Circuit Breakers
Residential circuit breakers are typically 1, 2, or 4-pole breakers

with current ratings of 225 amps or less and voltage ratings of
120 volts, 120/240 volts, or 240 volts. Because residential circuit
breakers are also used in commercial applications and many
commercial applications require 3pole breakers, some 3-pole
breakers are also included in this category.
Mechanical Link
From
Power To Load From
Source Power To Load
Source
1-Pole Circuit Breaker 2-Pole Circuit Breaker
Residential circuit breakers are normally plug-in types that

mount in load centers or other enclosures.
35
In addition to thermal-magnetic circuit breakers intended for use
as main or branch circuit breakers in residential applications,
Siemens offers branch circuit breakers with arc-fault circuit
interruption, ground-fault circuit interruption, or point-of-entry
surge protection. Circuit breakers are also available for a number
of special applications. All Siemens residential circuit breakers
provide overload and short circuit protection. Because of the
variety of circuit breakers offered, this section describes only
representative examples. Refer to the SPEEDFAX catalog for
additional information.
Circuit Breaker GFCI Breaker

& SPD
Cir
SPDcuit Brea
ker and TYPE QPF
Circ
uit Bre
aker
and
SPD
TEST
AFCI Breaker
TYPE 40 C
QAFH
ARC
FAULT
GND
HACR
SWD
Circuit Breaker
Combination Ty
AFC
15
AFCI O
Interrupting Rating
22kA 120V
Max. RMS Sym.
50/60 Hz
TEST
10707150001
1-Pole QP
2-Pole QP QT Triplex
QT Duplex
Main Breakers Siemens offers a wide selection of load centers and enclosures
equipped with a main circuit breaker. Additionally, Siemens
PL load centers are convertible from main breaker load centers
to main lug load centers and vice versa. The main breakers or
main breaker kits for PL load centers have continuous current
ratings from 100 to 225 amps. The interrupting rating for these
main breakers is 22 kA. Single-phase, factory-installed 22 kA
interrupting rating main circuit breakers offer a 22/10 kA series
combination interrupting rating when used with 10 kA type QP,
QT, QPF, QE, QN and QAF branch breakers.
36
Main Circuit Breaker
Branch Circuit Breakers
Branch Circuit Breakers Because Siemens offers a complete selection of load centers
and other enclosures, and application requirements for circuit
breakers vary, multiple branch circuit breaker types are also
needed. However, Siemens type QP and QT circuit breakers
discussed in this course provide a representative sampling.
Branch Circuit Breakers
37
QP Circut Breakers Type QP circuit breakers are available as 1-pole, 2-pole, or 3-
pole breakers. 2-pole and 3-pole varieties have a common trip
unit so that all breaker poles are tripped at the same time.
1-Pole, 1 Width 2-Pole, 2 Width

Requires 1 Space Requires 2 Spaces
1-pole QP breakers are rated for 120 VAC and have continuous
current ratings from 10 to 70 amps.
2-pole QP breakers are available with a 120/240 VAC rating

or a 240 VAC rating. 2-pole 120/240 VAC QP breakers have
continuous current ratings from 10 to 125 amps and 2-pole 240
VAC QP breakers have continuous current ratings from 15 to
100 amps.
3-pole QP breakers are rated for 240 VAC and have continuous
current ratings from 10 to 100 amps.
All type QP circuit breakers have a 10 kA interrupting rating;

however, Siemens also offers type QPH circuit breakers with a
22 kA interrupting rating and type HQP circuit breakers with a
65 kA interrupting rating.
QT Circuit Breakers Some Siemens load centers are designed to accept type
QT Duplex, QT Triplex, and QT Quadplex plug-in circuit
breakers. These breakers are space saving breakers that are
half the width per pole of type QP circuit breakers. This reduced
width allows more circuits to be serviced from a load center
provided that the main circuit breaker has sufficient capacity.
An important use for QT breakers is in cases where additional
circuits are being added to an existing load center, but the
number of spaces available in the load center is limited.
38
Type QT Duplex Circuit Type QT Duplex circuit breakers combine two independent half-
Breakers inch width breaker poles in a common unit. This unit plugs into
one load center stab and requires one panel space.
Two Independent, 1-Pole Breakers

Requires 1 Space
QT Triplex and QT Quadplex Type QT circuit breakers are also available in Triplex and
Circuit Breakers Quadplex configurations. QT Triplex circuit breakers provide
a 2-pole circuit breaker for 120/240 VAC circuits and two
independent, 1-pole circuit breakers for 120 VAC circuits. QT
Quadplex circuit breakers incorporate two common trip, 2-pole
circuit breakers for 120/240 VAC circuits. Each Quadplex or
Triplex circuit breaker requires two panel spaces.
QT Triplex
Two Independent, 1-Pole Breakers
One Common Trip, 2-Pole Breaker
Requires Two Spaces
QT Triplex
QT Quadplex
Two Sets of Common Trip, 2-Pole Breakers
Requires Two Spaces
39
Ground Fault Circuit A ground fault occurs when a current-carrying conductor
Interrupter (GFCI) Circuit comes in contact with ground. A ground fault circuit
Breakers interrupter (GFCI) compares current on the hot wire
with current returning on the neutral wire. Under normal
circumstances these currents are equal. Siemens Type QPF and
QPHF GFCI circuit breakers provide personnel protection by de-
energizing a circuit when a ground fault current of 6 ma or more
is sensed.
Sensing and TYPE QPF
Trip Coil
Test Circuit
TEST
Hot Wire
120 Volts
Neutral
GFCI Cicuit Breaker

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
Ground
Siemens also offers Type QE and QEH circuit breakers which

provide protection of equipment from damaging line-to-ground
faults by de-energizing a circuit when a ground fault current of
30 ma or more is sensed.
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) circuit breaker, in
(AFCI) Circuit Breakers addition to providing overcurrent protection, is intended to
provide protection from the effects of arc faults by recognizing
the characteristics unique to arcing and de-energizing the circuit
when an arc fault is detected.
There are two categories of AFCI circuit breakers on the

market, branch/feeder AFCI circuit breakers and combination
AFCI circuit breakers. The first AFCI circuit breakers developed
were branch/feeder AFCI circuit breakers that, in addition to
providing overcurrent protection, are intended to protect branch
and feeder wiring from the damaging effects of line-to-ground
arcs and high energy parallel arcs. High energy parallel arcs are
line-to-neutral arcs greater than or equal to 75 A.
More recently, combination AFCI (CAFCI) circuit breakers

have been developed. CAFCI circuit breakers, in addition
to providing overcurrent protection, are intended to protect
downstream wiring from three categories of arc faults: line-to-
ground arcs, high energy parallel arcs, and series arcs greater
than or equal to 5 A. Series arcs are arcs on a single conductor.
40
Parallel Arc > 75 A
Line-to-Ground Arc (Line-to-Neutral) Series Arc > 5 A
Load Load Load
Neutral Neutral Neutral
Requirements for arc fault circuit interrupter protection are

covered in NEC Article 210.12. Over the years, the wording of
this article has evolved. Refer to the appropriate version of the
code for your location to determine requirements for AFCIs and
CAFCIs.
Siemens type QAF AFCI circuit breakers have a 10 kA

interrupting rating and type QAFH AFCI circuit breakers have
a 22 kA interrupting rating. Both breaker types are available in
1pole and 2-pole versions.
Siemens AFCI circuit breakers have a white pigtail wire that

attaches to the neutral bus. 2-pole CAFCI circuit breakers have
two Test buttons and all other Siemens AFCI circuit breakers
have one Test button. Test buttons are used to check the device
operation after it has been installed.
As shown below, Siemens CAFCI circuit breakers are equipped

with LED trip indicators which help electricians and home
owners identify the cause of a tripped breaker.
1-Pole CAFCI Circuit Breaker

Last Known LED 1 TYPE
QAFH
40 C
ARC
LED Indicators Trip Condition FAULT

GND
1 2 LED 2 HACR
SWD
Circuit Breaker
Combination Ty
AFC
15
OFF OFF Overcurrent AFCI O
Interrupting Rating
ON OFF Arc Fault

22kA 120V
Max. RMS Sym.
50/60 Hz
Arc Fault to Test TEST

10707150001
ON ON Ground Button
2-Pole CAFCI Circuit Breaker

LE D Indicators Last K now n T rip
1 2 3 C ondition LED 1 AFCI
OFF OFF OFF O vercurrent

ARC
FAULT TEST
Test
ON OFF OFF A rc F ault (Leg A ) LED 2 GND
ARC
FAULT
TEST
Buttons
OFF OFF ON A rc F ault (Leg B ) LED 3 HACR SWD LISTED
ON ON ON A rc F ault to G round
41
Siemens 2-pole, common-trip CAFCI circuit breakers are
available for use on 120-volt, single-phase, 15-ampere and
20-ampere branch circuits. These circuit breakers can reduce
wiring costs and installation time by allowing a 2-pole CAFCI
circuit breaker to be used in place of two 1-pole CAFCI circuit
breakers. When using 1-pole CAFCIs, a dedicated neutral is
required for each circuit. Siemens 2-pole CAFCI circuit breaker
allows electricians to share neutrals between the two circuits
fed by the breaker.
Point-of-Entry Surge Siemens offers a variety of devices intended to minimize

Protection damage from electrical surges. One of these devices, Siemens
Circuit Breaker and SPD (surge protection device), provides
point-of-entry surge protection and also incorporates two
1pole circuit breakers.
Siemens Circuit Breaker and SPD replaces two full-size, 1-

pole, 15 amp or 20 amp circuit breakers and provides surge
protection for all branch circuits.
Circ
SPD uit Break
er an
d
Circ
uit Break
er a
nd S
PD
Circuit Breaker and SPD
42
Panelboard Circuit Breakers
The majority of Siemens thermal-magnetic circuit breakers

intended for commercial and industrial applications are
classified in the SPEEDFAX catalog as general purpose
breakers. Some of these breakers are used in panelboards;
however, Siemens type BL, BLH, HBL, BQD, and BQD6 circuit
breakers are intended exclusively for panelboard use. These are
thermal-magnetic circuit breakers with features similar to those
of the residential circuit breakers discussed previously. Whereas
many of the residential breakers plug into their enclosures,
the panelboard breakers listed in this section bolt on to a
panelboards power bus.
Bus Bars
43
BL, BLH, and HBL Circuit Type BL, BLH, and HBL circuit breakers are available in 1-pole,
Breakers 2-pole, or 3-pole versions. Also included in this category are
circuit breakers that incorporate the following capabilities:
ground fault circuit interruption (types BLF and BLHF), ground
fault equipment protection (types BLE and BLEH), arc-fault
circuit interruption (types BAF and BAFH), or switching neutrals
(type BG).
Additionally, versions of the BL breaker are available which can

accommodate the high inrush current associated with high-
intensity discharge (HID) or tungsten lighting and a molded
case switch for use where overcurrent protection is provided
separately.
1-Pole BL Circuit Breaker 2-Pole BL Circuit Breaker
BQD Circuit Breakers Type BQD and BQD6 circuit breakers are 100 amp frame
breakers available in 1-pole, 2-pole, and 3-pole versions. BQD6
breakers are CSA certified.
BQD
Type
ON
OFF 30
3-Pole BQD Circuit Breaker

44
BL BLH HBL BQD BQD6
Poles 1, 2, 3 1, 2, 3 1, 2, 3 1, 2, 3 1, 2, 3
1-Pole 10-70 15-70 15-70 15-100 15-100
Amperes, Continous
2-Pole 10-125 15-125 15-125 15-100 15-100
3-Pole 10-100 15-100 15-100 15-100 15-100
1-Pole 120 120 120 277 347
Volts (50/60 Hertz) 2-Pole 120/240 120/240 120/240
480/277 600/347
3-Pole 240 240 240
AC
120 V 10,000 22,000 65,000 65,000 65,000
240 V 10,000 22,000 65,000 65,000 65,000
UL Interrupting Rating - 277 V - - - 14,000 -
Symetrical RMS Amperes 347 V - - - - -
480/277 V - - - 14,000 -
600/347 V - - - - 10,000
Volts 2-Pole - - - 125/250 125250
DC
Interrupting Rating - DC Amperes - - - 14,000 14,000
2-Pole BL rated for 240 VAC available for 15-100 A only
2-pole and 3-pole BQD and BQD6 Unsuitable for 3-phase delta 480 V applications
BQD6 CSA certified 10,000 AIC @ 600Y/347 VAC, 15-70 A only
Review 4
1. Residential circuit breakers typically have current ratings
of 225 amps or less and voltage ratings of ________
volts, ________ volts, or ________ volts.
2. All type QP circuit breakers have a ________ kA

interrupting rating; however, Siemens also offers type
QPH circuit breakers with a ________ kA interrupting
rating and type HQP circuit breakers with a ________ kA
interrupting rating.
3. Type QT circuit breakers have a width of ________ per

pole.
4. ________ circuit breakers, in addition to providing

overcurrent protection, are intended to protect
downstream wiring from three categories of arc faults.
5. Siemens type BL, BLH, HBL, BQD, and BQD6 circuit

breakers are intended exclusively for ________ use.
45
General Purpose Thermal-Magnetic Circuit
Breakers
For the purpose of this course, Siemens thermal-magnetic

circuit breaker types BQ, CQD, NGG/NGB, EG/EB, ED, FD, JD,
LD, LMD, MD, ND, PD, RD, and variants of these types are
classified as general purpose circuit breakers. As such, they
are used in commercial and industrial applications in a variety
of enclosure types.
BQ Circuit Breakers Type BQ, BQH, and HBQ plug-in circuit breakers are
available with 1, 2, or 3 poles. These circuit breakers are
supplied with load-side lugs, but may be ordered with line-side
lugs. Additional versions are available for DIN rail mounting.
2-Pole BQ Circuit Breaker
BQ BQH HBQ
Poles 1, 2, 3 1, 2, 3 1, 2, 3
1-Pole 15-70 15-70 15-70
Amperes, Continous 2-Pole 15-125 15-100 10-125
3-Pole 10-100 15-100 10-100
AC 1-Pole 120 120 120
Volts (50/60 Hertz) 2-Pole 120/240 120/240 120/240
3-Pole 240 240 240
UL Interrupting Rating - 120 V 10,000 22,000 65,000
Symetrical RMS Amperes 240 V 10,000 22,000 65,000
2-Pole BQ rated for 240 VAC available for 15-100 A only
46
CQD Circuit Breaker Type CQD circuit breakers are 100 amp frame breakers similar
to BQD circuit breakers, but equipped for DIN rail mounting.
Type CQD6 breakers are CSA certified rather than UL listed.
DIN Rail
3-Pole CQD Circuit Breaker
CQD CQD6
Poles 1, 2, 3 1, 2, 3
1-Pole 15-100 15-70
Amperes, Continous 2-Pole 15-100 15-70
3-Pole 15-100 15-60
1-Pole 277 347
AC Volts (50/60 Hertz) 2-Pole
480/277 600/347
3-Pole
120 V 65,000 65,000
UL Interrupting Rating - 240 V 65,000 65,000
Symetrical RMS Amperes 480/277 V 14,000 14,000
600/347 V - 10,000
Volts 2-Pole 125/250 125/250
DC
Interrupting Rating - DC Amperes 14,000 14,000
47
NGG and NGB Circuit Type NGG and NGB circuit breakers are 125 amp frame
Breakers breakers that are smaller in size than comparable type ED
breakers. NGG breakers come equipped for DIN rail mounting,
but alternative mounting hardware is also available.
NGG
ON
I
125 o
DIN Rail
NGG Circuit Breaker

NGB circuit breakers are intended for use as main circuit
breakers in Siemens P1 and P2 panelboards and as branch
circuit breakers in Siemens P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 panelboards.
They are also used in the distribution section of Siemens
switchboards replacing ED2 and ED4 circuit breakers.
Interrupting ratings for NGG and NGB circuit breakers depend
upon the applied voltage, but, most notably, these breakers
have a 65 kA interrupting rating at 240 VAC. Additionally,
although NGB breakers carry a 25 kA interrupting rating at
480/277 VAC, they will be applied in Siemens panelboards and
switchboards as 22 kA rated for 1 pole and 18 kA rated for 2
and 3 poles. Refer to the SPEEDFAX for IEC interrupting ratings.
NGG NGB
Poles 1, 2, 3 1, 2, 3
1-Pole 15-125 15-125
Amperes, Continous 2-Pole 15-125 15-125
3-Pole 15-125 15-125
1-Pole 347 347
AC Volts (50/60 Hertz) 2-Pole
600/347 600/347
3-Pole
120 V 65,000 65,000
UL Interrupting Rating - 240 V 65,000 65,000
Symetrical RMS Amperes 480/277 V 25,000 25,000
600/347 V 14,000 14,000
Volts 2-Pole 125/250 125/250
DC
Interrupting Rating - DC Amperes 14,000 14,000
48
EG and EB Circuit Breakers Type EG and EB circuit breakers are also 125 amp frame
breakers that are smaller in size than comparable type ED circuit
breakers. These breakers carry an N or H prefix depending
upon their interrupting rating (N is normal, H is high). EG circuit
breakers can be mounted on a DIN rail with an adapter base or
held in place by mounting screws.
Type/Tipo NE
Frame-EG G
100 Amp
O
N l
O O
F
F
100
NEG Circuit Breaker
EB circuit breakers are intended for use as branch circuit

breakers in Siemens P3, P4, and P5 panelboards and the
distribution section of Siemens switchboards.
NEG NEB HEG HEB

Poles 1, 2, 3, 4 1, 2, 3 1, 2, 3, 4 1, 2, 3
1-Pole 15-125 15-125 15-125 15-125
2-Pole 15-125 15-125 15-125 15-125
Amperes, Continous
3-Pole 15-125 15-125 15-125 15-125
4-Pole 15-125 - 15-125 -
1-Pole 347 347 347 347
AC
2-Pole
Volts (50/60 Hertz)
3-Pole 600/347 600/347 600/347 600/347
4-Pole
240 V 85,000 85,000 100,000 100,000
UL Interrupting Rating -
480V 35,000 35,000 65,000 65,000
Symetrical RMS Amperes
600/347 V 22,000 22,000 25,000 25,000
Volts 2-Pole 125/250 125/250 125/250 125/250
DC
Interrupting Rating - DC Amperes 35,000 35,000 42,000 42,000
Refer to the Speedfax for IEC interrupting ratings.
The EG family also includes type HEM motor circuit protectors

and type HES molded case switches. HEM motor circuit
protectors have continuous current ratings from 3 to 100 amps.
HES molded case switches are available in 3-pole or 4-pole
versions with continuous current ratings of 100 or 125 amps for
3-pole switches and 125 amps for 4-pole switches.
49
ED, FD, JD, LD, LMD, MD, ND, Type ED, FD, JD, LD, LMD, MD, ND, PD, and RD thermal-
PD, and RD Circuit Breakers magnetic circuit breakers provide a range of frame sizes from
125 amp frame ED circuit breakers to 2000 amp frame RD
circuit breakers.
Types ED through LD have variations designated by an H or

HH prefix to indicate a higher interrupting rating. Types LMD
through RD include the H variation, but not HH. All types,
except RD, include a variation with a C prefix to indicate a
fuseless current limiting breaker. These designations coincide
with label colors. Standard ED, FD, JD, LD, and LMD circuit
breakers have a blue label, breakers with H and HH prefixes
have a black label, and breakers with a C prefix have a red label.
FD, JD, LD, LMD, MD, ND, PD, and RD circuit breakers,
including breakers with H or HH prefixes, are designated as a
complete breaker unassembled with lugs indicating that they
include a frame, interchangeable trip unit, and line-side and
load-side lugs in separate packages. For applications requiring
non-standard lugs, separate lugs must be ordered.
Where the type designation includes an X or has a C prefix, the

breakers are designated as a complete breaker assembled
without lugs indicating that the breaker has been assembled
with a non-interchangeable trip unit and lugs must be ordered
separately.
All circuit breakers with the X designation, like the JXD2 and
JXD6 breakers, are UL listed for reverse feed applications. This
means that power can be applied to the load side of the circuit
breaker.
Selected circuit breakers are available as an instantaneous

magnetic trip circuit breaker (ETI motor circuit protector) for use
in motor circuits where motor overload protection is provided
separately. Additionally, a few types are available as a molded
case switch (circuit disconnect).
50
The following charts provide a partial set of ratings for circuit
breaker types ED through RD. For additional ratings, including
IEC interrupting ratings, refer to the SPEEDFAX.
ED, FD, JD, LD, and LMD Circuit Breaker Ratings

1 2 3
Circuit Breaker Type ED2 ED4 ED6 HED4 HHED6 CED6
Poles 1, 2, 3 1, 2, 3 1, 2, 3 1, 2, 3 2, 3 2, 3
Amperes, Continous 15-100 15-125 15-125 15-125 15-125 15-125
1-Pole 120 277 347 277 - -
Volts (50/60 Hertz)
2, 3-Pole 240 480 600 480 600 600
120 V 10,000 - - 100,000 - -
AC 240 V 10,000 65,000 65,000 100,000 100,000 200,000
UL Interrupting Rating - Symetrical 277 V - 22,000 - 65,000 - -
RMS Amperes 347 V - - 30,000 - - -
480 V - 18,000 25,000 42,000 65,000 200,000
600 V - - 18,000 - 18,000 100,000
2-Pole, 250 VDC Interrupting Rating 5,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 - 30,000
DC
3-Pole, 500 VDC Interrupting Rating - - 18,000 - - 50,000
FD6A, HFD6, HHFD6,
Circuit Breaker Type FXD6A HFXD6 HHFXD6 CFD6
Poles 2, 3 2, 3 2, 3 2, 3
Amperes, Continous 70-250 70-250 70-250 70-250
Volts (50/60 Hertz) 2, 3-Pole 600 600 600 600
AC 240 V 65,000 100,000 200,000 200,000
UL Interrupting Rating - Symetrical
480 V 35,000 65,000 100,000 200,000
RMS Amperes
600 V 22,000 25,000 25,000 100,000
2-Pole, 250 VDC Interrupting Rating 30,000 30,000 - 30,000
DC
3-Pole, 500 VDC Interrupting Rating 18,000 25,000 - 50,000
JD6-A, HJD6-A, HHJD6-A,
Circuit Breaker Type JXD2-A JXD6-A HJXD6-A HHJXD6-A CJD6
Poles 2, 3 2, 3 2, 3 2, 3 2, 3
Amperes, Continous 200-400 200-400 200-400 200-400 200-400
Volts (50/60 Hertz) 2, 3-Pole 240 600 600 600 600
AC 240 V 65,000 65,000 100,000 200,000 200,000
480 V - 35,000 65,000 100,000 150,000
RMS Amperes
600 V - 25,000 35,000 50,000 100,000
2-Pole, 250 VDC Interrupting Rating 30,000 30,000 30,000 - 30,000
DC
3-Pole, 500 VDC Interrupting Rating - 25,000 35,000 - 50,000
HLD6, HHLD6, LMD6, HLMD6,
Circuit Breaker Type LD6, LXD6 HLXD6 HHLXD6 CLD6 LMXD6 HLMXD6
Poles 2, 3 2, 3 2, 3 2, 3 2, 3 2, 3
Volts (50/60 Hertz) 2, 3-Pole 600 600 600 600 600 600
AC 240 V 65,000 100,000 200,000 200,000 65,000 100,000
480 V 35,000 65,000 100,000 150,000 50,000 65,000
RMS Amperes
600 V 25,000 35,000 50,000 100,000 25,000 50,000
2-Pole, 250 VDC Interrupting Rating 30,000 30,000 - 30,000 30,000 30,000
DC
3-Pole, 500 VDC Interrupting Rating 35,000 - - 50,000 25,000 50,000
1. ED4 277 V interrupting rating applies to 1-pole breakers.
2. 1-pole ED6 (15-30 A) 30 kA, (35-100 A) 18 kA. CSA Only.
3. HED4 interrupting ratings 35-100 A: 25 kA at 277 VAC, 15-30 A: 65 kA at 277 VAC, 1-pole HED4 15-30A: 65 kA at 240 VAC, 35-100 A: 25 kA at 240 VAC
51
MD, ND, PD, and RD Circuit Breaker Ratings
Circuit Breaker Type MD6, MXD6 HMD6, HMXD6 CMD6

Poles 2, 3 2, 3 2, 3
Amperes, Continous 500-800 500-800 500-800
Volts (50/60 Hertz) 2, 3-Pole 600 600 600
AC 240 V 65,000 100,000 200,000
480 V 50,000 65,000 100,000
RMS Amperes
600 V 25,000 50,000 65,000
2-Pole, 250 VDC Interrupting Rating 30,000 30,000 -
DC
3-Pole, 500 VDC Interrupting Rating 25,000 50,000 50,000
Circuit Breaker Type ND6, NXD6 HND6, HNXD6 CND6

Poles 2, 3 2, 3 2, 3
Volts (50/60 Hertz) 2, 3-Pole 600 600 600
AC 240 V 65,000 100,000 200,000
480 V 50,000 65,000 100,000
RMS Amperes
600 V 25,000 50,000 65,000
2-Pole, 250 VDC Interrupting Rating 30,000 30,000 -
DC
Circuit Breaker Type PD6, PXD6 HPD6, HPXD6 CPD6

Poles 2, 3 2, 3 2, 3
Volts (50/60 Hertz) 2, 3-Pole 600 600 600
AC 240 V 65,000 100,000 200,000
480 V 50,000 65,000 100,000
RMS Amperes
600 V 25,000 50,000 65,000
DC
Circuit Breaker Type RD6, RXD6 HRD6, HRXD6

Poles 3 3
Amperes, Continous 1600-2000 1600-2000
Volts (50/60 Hertz) 2, 3-Pole 600 600
AC 240 V 65,000 100,000
480 V 50,000 65,000
RMS Amperes
600 V 25,000 50,000
2-Pole, 250 VDC Interrupting Rating 30,000 30,000
DC
3-Pole, 500 VDC Interrupting Rating 25,000 50,000
52
Solid-State Trip Unit Circuit Breakers
SJD, SLD, SMD, SND, and Type SJD, SLD, SMD, SND, and SPD circuit breakers are
SPD Circuit Breakers similar to type JD, LD, MD, ND, and PD circuit breakers, but
are equipped with a solid-state trip unit. Solid-state trip units
make it possible to precisely match overcurrent protection to
application requirements.
Danger
In addition to standard circuit breaker types SJD6, SLD6,

SMD6, SND6, and SPD6, which carry a blue label, this family
includes high interrupting rating types SHJD6, SHLD6, SHMD6,
and SHPD6, which have a black label, and current limiting types
SCJD6, SCLD6, SCMD6, and SCND6, which have a red label.
SMD6-H, SHMD6, SCMD6-H, SND6-H, SHND6, and SCND6-H

100% rated breakers are also available.
53
The following chart provides a partial set of ratings for circuit
breaker types SJD6 through SPD6. For additional ratings,
including IEC interrupting ratings, refer to the SPEEDFAX.
Circuit Breaker Type SJD6 SHJD6 SCJD6 SLD6 SHLD6 SCLD6

Poles 3 3 3 3 3 3
Volts (50/60 Hertz) 600 600 600 600 600 600
AC 240 V 65,000 100,000 200,000 65,000 100,000 200,000
480 V 35,000 65,000 150,000 35,000 65,000 150,000
600 V 25,000 35,000 100,000 25,000 35,000 100,000
Circuit Breaker Type SMD6 SHMD6 SCMD6 SND6 SHND6 SCND6
Poles 3 3 3 3 3 3
Volts (50/60 Hertz) 600 600 600 600 600 600
AC 240 V 65,000 100,000 200,000 65,000 100,000 200,000
480 V 50,000 65,000 100,000 50,000 65,000 100,000
600 V 25,000 50,000 65,000 25,000 50,000 65,000
Circuit Breaker Type SPD6 SHPD6
Poles 3 3
Amperes, Continous 1400-1600 1400-1600
Volts (50/60 Hertz) 600 600
AC 240 V 65,000 100,000
480 V 50,000 65,000
600 V 25,000 50,000
True RMS Sensing Some solid-state circuit breakers sense the peak values of
the current sine wave. This method accurately measures the
heating effect of the current when the current sine waves are
perfectly sinusoidal. Frequently, however, the sine waves are
harmonically distorted by non-linear loads. When this happens,
peak current measurement does not adequately evaluate the
true heating effect of the current.
Peak Current Peak Current
Undistorted Sine Wave Distorted Sine Wave
54
Siemens solid-state trip unit circuit breakers incorporate
true root-mean-square (RMS) sensing to accurately sense
the effective value of circuit current. True RMS sensing is
accomplished by taking multiple, instantaneous samples of
the actual current wave shape for a more accurate picture of its
true heating value.
Instantaneous
Samples
The microcomputer in Siemens solid-state trip unit breakers

samples the AC current waveform many times a second,
converting each value into a digital representation. The
microcomputer then uses the samples to calculate the true
RMS value of the load current. This capability allows these
circuit breakers to perform faster, more efficiently and with
repeatable accuracy.
Being able to monitor true RMS current precisely is becoming

more important in todays electrical distribution systems
because of the increasing number of power electronic devices
being used that can distort the current waveform.
55
Adjustable Trip Curves One of the key features of solid-state trip unit circuit breakers is
the ability to make selective adjustments to the circuit breakers
time-current curve. The time-current curve shown here is for a
circuit breaker in the SJD6-SLD6 family.
10,000
1,000
100
10
1
10,000 10,000
1,000 1,000
6 x Ir
100 100
Long Time
Delay
Time in Seconds
10 10
Time in Seconds
1 1
Short Time
Pickup
Max
Instant
Setting
.2
.1
.1 .1
Short Time
.05 Delay
.01 .01
Instantaneous Pickup
.001 .001
1,000
100
10
10,000
1
Multiples of Circuit Breaker Continuous Current Rating (In)
56
Solid-State Circuit Breaker The type of trip unit included in an SJD6, SLD6, SMD6, SND6,
Adjustments or SPD6 circuit breaker determines the specific time-current
curve adjustments available. Breakers in this family may be
ordered with any of four trip unit types. Refer to the SPEEDFAX
for a listing of the adjustments available with each trip unit type.
The following illustration and associated table describes the
adjustments available.
Continuous Amps Instantaneous Short Time Ground Fault

Ir = % In 80 90 100 Pickup 8 10 Pickup .1s Pickup 70 20 30 .2s
65 4 7 55
20 x Ir x Ir 1.5 10 Ig=%In
50 6 15 40 40
10 1.5
40 30 4 .2s 30 55
4 7 .1s
40 20 .05s 7 25 70
30 4
20 50 2 10 20 20
Long 30 1.5 I2t
100 90 80 65 10 7 4 1.5 70 30
Max Delay 55 40
[ ]
Time 40
Delay .2s @
Delay @ 6 x Ir I2t 6 x I @.5 In .4s
Secs r
Circuit Breaker Trip Curve Adjustments

I n =N om inal R ating of C ircuit B re a k er
F unction D escription
V aries the level of continuous current the circuit bre a k er w ill carry
C ontinuous A m pere (I r ) w ithout tripping. A djustable from 20 to 100% of bre a k er's continuous
am pere rating. (I r = % of I n ). A lso called long-tim e pick up.
R eferred to as the "overload" position, this function controls the

breaker's "pause-in-tripping" tim e to allow low level or tem porary
Long-T im e D elay
overload currents. A djustable settings from 3 or 25 seconds at 6 x I r
are possible.
D eterm ines the level at w hich the circuit breaker trips w ithout an
intentional tim e delay. T he instantaneous pick up function is
adjustable from 2 to 40 tim es the continuous am pere setting (I r ) of
Instantaneous P ick up
the bre a k er. (A nytim e an overlap exists betw een the instantaneous
and short-tim e pick up settings the instantaneous autom atically tak es
precedence).
C ontrols the am ount of high current the bre a k er w ill rem ain closed
against for short periods of tim e, allow ing better coordination.
S hort-T im e P ick up
A djustable betw een 1.5 to 10 tim es the continuous am pere setting of
the circuit breaker (i.e., adjustable from 1.5 to 10 tim es I r ).
C ontrols the am ount of tim e (from 0.05 to 0.2 seconds in fixed tim e,
2
or 0.2 seconds at 6 x I r in the I t ram p m ode) a bre a k er w ill rem ain
closed against currents in the pick up range. T his function is used in
S hort-T im e D elay
concert w ith the S hort-T im e P ick up function to achieve selectivity and
coordination. (A pre-determ ined override autom atically preem pts the
setting at 10.5 tim es the m axim um continuous am pere setting I n ).
C ontrols level of ground fault current w hich w ill cause circuit

G round F ault P ick up interruption to occur. A djustable from 20 to 70% of the bre a k er's
m axim um continuous am pere setting (I n ).
A dds a predeterm ined tim e delay to the trip point once ground fault
2
pick up level is reached. Inverse I t ram p is standard w hich provides
G round F ault D elay
better tripping selectivity betw een the m ain and feeder or other
dow nstream bre a k ers.
57
Review 5
1. Type NGG and NGB circuit breakers are ________ amp
frame breakers that are ________ in size than type ED
breakers.
2. Which of the following circuit breaker types have a 250

amp frame: CQD, NGG, NGB, NEG, NEB, ED, and FD?
3. Which of the following circuit breaker types has the

highest interrupting ratings: NEG, NEB, or HEG?
4. Which of the following circuit breaker types has the

largest frame size: ED, FD, JD, LD, or LMD?
5. Which of the following circuit breaker types are fuseless

current limiting breakers: FD6A, FXD6A, HFD6, HFXD6,
HHFD6, HHFXD6, and CFD6?
6. Which of the following circuit breaker types have a

solid-state trip unit: LD6, LMD6, SLD6, and SHLD6?
58
Internal Accessories
An accessory adds to the performance of a circuit breaker or

adapts the circuit breaker for specific application requirements.
This section provides examples of accessories that incorporate
internal components for some of the circuit breakers discussed
earlier in this course. Four common internal accessories are
shunt trip, undervoltage trip, auxiliary switches, and bell alarm.
ED Frame Accessories Mounting of internal accessories is handled differently for ED

frame circuit breakers than for the other Siemens thermal-
magnetic circuit breakers. ED frame circuit breaker internal
accessories are mounted on the side of the circuit breaker as
shown in the following illustration.
Accessory
Before Assembly After Assembly
FD, JD, LD, LMD, MD, ND, To mount internal accessories in FD, JD, LD, and LMD frame
PD, and RD Frame Internal circuit breakers, remove the cover and install the accessories as
Accessories shown in the following illustration.
Accessory Mounted
in Circuit Breaker
Accessory
59
Shunt Trip Because circuit breakers are often located far from operating
equipment, it is sometimes necessary to trip a breaker remotely
so that equipment can be de-energized rapidly. For this reason,
a circuit breaker shunt trip device is sometimes wired to a
pushbutton located on or near the equipment.
The shunt trip device consists of a coil in series with a limit

switch. When the circuit breaker main contacts are closed, the
limit switch is closed. Pressing a customer-supplied pushbutton
energizes the shunt trip coil, which causes the breakers
mechanical latch to disengage the trip mechanism and open the
circuit breakers contacts. When the circuit breakers contacts
open, the limit switch also opens, removing power from the
shunt trip coil. When it is necessary to re-apply power, the
breaker must be manually reset.
Common voltages for the shunt trip coil are 24 VDC, 48 VDC,
125 VDC, 120 VAC, 240 VAC, and 480 VAC.
Limit Switch Coil

Pushbutton
Customer Supply
Undervoltage Trip The undervoltage trip device is designed to automatically trip

the circuit breaker when the supply voltage drops to a low value
(35% to 70% of nominal line voltage). The device also prevents
the circuit breaker from being reclosed until the supply voltage
returns to at least 85% of its normal level.
Common voltages for the undervoltage trip coil are 24 VDC, 48

VDC, 125 VDC, 120 VAC, 240 VAC, and 480 VAC.
Coil
Customer Supply
60
Auxiliary Switch An auxiliary switch is an accessory that can be wired to a
circuit that indicates the position of the circuit breaker main
contacts. For example, in the circuits shown below, contact A
is closed and the indicator light is on when the circuit breaker is
on. At the same time, contact B is open. If the circuit breaker is
tripped or turned off, the states of the auxiliary switch contacts
change and the light goes out.
Circuit Breaker ON Circuit Breaker OFF

A B A B
A C B A C B
Customer Customer
Power Supply Power Supply
Bell Alarm Switch The bell alarm switch differs from the auxiliary switch in that
it only functions when the circuit breaker trips. Opening and
closing the circuit breaker by means of the operating handle
does not affect the position of the bell alarm switch contacts.
The A contact closes and the B contact opens when the
circuit breaker trips. A horn or indicator light can be used to
indicate that the circuit breaker has tripped.
Circuit Breaker TRIPPED Circuit Breaker RESET

A B A B
A C B A C B
Customer Customer
Power Supply Power Supply
61
External Accessories
External accessories make circuit breakers suitable for specific

applications. A variety of external accessories are available. This
section describes examples of external accessories available for
some of the types of circuit breakers previously discussed in
this course.
Rear Connecting Studs Rear connecting studs are used for switchboard mounting of
circuit breakers. Rear connecting studs are available in various
lengths of either bus or cable connections.
Rear
Connecting Circuit Breaker
Studs
Mechanical Interlock The mechanical interlock is a rocker arm assembly that

attaches to two adjacent circuit breakers of the same frame
configuration. Both circuit breakers can be open at the same
time, but the assembly allows only one breaker to be closed at
any time.
62
Max-Flex Handle Operator Max-Flex flange-mount handle operator is a flexible cable
control device used for remote switching of a circuit breaker
within an enclosure.
The flexible cable is connected directly to the breaker switch

handle at one end and a factory installed handle operator at the
other end. The remote handle operator located on the enclosure
is used to perform mechanical open/close switching operations.
The cable comes in standard 3 or 4 foot lengths, however,

lengths up to 20 feet can be ordered. When using a standard
circuit breaker handle extension, it is necessary to align the
breaker exactly with the extension. With the Max-Flex handle
operator, this exact alignment is not necessary.
63
Electric Motor Operator The Telemand electric motor operator is designed to open,
close, and reset a circuit breaker by remote control. It is
mounted on the face of the circuit breaker so that it can
engage the breakers operating handle. The built-in motor is
connected to remote pushbuttons or contacts. Pressing the
ON pushbutton or closing the ON contacts causes the
electric motor to move the circuit breaker to the ON position.
Pressing the OFF pushbutton or closing the OFF contacts
causes the electric motor to move the circuit breaker to the
OFF position. To reset the circuit breaker from the tripped
position, the electric motor must first move the circuit breaker
handle to the OFF position and then to the ON position, just
as it it performed manually.
Terminal Connectors Various terminal connectors are available to permit easy front
connection of either copper or aluminum insulated conductors
to the terminal of a circuit breaker or molded case switch.
For low amperage and low vibration applications, mechanical

lugs are suitable. For high amperage or high vibration
applications, compression lugs may be needed to provided
secure, low resistance connections.
64
Terminal connectors are designed and tested to accommodate
the conductors or requirements outlined within the related UL
and NEC standards.
Mechanical Lug Connection Compression Lug Connection
Compression Lug Connector

is Crimped onto Cable
Cable Stripped for

Mechanical Lug Connection
Plug-In Assemblies Plug-in mounting assemblies provide a means for a quick

change out of circuit breakers and molded case switches
without disturbing the power connections.
65
Handle Blocking Device A handle blocking device is a non-lockable device that may
be added to a circuit breaker to secure the handle in either the
ON or OFF position. The device slides into slots provided
on the circuit breaker. This device prevents accidental operation
of the handle. Because Siemens breakers have a trip-free
design, the device will not prevent the circuit breaker from
tripping when blocked in the ON position. The following
illustration shows the handle blocked in the ON position.
200
Handle Padlocking Device The handle padlocking device is used to padlock the circuit
breaker in the ON or OFF position. The device mounts over
the handle and a customer supplied padlock is used to lock the
handle. The breaker will still trip if locked in the ON position.
Handle Padlocking User-supplied

Device Padlock
66
Ground Fault Sensor An external ground fault sensor is available for ED frame
circuit breakers. The relay functions to de-energize a circuit
within an established period of time when the current to
ground exceeds a predetermined value. This is done by sensing
the difference between two or more load conductors passing
through the sensor. Field addable ground fault sensing relay
kits are available for either a 5 mA 1 mA or 30 mA 6mA
ground fault threshold. Both the 5 mA and 30 mA kits are for
equipment protection only and are not to be used for personnel
protection.
Review 6
1. A ________ option is used when it is necessary to trip a
breaker from a remote location, but cannot be used to
reset the breaker.
2. An ________ device is used to automatically trip a circuit

breaker when the supply voltage drops.
3. The advantage of the Max-Flex flange-mount handle

operator versus a handle extender is that ________ isnt
necessary with the Max-Flex handle operator.
4. A ________ is used to prevent two adjacent circuit

breakers from being closed at the same time.
5. ________ mounting assemblies provide a means for a

quick change out of circuit breakers without disturbing
the power connections.
67
VL Circuit Breakers
Siemens VL family of circuit breakers incorporates a

compact, modular design that allows these breakers to be
configured to match a wide range of application specifications.
Additionally, VL circuit breakers have been engineered to meet
global requirements and carry the following markings.
Marking Relevant Standard

UL UL 489
CSA CSA-C22.2
NOM NMX-J-266-ANCE-2002
CE EN 60947-2
!
!
Type/Typo
Frame MG
NNG
ON
I
!
Type/Typo
Frame MG
NNG
Frame MG Type/Typo
NMG
ON
I
ON
I
OFF
O
Type/Tipo
NLG
Frame - LG
OFF
800A O
ON
OFF I
O
Type/Tipo NJG
Frame JG
ON I
OFF
600A O
Type/Tipo NDG
Frame DG
Type/Tipo NFG
Frame FG
OFF O
ON I
400A
ON I
OFF
O
150A
OFF
O
250A
ESC
The VL family includes frame sizes from 150 to 1600 amps. The
following three interrupting rating classes are available for each
circuit breaker frame.
N - Normal
H - High
L - Very High
One of the many aspects of the VL circuit breaker family is the

flexibility of each VL circuit breaker frame to accommodate any
of the following three available trip units.
Model 525 Thermal-Magnetic Trip Unit

Model 545 Electronic Trip Unit
Model 576 Electronic Trip Unit with LCD Display
68
The VL family also includes molded case switches, motor
circuit protectors, and other complete breakers with non-
interchangeable trip units.
Internal accessories for VL circuit breakers are field-installable

and are conveniently located in pockets behind the front
accessory cover. To simplify the selection of accessories, just
two groups of internal accessories cover the entire VL family.
Additional external accessories are also available to
accommodate a wide variety of application requirements for
connecting, mounting, and operating VL circuit breakers.
Communication modules are available for connecting to

Modbus or Profibus systems.
The following illustration identifies the array of trip units,

options, and accessories for use with VL circuit breakers.
1. Base for Plug-in or Draw-out 12. Variable Depth Rotary Operator

2. Interphase Barriers 13. Max Flex Operator
3. Rear Terminals - Flat and Round 14. Circuit Breaker
4. Bus Extensions 15. Shunt Trip or Undervoltage Release
5. Terminal Connectors 16. Auxiliary/Alarm Switches
6. Plug-in Terminal Blades 17. Thermal-Magnetic Trip Unit (525)
7. Extended Terminal Shield 18. Electronic Trip Unit (545)
8. Standard Terminal shield 19. Electronic Trip Unit with LCD (576)
9. Cover Frame for Door Cutout 20. Communication Module with ZSI
10. Stored Energy Operator 21. Electronic Trip Unit Test Kit
11. Rotary Handle Operator
69
70
71
Model 525 Trip Units Three trip unit models, 525, 545, and 576, are available for each
VL circuit breaker type. Model 525 thermal-magnetic trip
units are available with multiple continuous current ratings.
For example, MG frame circuit breakers can be equipped with
a 600 A, 700 A, or 800 A Model 525 trip unit. The time-current
curve below is for an 800 A Model 525 trip unit. Note that while
the continuous current rating is set by the selection of the trip
unit, the instantaneous pickup setting (Ii), is adjustable.
In=800A
40o C
TM ~
6500
3250
Amps
Trip Unit/Disparador 525
10,000

Siemens MG Frame Circuit Breaker
Trip Unit 525
1,000
100
Ii (Min.) Ii (Max.)
Ii = Instantaneous Pickup
10
Ii
-20% +20%
t [s]
.1
.01
100
1,000
3,000
1.0
10
.1
x In
Model 545 Trip Units Model 545 electronic trip units allow the user to adjust
the circuit breakers time-current curve to provide optimal
protection and avoid nuisance tripping. Model 545 trip units are
available with multiple maximum continuous current ratings.
For example, MG frame circuit breakers can be equipped with a
600 A or 800 A Model 545 trip unit.
Which protective functions are provided by a Model 545 trip

unit is dependent upon the trip unit version. Model 545 trip
units may be ordered with LI, LSI, LIG, or LSIG functions.
72
The letter designations used to identify these functions are
based upon recognized international standards and can be
described as follows:
L = long time pickup and delay = overload protection

S = short time pickup and delay = short circuit protection (short-
time delayed)
I = instantaneous = short-circuit protection (instantaneous)
G = ground fault pickup and delay = ground fault protection
The characteristics of a time-current curve for a VL circuit

breaker with a Model 545 trip unit will depend upon the specific
2
trip unit selected and whether the I T function is turned on.
The time-current curve shown below identifies important time-
current characteristics for an 800 A Model 545 trip unit with LSI
2
protection and I T turned on.
10,000
Siemens MG Circuit Breaker
Trip Unit 545 with LSI Protection
(I2T Turned On)
Ir = Continuous Current
1,000
Tr = Long Time Delay

100
10
t [s]
Isd = Short Time Pickup

1
Ii = Instantaneous Current
Fixed @ 7.5 x In
.1
tsd = Short Time Delay
.01
100
1,000
3,000
1.0
10
.1
x In
73
Model 576 Trip Units Model 576 electronic trip units with LCD also allow the user
to adjust the circuit breakers time-current curve to provide
optimal protection and avoid nuisance tripping. The liquid crystal
display (LCD) provides a user-friendly, menu-driven method
for setting protection parameters and continuously shows the
current for each phase.
Model 576 trip units are available with multiple maximum

continuous current ratings. For example, MG frame circuit
breakers can be equipped with a 600 A or 800 A Model 576
trip unit. Model 576 trip units are equipped with LSI or LSIG
protective functions.
The characteristics of a time-current curve for a VL circuit

breaker with a Model 576 trip unit will depend upon the specific
2
trip unit selected and whether the I T function is turned on.
The time-current curve shown below identifies important time-
current characteristics for an 800 A Model 576 trip unit with LSI
2
protection and I T turned on.
The Model 576 is the only trip unit which permits

communication with the Modbus or Profibus communication
module.
10,000
Siemens MG Circuit Breaker
Trip Unit 576 with LSI Protection
(I2T Turned On)
Ir = Continuous Current
1,000
100
Tr = Long Time Delay
10
Isd = Short Time Pickup

t [s]
tsd = Short Time Delay
.1
Ii = Instantaneous Pickup
.01
100
1,000
3,000
1.0
10
.1
x In
74
Review 7
1. Siemens VL circuit breakers are engineered to meet
global requirements and carry the following markings:
________, ________, ________, and ________.
2. The following interrupting rating classes are available for

VL Breakers: ________, ________, and ________.
3. Which of the following trip units is a thermal-magnetic

trip unit: Model 525, Model 545, or Model 576?
4. Which of the following VL breaker frame sizes has a

continuous current (Ir) range from 120 to 1600 amperes:
MG, NG, or PG?
5. Which of the following letter designations is used to

indicate that a trip unit provide overload protection: L, S,
I, or G?
75
WL Circuit Breakers
Siemens WL family of circuit breakers has been designed to

address the increasingly demanding requirements of todays
electrical power distribution systems and incorporates the
following characteristics.
High reliability
Compact size
Ease of use
Modularity of design
Flexibility of system communications
Safety-oriented features
The circuit breakers discussed thus far in this course are

molded case circuit breakers that conform to the UL 489
specification. This specification also covers a category of
molded case circuit breaker commonly referred to as an
insulated case circuit breaker (ICCB). ICCBs are generally
used in switchboards and may be fixed-mounted or drawout-
mounted.
Another category of large circuit breakers is the low voltage

(LV) power circuit breaker. LV power circuit breakers are
generally drawout-mounted and may be used in switchboards
or switchgear. LV power circuit breakers intended for the U.S.
market conform to American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
standards (C37.13, C37.16, C37.17, and C37.50) and National
Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standard SG3. The
corresponding UL specification for LV power circuit breakers is
UL 1066.
Siemens WL family of circuit breakers includes both ICCBs

that conform to the UL 489 specification and LV power circuit
breakers that conform to UL 1066 and corresponding ANSI and
NEMA specifications.
76
Modularity of Design As previously mentioned, one of the important characteristics
of the WL family of circuit breakers is its modularity of design.
The following illustration identifies the array of trip units,
options, and accessories for use with WL circuit breakers.
2
7
3 6
5
4 8
9
1 19
21 25
10
11
22
18
23 12
24
20 13
17
15
16 14
1. Guide Frame (for drawout version) 14. Emergency-Stop Pushbutton, Key Operated
2. Vertical to Horizontal BUS Connector 15. Single Bolt Motor Operator Installation
3. Position Signaling Switch 16. Operating Cycles Counter
4. Breaker/Guide Frame Grounding Contact 17. Breaker Status Sensor (BSS)
5. Shutter (locking) 18. Electronic Trip Unit (ETU) Family
6. Modbus or Profibus Communications 19. Reset Solenoid
7. External CubicleBUS I/O Module 20. Breaker Data Adapter (BDA)
8. Plug-in Open and Closed Solenoids 21. Four-line LCD Module
9. Multiple Secondary Connections 22. Ground-fault Function Module
10. Auxiliary Switch Block 23. Rating Plug
11. Door Sealing Frame 24. Metering Function Module
12. Interlocking Set Base Plate 25. Circuit Breaker
13. Protective Cover for OPEN/CLOSE Buttons
77
WL UL 489 Circuit Breakers WL UL 489 circuit breakers have a rated maximum operating
voltage of 600 V and are available in three frame sizes with
frame ratings from 800 to 5000 A. All three frame sizes have
fixed-mounted and drawout-mounted versions.
Frame Size I Frame Size II Frame Size III
O I
O I
O I
F ram e S ize I
R ated N om inal C urrent 800 A 1200 A
R ating C lass S H L S H L
Interrupting C urrent (I cs ) at 240 V 65,000 85,000 100,000 65,000 85,000 100,000
F ram e S ize I
R ating C lass S H L S H L
F ram e S ize II
R ated N om inal C urrent 800 A 1200 A 1600 A
R ating C lass S L C S L C S L C
Interrupting C urrent (I cs ) at 240 V 65,000 100,000 150,000 65,000 100,000 150,000 65,000 100,000 150,000
F ram e S ize II
R ated N om inal C urrent 2000 A 2500 A 3000 A
R ating C lass S L C L C L C
Interrupting C urrent (I cs ) at 240 V 65,000 100,000 150,000 100,000 150,000 100,000 150,000
F ram e S ize III
R ating C lass L C L C
Interrupting C urrent (I cs ) at 240 V 100,000 150,000 100,000 150,000
N ote: Interrupting C urrent in S ym etrical R M S A m peres
78
WL UL 1066 Circuit Breakers WL UL 1066 circuit breakers are generally used in low voltage
(LV) switchgear as drawout-mounted breakers, have a rated
maximum operating voltage of 635 V, and are available in two
frame sizes with frame ratings from 800 to 5000 A.
One important LV power circuit breaker rating is its short-time

withstand current rating. This rating indicates the level of current
that a breaker can handle without damage for a designated
short time. This rating is important because an LV power circuit
breaker is often required to delay tripping for a short time when
a fault current is sensed so that a downstream breaker closer
to the fault has time to trip, thereby avoiding a larger system
outage.
Frame Size II Frame Size III
O I
O I
Frame Size II
Rated Nominal Current 800 A 1600 A
Rating Class N S H L F N S H L F
Interrupting Current (Ics) at 254 V 50,000 65,000 85,000 100,000 200,000 50,000 65,000 85,000 100,000 200,000
Short-time Withstand Current (I cw) for 0.5 sec. 50,000 65,000 65,000 85,000 20,000 50,000 65,000 65,000 85,000 20,000
Frame Size II
Rated Nominal Current 2000 A 3200 A
Rating Class S H L F S H L
Interrupting Current (Ics) at 254 V 65,000 85,000 100,000 200,000 65,000 85,000 100,000
Short-time Withstand Current (I cw) for 0.5 sec. 65,000 65,000 85,000 20,000 65,000 65,000 85,000
Frame Size III
Rated Nominal Current 3200 A 4000 A 5000 A
Rating Class M F H L M F H L M F
1 1 1 1 1
Short-time Withstand Current (I cw) for 0.5 sec. 100,000 40,000 85,000 100,000 100,000 40,000 85,000 100,000 100,000 40,000
1. Do not apply breaker at 635 V on a system with available fault current greater than 85KA RMS.
2. Interrupting Current and Short-time Withstand Current in Symetrical RMS Amperes
79
WL Circuit Breaker WL circuit breakers can be fused or unfused and delivered with
Operating Mechanisms any of these operating mechanisms:
Manual operating mechanism with mechanical closing

(standard)
Manual operating mechanism with mechanical and
electrically interlocked closing
Motorized operating mechanism with mechanical and
electrically interlocked closing.
Exterior Features WL circuit breakers have a number of standard and optional

features that enhance the safety and usability of the breaker,
reduce errors, and minimize training time. The following
illustration, shows some of the features that can be seen from
the front.
Locking Device Motor Disconnect Switch (option)
lock OPEN (option) or Electrical Closed (option)
UL
SA
Circuit Breaker
LISTED
integrated
OPEN/CLOSED CubicleBUS AUTO OFF
Indicator BREAKER TRIPPED
RESET
FUSE TRIPPED MOTOR
OPEN OK CHARGED Stored-energy Indicator

CONTACTS READY SPRING
Ready-to-close Indicator
OPEN Button or ETU745 CLOSE Button

OFF ON
EMERGENCY OPEN Rating Plug

=
OPEN PUSH TO CLOSE
Mushroom Button (option)

1
1
1
1
Padlock Capable
Spring Charging Lever
1
12
! DANGER
SI
Make-break Operations
Trip Unit
g
99993
! WARNING Counter (option)
Mechanical Release of
CONNECT
Racking Handle (option)

TEST
DISCON
Racking Handle Lock (option)

Handle Position Indicator Racking Handle
80
WL Electronic Trip Units Three electronic trip units are available for use with WL circuit
breakers. The protective functions and additional capabilities
available for these trip units are shown in the accompanying
diagram. A few of these features are briefly described in the
paragraphs that follow this diagram.
2 4
The switch-selectable I t or I t characteristic curve function
allows the breakers long-time characteristics to be set to either
2 4
an I t curve or an I t curve to make it easier to achieve optimal
coordination.
Dual parameter sets simplify adapting the system to rapid

changes, such as when power is switched between utility
power and a generator. Switching between parameter sets can
be done quickly and, if desired, remotely.
81
Dynamic Arc-Flash Sentry (DAS) employs the unique dual
protection settings of ETU776 trip units coupled with the
ability to toggle to a lower arc flash parameter set. A normal
parameter set can be optimized for selective trip coordination
with the alternate parameter set optimized for lower arc flash
energy levels initiated when personnel approach the arc flash
protection boundary.
Extended Instantaneous Protection (EIP) is designed to provide

any WL low voltage power circuit breaker with the capability
to be applied at the short-time withstand rating of the breaker
with no instantaneous override. This feature gives downstream
breakers the maximum possible time to clear a fault and
reduces the likelihood of a system-wide outage.
Trip Unit Modularity The modularity of WL circuit breakers extends to the electronic
trip units (ETUs). For example, any ETU model can be installed
in any WL circuit breaker. In addition, selected ETU models can
be easily adapted to changing conditions in the field by the
addition or replacement of the following ETU modules:
Display
Ground fault protection
Rating plug
Metering function/metering function plus
Communication
Mechanical trip indicator
Option: lock prevents
Local Mechanical RESET unathorized resetting
or optional remote RESET of the mechanical trip
with optional reclosing lockout indicator after a trip
Scroll up
Option: Alphanumeric display
Indicators
Trip unit active Scroll down
Overcurrent alarm
Trip unit error
Communication active
Extended alarm Thermal memory on/off
ETU745 Neutral conductor protection on/off
fuction active OFF ON
Setting value
Rating plug Neutral conductor overload
Rating Plug
Selectable overload long-time
=
Long-time pick-up setting characteristic (I2t/I4t)

1
1
1
Short-time pick-up setting

1
1 Long-time delay setting
Short-time delay setting

12
Instantaneous pick-up setting Indicator: trip cause

Sealing ring
Ground fault mode selector Option: Ground-fault module
SI
g
Indicator: Ground-fault alarm
Ground fault pick-up setting
Indicator: Ground-fault trip
Ground fault alarm setting Ground fault pick-up setting
fixed time/I2t
Test pushbutton Clear trip cause indicator pushbutton
Query pushbutton Test socket
82
The alphanumeric LCD display is an option for ETU745 (shown
in the previous graphic) and ETU748. ETU776 comes equipped
with a graphical LCD display.
Ground fault trip and alarm and ground-fault-only modules are

available for ETU745, ETU748, and ETU776.
The rating plug is a replaceable module used to set the

continuous current rating for the circuit breaker. Rating plugs are
available for frame size II from 200 to 3200 amps and for frame
size III from 800 to 5000 amps.
The integrated metering function can be installed on ETU745,

ETU748, and ETU776 to measure currents, voltages, power,
energy, power factor, and frequency. All metered quantities are
real-time values with min/max recording. The metering module
also provides additional alarm setpoint and protective relay
functions. The metering function plus module has additional
recording capacity and supports harmonic analysis.
Communication Options A variety of communications capabilities are available for

WL circuit breakers. CubicleBUS forms the backbone of this
system. CubicleBUS is an internal system bus that connects all
intelligent components in the WL circuit breaker and simplifies
the connection of external components.
1. WL Circuit Breaker
2. COM15 PROFIBUS module Ethernet
3. Breaker Data Adapter (BDA)
4. BDA Plus with Ethernet Interface

13
5. Breaker Status Sensor (BSS)
6. Electronic Trip ETU PROFIBUS
7. Metering Function Plus
8. ZSI Module 8 9 10 11 12 4
9. Digital Output (Relay) Module

3
10. Digital Output (Relay, Configurable) Module CubicleBUS
2
11. Analog output module 5 1

6
12. Digital Input Module
7
13. PLC e.g. SIMATIC S7
83
CubicleBUS is incorporated into all WL circuit breakers with
ETU745, ETU748, and ETU776 trip units. The modular design of
this system simplifies retrofitting of communications functions.
All modules shown attached to CubicleBUS in the previous
illustration directly access the available data of the circuit
breaker.
With the addition of a COM15 PROFIBUS module for

PROFIBUS DP communications or COM16 MODBUS module
(not shown) for MODBUS RTU communications, WL circuit
breakers with ETU745, ETU748, and ETU776 trip units can have
ETU parameters changed and the breaker can be opened and
closed remotely. In addition, data can be shared with other
systems. For trip units with the metering function or metering
function plus option, the breaker can take on an even wider role
in a power management system.
The Breaker Data Adapter (BDA) incorporates configuration

software and embedded web pages and can be connected
to a laptop or other computer running a web browser. This
provides the capability for online configuration and diagnostics
or for configuration data developed offline to be downloaded to
the trip unit or printed for reference. The BDA Plus has all the
functionality of the BDA and can also connect to an Ethernet
network.
CubicleBUS I/O Modules As previously indicated, a variety of CubicleBUS input/output

(I/O) modules are available to expand the capabilities of the WL
circuit breaker. The following brief descriptions summarize the
capabilities of these modules.
The digital output module with rotary switch allows up to six

binary signals to be connected to external signaling devices
or used to control other equipment. Digital and relay output
versions of this module are available.
The configurable digital output module allows up to six binary

signals to be triggered by protective or setpoint events.
However, three of these outputs can be assigned in a logical-
OR arrangement connected to up to six events. Both digital and
relay output versions of this module are available.
The analog output module can be used to output a variety of

measured values (amps, volts, power, power factor, etc.) to
analog display devices on the cubicle door. Up to two modules
of this type can be connected to the WL breaker.
84
The digital input module can connect to a maximum of six
digital (24 VDC) inputs. This enables the status of a switch or
the cubicle door to be communicated to the circuit breaker.
Zone selective interlocking (ZSI) is a method that allows two or

more circuit breakers to communicate with each other so that
a short circuit or ground fault is cleared by the breaker closest
to the fault in the minimum time. The ZSI module is used to
interconnect WL circuit breakers in this arrangement.
Review 8
1. Siemens WL circuit breaker family includes insulated
case circuit breakers that conform to the UL ________
specification and LV power circuit breakers that conform
to the UL ________ specification.
2. WL insulated case circuit breakers are available in both

________-mounted and ________-mounted versions.
3. WL circuit breakers are available in frame ratings from

________ amps to ________ amps.
4. The graphical LCD display is a standard feature of the

________ model trip unit.
5. ________ employs the unique dual protection settings

of ETU776 trip units coupled with the ability to toggle to
a low arc flash parameter set.
85
Review Answers
Review 1 1) a; 2) overloads, short circuits; 3) short circuit; 4) overload;

5) manual, automatic.
Review 2 1) contacts; 2) blow-apart; 3) arc chute; 4) over-center;

5) bimetallic; 6) magnetic.
Review 3 1) Instantaneous magnetic-trip-only; 2) Thermal-magnetic; 3)

200,000; 4) ampere; 5) continuous current;
6) Selective coordination.
Review 4 1) 120, 120/240, 240; 2) 10, 22, 65; 3) one-half inch; 4) CAFCI;
5) panelboard.
Review 5 1) 125, smaller; 2) FD; 3) HEG; 4) LMD; 5) CFD6;

6) SLD6, SHLD6.
Review 6 1) shunt trip; 2) undervoltage trip; 3) exact alignment;

4) mechanical interlock; 5) Plug-in.
Review 7 1) UL, CSA, NOM, CE; 2) N-Normal, H-High, L-Very High;

3) Model 525; 4) PG; 5) L.
Review 8 1) 489, 1066; 2) fixed, drawout; 3) 800, 5000; 4) ETU776;

5) Dynamic Arc Flash Sentry.
86
87
Final Exam
Before taking the final exam, you should delete the temporary
internet files from your computers web browser. For most
versions of Internet Explorer, you can do this by selecting
Internet Options from the Tools menu and then clicking on the
Delete Files button. If you do not perform this step, you may
see a score of 0% after you submit your exam for grading.
The final exam for this course is available online at

http://www.usa.siemens.com/step. This web page provides
links to all our quickSTEP online courses. To complete the final
exam for this course, click on the Basics of Circuit Breakers
link.
Next, move your mouse to the left until the navigation bar pops
out and select the Final Exam link. The final exam page will
appear.
After you complete the final exam, click on the Grade the
Exam button at the bottom of the page. Your score on the exam
will be displayed along with the questions that you missed.
If you score 70% or better on the exam, you will be given two
options for displaying and printing a certificate of completion.
The Print Certificate option allows you to display and print
the certificate without saving your score in our database and
the Save Score option allows you to save your score and
display and print your certificate. The Save Score option is
primarily intended for use by our distributors and Siemens
employees.
88

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What are the main types of overcurrent protection devices discussed in the document?

What are the main types of overcurrent protection devices discussed in the document?

What are the main components and operation of a thermal-magnetic circuit breaker?

What are the main components and operation of a thermal-magnetic circuit breaker?

Table of Contents

Welcome to another course in the STEP series, Siemens

Upon completion of Basics of Circuit Breakers you will be able

Explain the need for circuit protection

Identify various types of overcurrent protection devices

Explain the basic operation of a thermal-magnetic circuit

Describe time-current characteristics on a time-current

Define important circuit breaker rating terms

Explain why circuit breaker coordination is important

Identify internal and external circuit breaker accessories

Identify the various types of Siemens circuit breakers

Identify circuit protection ratings for various types of

After you have completed this course, if you wish to determine

Siemens is a trademark of Siemens AG. Product names

NFPA70, National Electrical Code, and NEC are registered

NEMA is a registered trademark and service mark of the

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and UL are registered

Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Normal Current Flow

Excessive Current Flow

Excess heat is damaging to electrical components. High

Insulation Affected by Heat

Overloads An overload occurs when too many devices are operated on

Ohms Law describes the relationship of current, voltage,

To protect a circuit against overcurrents, a protection device

Fuse A fuse is a one-shot device. The heat produced by overcurrent

Non-Time-Delay Fuse Non-time-delay fuses provide excellent short circuit protection.

All circuit breakers perform the following functions:

SENSE when an overcurrent occurs.

Circuit Breaker Operation In the following illustration, an AC motor is connected through

Circuit Breaker Closed Circuit Breaker Open

Note: NEC Article 240 covers overcurrent protection. You are

2. Three causes of overcurrent are ________, ________,

3. A ________ is a low resistance path for current created

4. An _________ occurs when too many devices

5. A circuit breakers provides a ________ means of

The following section presents some basics of circuit breaker

Frame (Molded Case)

Frame The frame provides an insulated housing to mount the circuit

Three Circuit Breaker Frame Sizes

Many circuit breakers use a straight-through contact

Movable Contact Arm

Blow-Apart Contacts As an improvement overMagnetic Field

Movable Contact Arm

Stationary Contact Arm

Movable Contact Arm

Stationary Contact Arm

By reducing the time required to open circuit breaker contacts

Straight Through Contacts

Arc Chute Assembly

Operating Handle As previously stated, a circuit breaker must provide a manual

Molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs) are trip free, meaning

Operating Mechanism The operating handle is connected to the moveable contact

Handle in OFF Position

The contacts are opened by moving the operating handle from

Handle in OFF Position

2. Three causes of overcurrent are , ,