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Switchboard
Series Rating
Contents Introduction
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1 The purpose of this publication is to explain the proper
UL Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2 application of series ratings in Eatons panelboards
and switchboards.
Code Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2
Applying Series Ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3 Industry standards and NFPA 70the National Electrical
Code (NEC) require protection of the entire electrical
Example 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3 distribution system from damage due to short-circuit
Example 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3 faults. NEC Article 110.10 states The overcurrent protect-
Example 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3 ive devices shall be selected and coordinated to permit
the circuit-protective devices used to clear a fault to do so
Other Applications of Series Ratings . Page 3 without extensive damage to the electrical components of
Series Rating Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4 the circuit. The entire distribution system is required to
Breaker to Breaker Ratings meet this standard. Series rated systems have become an
effective method of meeting these requirements.
Table 1 120/240 Volts . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 4 & 5
Table 2 240 Volts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 6 & 7 There are three protection systems used to protect low volt-
age power distribution conductors and equipment. They are:
Table 3 277 Volts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8
Table 4 480Y/277 Volts . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9 Fully rated protection
Table 5 480 Volts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10 Fully rated, selectively coordinated protection
Series rated protection
Table 6 600 Volts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11
Fuse to Breaker Ratings Fully Rated Protection: Where all overcurrent devices are
Table 7 120/240 Volts . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12 rated for the full prospective short-circuit current at their line
side terminals throughout the system.
Table 8 240 Volts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13
Table 9 277 Volts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14 Selectively Coordinated Protection: Is a fully rated system
where the overcurrent device closest to the fault will open
Table 10 480Y/277 Volts . . . . . . . . . . Page 15 first, thus isolating the faulty circuit.
Table 11 480 Volts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15
Series Rated Protection: A short-circuit interrupting rating
Table 12 600 Volts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15 assigned to a combination of two or more overcurrent
Triple Ratings protective devices that are connected in series and which the
Table 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15 rating of the downstream device(s) in the combination is less
than the series rating.
The short-circuit interrupting rating of the first device in the
series must be equal to or greater than the available fault
current. Downstream breakers, however, are not fully rated
for the systems available fault current.
Series ratings are also known in the industry as integrated
ratings, series combination ratings, and series connected
ratings. The upstream overcurrent device in the series may
be either internally or externally feeding downstream
devices.
UL Issues
In a series rated system, the overcurrent devices in series CAUTION: Do not apply fuses using the up-over-down
in the protective scheme must have been tested and listed method for sizing a current-limiting fuse that protects a
by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), for series combina- downstream molded-case circuit breaker with a specified
tion use in the system. rms symmetrical interrupting rating. The method can lead to
erroneous and unsafe conclusions and should not be used.
All of Eatons series ratings are in full compliance with all
applicable requirements of the latest editions of UL 489,
891, and 67.
The UL Recognized Components Directory (the Yellow Book)
B A
Code Issues 150,000
2000 Ampere
Current-Limiter
Requirements of NFPA 70the National Electrical Code for Fuse Curve
series ratings may be met by equipment marked with ratings
adequate for the available fault current at the point of appli-
cation in the electrical system. Eatons panelboards and
switchboards are marked consistent with NEC Article 240.86
for tested combinations.
65,000 200,000
NEC 240.86 Motor Contribution. Series ratings shall not be
used where: Prospective Short-Circuit rms Amperes
Do Not Use This Method
1. Motors are connected on the load side of the higher-
rated overcurrent device and on the line side of the
lower-rated device. Figure 1.
2. The sum of the full-load currents exceeds 1% of the Conclusion: This conclusion is wrong when the downstream
interrupting rating of the lower-rated breaker. service has a blow-open contact assembly, as does a
molded-case circuit breaker or similar device. It may be
Note: NEC 240.86 is additive and both conditions must be valid when the current-limiting fuse is sized to protect a
met to apply.
passive bus bar system.
Additionally, NEC Article 110.22 requires field marking The up-over-down method ignores dynamic impedance
on equipment where series ratings are used. This label is (the inherent current-limiting of the downstream molded-
supplied with Eaton panelboards and switchboards using case circuit breaker). Such impedance is developed directly
series combination ratings and reads CautionSeries by the forces of the let-through current created when the
Combination System Rated _____ Amperes Available. contacts are blown open.
Identified Replacement Component Required.
Some breakers rated 15 to 50 amperes, 120/240 volt
maximum have been investigated and found suitable for
use in panelboards from a different manufacturer. These are
identified as Classified breakers. DO NOT USE SERIES
RATINGS WITH CLASSIFIED BREAKERS! Series ratings
apply ONLY to those Eaton breakers listed and published in
this booklet.
Switchboard
Series Rating
Step 2. Select the appropriate table using the system voltage. 1. Go to the 480Y/277 volts table (Table 4).
Step 3. Use the appropriate Series Equipment Rating 2. Look under the 25 kA column. This rating is not shown.
column equal to, or greater than, the available fault Look to the columns to the right. This rating is shown
current, to determine the allowable UL recognized under the 35 kA column, and therefore is valid for
combinations of main (upstream) and branch (down- combinations with the 2- and 3-pole GHB breakers.
stream) overcurrent devices. Main devices are shown
3. Go to the 277 volts table (Table 3).
in bold/shaded areas. Respective branch breakers are
shown directly below their associated main device. 4. Look under the 25 kA column. This rating is not shown.
If a rating is not initially found in a column, first Look to the columns to the right. This rating is shown
look to the columns to the right for higher Series under the 35 kA column, and therefore is valid
Equipment Ratings within the same table. If still for combinations with the single-pole GHQ breaker.
not found, use ratings from table of a higher system
voltage (higher numbered table).
Other Applications of Series Ratings
Example 1: Series ratings can also be applied under the following
208Y/120 volt, 3-phase, 4-wire, AC system with available guidelines:
fault current of 26,438 amperes. Main (upstream) device
is a 3-pole, 225 ampere, EDS breaker. The branch (down- Any FULLY RATED breaker can be applied upstream,
stream) breakers are single- and 2-pole, 20, 30, and 60 downstream, or in the middle of any of the series ratings
amperes, 120 volt and 120/240 volt BAB breakers. stated in the tables
Any series rating stated in the tables may have additional
1. Go to the 120/240 volts table (Table 1). series rated branch breakers of the EXACT SAME TYPE
2. Look down under the 22 kA column. This rating is further downstream in that rating
not shown. COMBINING SERIES RATINGS are allowed under certain
3. Look to the columns to the right. This combination conditions. Main and branch ratings may be combined if:
rating is shown under the 42 kA column, and therefore Breakers A, B, and C are in series respectively from
is valid. main to branch. Breakers A and B series rate together.
Breakers A and C series rate at the same interrupting level
Example 2: (or higher). It is allowable to use A, B, and C together at
480Y/277 volt, 3-phase, 4-wire, AC system with available the A-B series rating
fault current of 62,097 amperes. Main (upstream) device is a
It is improper to combine series ratings under the following
3-pole 250 ampere, HJD breaker. The branch (downstream)
condition:
breakers are 2- and 3-pole, 60, 70, and 100 ampere
EHD breakers. Breakers A, B, and C are in series respectively from main
to branch. Breakers A and B series rate together. Breakers
1. Go to the 480Y/277 volts table (Table 4).
B and C series rate at the Breaker B interrupting rating
2. Look down under the 65 kA column. This rating is level. It is not allowable to use A, B, and C together at the
not shown. A-B series rating. However, combining multiple overcur-
rent devices as in this example, can be accomplished if
3. Look to the columns to the right. This rating is not all devices in the series combination have been tested
shown. together and listed in triple rating Table 13
4. Look at the table with the next higher system voltage. Note: The information contained in this manual also applies to
(480 volts, Table 5). specifying the upstream overcurrent protective device for use with
through-feed and sub-feed panelboards without an integral main.
5. This combination rating is shown under the 65 kA
column, and therefore is valid.
Switchboard
Series Rating
Switchboard
Series Rating
100 FCL
GHB
GHQ, GHQRSP
EHD
FD
HFD
125 EGS EGH
GHQ GHQ
GHB GHB
225 FD, FDE HFD, HFDE FDC
GHB GHB, GHQRSP GHB
GHQ GHQ EHD
GHQRSP EHD FD
GHBGFEP 1 FD, GHBGFEP 2 HFD
250 JD, JDB JD, JDB HJD LCL JDC
GHB GHB GHB GHBS GHB
GHBGFEP EHD EHD
FD FD
GHBGFEP HFD
400 KD, KDB HKD KD, KDB HKD, CHKD KDC LCL
CKD CHKD CKD GHB GHB GHB
GHB GHB GHB (1520 A) EHD EHD EHD
EHD FD FD FD
FD HFD HFD
KD HKD
GHQ (1520 A) GHQ (1520 A)
1 Not valid with FDE.
2 Not valid with HFDE.
Switchboard
Series Rating
100 FCL
GHB, GHQRSP
125 EGS EGH
GHB GHB
225 FD, FDE HFD, HFDE FDC
GHB, GHQRSP GHB, GHQRSP GHB
250 JD, JDB JD, JDB HJD JDC
GHB GHB (1550 A) GHB (1550 A) GHB
400 KD, KDB HKD, CHKD KD, KDB HKD, CHKD KDC LCL
CKD GHB CKD GHB (1550 A) GHB GHB
GHB GHB (1550 A)
Switchboard
Series Rating
100 R
BA, BAB
HQP
QBHW
QPHW
GB
GHB
200 R J T
GB BA, BAB BA, BAB
GHB HQP HQP
QBHW QBHW
QPHW QPHW
400 J T J T
BA, BAB BA, BAB GB GB
HQP HQP GHB GHB
QBHW QBHW
QPHW QPHW
Switchboard
Series Rating
100 R
BAB_H
HQP_H
QBHW_H
QPHW_H
GB
GHB
200 R J T R
GB BAB_H BAB_H GB
GHB HQP_H HQP_H GHB
QBHW_H QBHW_H
QPHW_H QPHW_H
400 J T J T
BAB_H BAB_H GB GB
HQP_H HQP_H GHB GHB
QBHW_H QBHW_H
QPHW_H QPHW_H
4000 L
EHD
FDB
FD, FDE
ED
JD, JDB
DK, KD, KDB
100 J T R
GHBS GHBS GHB
GHQ GHQ
GHQRSP GHQRSP
200 J T J T R
GHBS GHBS EHD EHD GHB
GHQ GHQ FD FD
GHQRSP GHQRSP HFD HFD
400 J T
GHB GHB
Switchboard
Series Rating
Table 10. 480Y/277 Volts ACFuse/Breaker Series Ratings Table 12. 600 Volts ACFuse/Breaker Series Ratings
Main fuse class shown in shaded area, centered at top. Main fuse class shown in shaded area, centered at top.
Respective branch devices shown directly below. All ratings Respective branch devices shown directly below. All ratings
in this table apply to 2- and 3-pole branch breakers only. in this table apply to 2- and 3-pole branch breakers only.
For single-pole branch breakers, see Table 9. Not valid for single-pole branch breakers.
Main Series Equipment RatingkA Symmetrical Main Series Equipment RatingkA Symmetrical
Fuse 65 100 200 Fuse 100 200
Maximum Maximum
Amperes Amperes
100 J T R 100 R
GHBS GHBS GHB FD, FDE
HFD, HFDE
200 J T R
FDC
GHBS GHBS GHB
200 J T R
400 J T
FD, FDE FD, FDE JD
GHB GHB HFD, HFDE HFD, HFDE HJD
600 J T FDC FDC JDC
EHD GHB 400 J T R
FD, FDE EHD JD JD KD
HFD, HFDE FD, FDE HJD HJD HKD
FDC HFD, HFDE JDC JDC KDC
FDC
JD
600 J T
HJD KD KD
JDC HKD HKD
KDC KDC
Table 11. 480 Volts ACFuse/Breaker Series Ratings
Main fuse class shown in shaded area, centered at top. Table 13. Triple Series Ratings
Respective branch devices shown directly below. All ratings Main Fuse Tenant Main Branch System Short-
in this table apply to 2- and 3-pole branch breakers only. Class and Type Type Voltage Circuit
Not valid for single-pole branch breakers. Maximum Series
Amperes Rating
Main Series Equipment RatingkA Symmetrical (kA, Sym.)
Fuse 100 200
Maximum L-6000 DK, KD, KDB GB, GHB, EHD 1 240 100
Amperes L-6000 DK, KD, KDB GB, GHB 120/240 100
100 R L-6000 DK, KD, KDB FD 1, FDB 240 100
EHD L-6000 DK, KD, KDB JD, JDB 240 100
200 J T L-6000 JD, JDB GB, GHB 240 100
EHD EHD L-6000 JD, JDB GB, GHB 120/240 100
FD FD L-6000 FD GB, GHB 240 100
HFD HFD L-6000 FD GB, GHB 120/240 100
FDC FDC
L-6000 FD, FDB BAB_H, HQP_H 240 100
QBHW_H, QPHW_H
L-6000 FD, FDB BA, BAB 120/240 100
HQP (1570A)
L-6000 EHD BAB_H, HQP_H 240 100
L-6000 EHD BA, BAB, HQP 120/240 100
1 Valid on 2- and 3-pole breakers only. Not valid for single-pole.
2017 Eaton
All Rights Reserved Eaton is a registered trademark.
Printed in USA
Publication No. 1C96944H02 / Z19483 All other trademarks are property of their
April 2017 respective owners.