Miniature

Circuit Breakers
Reliable solutions for protection of installations
against over-current phenomenon

Advantages for you : Technical data :

Bi-connect terminals for simultaneous termination of bus bar Conforms to IEC 60898-1, IS/IEC 60898-1:2002
& wires
Ratings 0.5 to 63 A
Unique pull up terminals design with safety shutters for
enhanced safety of users No. of poles 1P, 2P, 3P & 4P
Positive contact indicator
Tripping characteristics B, C & D curves
Line-load reversibility
Breaking capacity 10kA (as per IS/IEC 60898-1:2002)
Low watt losses, saves energy
High electrical life Suitable for Isolation as per IEC 60947

Wide range of accessories eg U/V release, over-voltage release, CE and RoHS compliant
shunt release, Aux & trip alarm conatcts
Expert
tips
Positive contact indicator
Red : ON
Green : OFF
more safety to the user
positive contact indication
indicates actual contact position
10kA breaking capacity with
energy limitation class 3
high breaking capacity
better protection of cables and
equipments
low let through energy
line load reversible
User friendly terminal design
bi-connect terminal
pull-up design
safety shutter (IP2X)
Wide range of accessories
overvoltage release MZ209
undervoltage release
shunt release
auxiliary contact & trip alarm
contact for on-off & trip indication
Miniature circuit breakers 10kA
type NB, NC, ND
Description
Protects circuits against over-
load & short circuit faults
Provides isolation to down-
stream circuits
Technical data
Conforms to
IEC 60898-1:2002
IS/IEC 60898-1:2002
Ratings - 0.5 to 63 A
No. of poles - 1P, 2P, 3P & 4P
Tripping curves - B, C & D
Breaking capacity
10kA (as per IEC 60898-1)
15kA (as per IEC 60947)
Suitable for isolation as per
IEC 60947
Features & benefits
Positive contact indicator on
front face
10kA breaking capacity with
class 3 energy limitation
Bi-connect terminals with
pull-up design
Finger proof (IP2X) terminal
with safety shutters
Line-load reversible
RoHS compliant, Green
product
Wide range of accessories are
available
Connection
25sq mm rigid cables
16sq mm flexible cables

Description Modules In (Amp) B Curve C Curve D Curve

1P 1 0.5 NC100N ND100N

1 1 NC101N ND101N
1 2 NC102N ND102N
1 3 NC103N ND103N
1 4 NC104N ND104N
1 6 NB106N NC106N ND106N
1 10 NB110N NC110N ND110N
1 16 NB116N NC116N ND116N
1 20 NB120N NC120N ND120N
1 25 NB125N NC125N ND125N
1 32 NB132N NC132N ND132N
1 40 NB140N NC140N ND140N
NC110N 1 50 NB150N NC150N ND150N
1 63 NB163N NC163N ND163N

2P 2 0.5 NC200N ND200N

2 1 NC201N ND201N
2 2 NC202N ND202N
2 3 NC203N ND203N
2 4 NC204N ND204N
2 6 NB206N NC206N ND206N
2 10 NB210N NC210N ND210N
2 16 NB216N NC216N ND216N
2 20 NB220N NC220N ND220N
2 25 NB225N NC225N ND225N
2 32 NB232N NC232N ND232N
2 40 NB240N NC240N ND240N
NC220N 2 50 NB250N NC250N ND250N
2 63 NB263N NC263N ND263N

3P 3 0.5 NC300N ND300N

3 1 NC301N ND301N
3 2 NC302N ND302N
3 3 NC303N ND303N
3 4 NC304N ND304N
3 6 NB306N NC306N ND306N
3 10 NB310N NC310N ND310N
3 16 NB316N NC316N ND316N
3 20 NB320N NC320N ND320N
3 25 NB325N NC325N ND325N
3 32 NB332N NC332N ND332N
3 40 NB340N NC340N ND340N
NC316N 3 50 NB350N NC350N ND350N
3 63 NB363N NC363N ND363N

4P 4 0.5 NC400N ND400N

4 1 NC401N ND401N
4 2 NC402N ND402N
4 3 NC403N ND403N
4 4 NC404N ND404N
4 6 NB406N NC406N ND406N
4 10 NB410N NC410N ND410N
4 16 NB416N NC416N ND416N
4 20 NB420N NC420N ND420N
4 25 NB425N NC425N ND425N
4 32 NB432N NC432N ND432N
4 40 NB440N NC440N ND440N
NC432N 4 50 NB450N NC450N ND450N
4 63 NB463N NC463N ND463N

40
Miniature circuit breakers 80-125A, 10kA
type HLF
Description Breaking capacity - 10kA (as RoHS compliant, Green
Protects circuits against over- per IEC 60898 & 60947) product
load & short circuit faults Suitable for isolation as per Wide range of accessories are
Provides isolation to down- IEC 60947 available
stream circuits
Features & benefits: Connection capacity
Technical data MCBs handle can be locked 35 sq mm flexible wire
Conforms to in "off" position (50 sq mm possible with
IEC 60898-1 Large terminal capacity- upto some cable end-caps)
IEC 60947 70 sq mm 70 sq mm rigid wire
Ratings 80A,100A &125A Steel reinforcement plate to
No. of poles - 1P, 2P, 3P & 4P improve terminal strength IP2X terminals
Tripping curve - C Serrations on jaws to provide
better grip on cables
Line-load reversible

Description In (Amp) Modules Catalogue No.

1P 80 1.5 HLF180S

100 1.5 HLF190S

125 1.5 HLF199S

HLF199S

2P 80 3 HLF280S

100 3 HLF290S

125 3 HLF299S

HLF299S

3P 80 4.5 HLF380S

100 4.5 HLF390S

125 4.5 HLF399S

HLF399S

4P 80 6 HLF480S

100 6 HLF490S

125 6 HLF499S

HLF499S

41
Circuit protection principle
(R1+R2) - where R1 is the resistance of the phase conductor within
the installation and R 2 is the resistance of the circuit protective
conductor. These two components constitute the loop impedance
within the installation.
Therefore : Zs = Ze+(R1+R2)
Once the value of Zs has been established a suitable overcurrent
protective device has to be selected to ensure disconnection of an
earth fault within the specified time. The times are :
5 seconds for fixed equipment
For portable equipment and for fixed equipment installed outside
the equipotential bonding zone, the disconnection times are
dependent on the nominal voltage to earth, i.e. 220 to 277 volts
= 0.4 seconds.
Zs by calculation
To establish whether the relevant disconnection time can be achieved
a simple calculation must be made, based on Ohm's law :
lf(fault current) = Uo (open circuit voltage)*
Zs (earth fault loop)
*voltage between phase and earth (240V)
The fault current (lf) must be high enough to cause the circuit
protective device to trip in the specified time. This can be established
by consulting the time/current characteristic for the protective device.
If the maximum trip time for the fault current calculated is less than or
equal to the relevant value (5s) for fixed equipment; 0.4s for portable
equipment) then compliance is achieved.
Zs by tables
The above procedure can be used for any type of protective device
providing a time/current characteristic curve is available. Frequently,
however, a much simpler method is available using tables listing
maximum Z s values which have been interpreted from the
characteristic curves for the relevant devices. Providing the system Zs
is equal to or less than the value given in the table, compliance is
achieved.
Zs too high
If the system Z s value is too high to achieve rapid enough
disconnection with the Overcurrent protective devices available then
it is necessary to use one of the two following methods:
fit a cable with a large cross-section and consequently a lower
impedance. This may be a very expensive solution especially
when the installation is completed before the problem is
discovered.
use a Hager residual current device (RCD). Subject to certain
conditions being met this provides a simple and economical
solution.
Example
Fig. shows a fixed circuit with an earth loop impedance Z s of
0.7 ohms protected with an NC 132. The fault current (lf) will therefore
be Uo /Zs = 240/0.7 = 343A
108
By referring to the characteristic for NC 132 it can be seen that the
breaker will disconnect in 0.02 seconds for this current. The breaker
therefore easily satisfies the requirement for disconnection in
5 seconds.
If the circuit Zs was 2.0 ohms that the fault current would be :
240/2 - 120A and the disconnection time would be 10 seconds, in
which case compliance would not be achieved.
An earth fault current of 343A causes a trip of
the magnetic protection in 20mS.
An earth fault current of 120A causes a trip of
the thermal protection in 10 seconds.
Fig. 3
Protection against overcurrent
Overcurrent - "A current exceeding the rate value. For conductors the
rated value is the current-carrying capacity".
Overload current - "An overcurrent occurring in a circuit which is
electrically sound".
Short-circuit current - "An overcurrent resulting from a fault of
negligible impedance between live conductors having a difference in
potential under normal operating conditions."
Protection against overload current
For the protection against overload current, protective devices must
be provided in the circuit to break any overload current flowing in the
circuit conductors before it can cause a temperature rise which would
be detrimental to insulation, joints, terminations or the surrounding of
the conductors.
In order to achieve this protection the normal current of the protective
device ln should not be less than the design current of the circuit lb
and that ln should not exceed the current-carrying capacity of the
conductors lz, and that the current causing effective operation of the
protective device l2 does not exceed 1.45 times the current-carrying
capacity of the conductor lz, expressed as
lb< ln< lz
l2<1.45lz
Protection against short-circuit current
Protective devices must be provided to break any short-circuit
current before it can cause danger due to thermal and mechanical
(elector-dynamic) effects produced in the conductors and
connections. The breaking capacity of the protective device shall not
be less than the prospective short-circuit current at the point at which
the device is installed. However lower breaking capacity is permitted
provided that a properly co-ordinated back-up device having the
necessary breaking capacity is installed on the supply side.
Positioning of overcurrent devices
Devices for the protection against overload and short-circuit must be
placed at the point where a reduction occurs in the current-carrying
capacity of the conductors. This reduction could be caused by a
change in the environmental conditions as well as the more obvious
change in the cross-sectional area of the cable.
There are of course exceptions to the general rule which relate to a
very few special applications.
Circuit protection principle
Standardised Earthing Schemes The TT- Scheme :
In all countries, LV networks and load are earthed for safety reasons The transformer neutral is earthed. The frames of the electric load are
to guarantee protection against electric current for persons. also connected to an earth connection.
Additionally, the Earthing System affects the choice of protection
devices employed in some cases.

The earthing schemes characterise the method of earthing the LV

neutral point of the HV/LV transformer (or of any source) and the
means of earthing exposed conductive parts of the related LV
installation.

The three earthing system internationally standardised and currently

adopted in many national standards are :

The TN system :
The transformer neutral is earthed. The frames of the electrical loads
are connected to the neutral. Several versions of TN schemes are :

TN-C scheme :
The neutral conductor is also used as a protective conductor and is
referred to as a PEN (Protective Earth and Neutral) conductor. This
scheme is not permitted for PEN conductor of less than 10mm2 and
for the portable equipment.

The IT-Scheme :
The transformer neutral is not earthed theoretically. In practice, it is
earthed via high impedance = 1500 Ohms.
The frames of the electrical loads are connected to the earth.

TN-C scheme

TN-S scheme :
The protective conductor and the neutral conductor are separate.
The use of PE and N conductors is mandatory for circuits of cross
section less than 10mm2.

First Fault

TN-S scheme

TN-CS scheme :
In some installation the TN-C and TN-S schemes can be used
together. Such scheme are known as TN-CS. However, it is not
allowed to use the TN-C downstream of TN-S.
Second Fault

109
Miniature circuit breakers
Characteristics ML NB NC ND HLF
Poles SP+N SP DP TP FP SP DP TP FP SP DP TP FP SP DP TP FP
Rated operational 230 230/415 230/415 230/415 230/415
voltage Ue(V)
Nominal Current 6-40A 6-63A 0.5-63A 0.5-63A 80-100-125A
Breaking capacity 6kA 10kA 10kA 10kA 10kA
to IEC 60 898
Breaking capacity - 15kA 15kA 15kA 10kA
to IEC 60 947-2
Rated insulation 500V 500V 500V 500V 500V
voltage Ui(V)
Rated impulse 4000V 4000V 4000V 6000V 6000V
voltage Uimp (kV)
Electrical endurance
0.5 to 32A 10000 20000 20000 20000
40 to 63A 10000 10000 10000
80 to 125A 4000

Power loss
The power loss of MCB's is closely controlled by the standards and
is calculated on the basis of the voltage drop across the main
terminals measured at rated current. The power loss of Hager circuit
breakers is very much lower than that required by the Standard, so in
consequences run cooler and are less affected when mounted
together.

The table below gives the watts loss per pole at rated current

MCB rated 0.5 1 2 3 4 6 10 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125

current (A)
Watts loss 1.3 1.5 1.7 2.1 2.4 2.7 1.8 2.6 2.8 3.3 3.9 4.3 4.8 5.2 5 5.5 8
per pole (W)

For use with DC No. of poles 1 pole 2 poles in series

Because of their quick make and break design and excellent arc Range Max Breaking capacity Max Breaking capacity
quenching capabilities Hager circuit breakers are suitable for DC voltage L/R=15ms voltage L/R=15ms
applications.
NB, NC, ND 60V 10kA 125V 10kA
The following parameters must be considered. HLF 60V 15kA 125V 15kA
1. system voltage:
NB, NC, ND
Determined by the number of poles connected in series
Characteristic curve B C D
2. short-circuit current:
Magnetic trip 50Hz dc 50Hz dc 50Hz dc
3. tripping characteristics:
Irm1 3 In 4.5 In 5 In 7.5 In 10 In 15 In
- the thermal trip remains unchanged
- the magnetic trip will become less sensitive requiring Irm2 5 In 7.5 In 10 In 15 In 20 In 30 In
derating by 2 the ac value.
HLF (IEC 60-898)
Characteristic curve C
Magnetic trip 50Hz dc
Irm1 5 In 7.1 In
Irm2 10 In 14.1 In

110
Miniature circuit breakers
Latest national & international standards covering Low Voltage Circuit should be used and for desk top co-ordination studies, both lower
Breakers provide the user with a better assurance of quality and and upper limits have to be taken into account.
performance by taking into account the actual operating conditions of
the breaker. New definitions and symbols have been introduced Energy limiting
which should be committed to memory. Some of those most Energy is measured in Joules. *James Prescott Joule proved that
frequently used are: thermal energy was produced when an electric current flowed
Ue : rated service voltage through a resistance for a certain time, giving us the formula :-
Ui : rated insulation voltage (>Uemax) Joules = l2 x R x t or because we know that watts = l2R
Uimp : rated impulse withstand Joules = watts x seconds
lcm : rated short circuit making capacity Therefore we can say that :
lcn : rated short circuit capacity One Joule = one watt second
lcs : rated service short circuit breaking capacity or energy = watts x seconds = l2R t
lcu : rated ultimate short circuit breaking capacity
ln : rated residual operating current (often called residual If the resistance (R) remains constant or is very small compared with
sensitivity) the current (I) as in the case of short-circuit current, then energy
ln : rated current = maximum value of current used for the becomes proportional to l2t. Which is why the energy let-through of a
temperature rise test. protective device is expressed in ampere squared seconds and
t : trip delay of residual current devices referred to as l2t.

In addition, IEC 60898 sets out to provide a greater degree of safety
to the uninstructed users of circuit breakers. It is interesting to note
that the description "miniature circuit breaker" or MCB is not used at
all in the standard, but no doubt both manufacturers and users will
continue to call circuit breakers complying with IEC 60898 miniature
circuit breakers or MCBs for some time to come.
The scope of this standard is limited to ac air break circuit breakers
for operation at 50Hz or 60Hz, having a rated current not exceeding
125A and a rated short-circuit capacity not exceeding 25kA.
A rated service short-circuit breaking capacity lcs is also included
which is equal to the rated short-circuit capacity lcn for short-circuit
capacity values up to and including 6kA, and 50% of lcn above 6kA
with a minimum value of 7.5kA. as the circuit-breakers covered by
this standard are intended for household and similar use, lcs is of
academic interest only. The rated short-circuit capacity of a MCB (lcn)
is the alternating component of the prospective current expressed by
its r.m.s. value, which the MCB is designed to make, carry, for its
opening time and to break under specified conditions. lcn is shown on
the MCB label in a rectangular box with the suffix 'A' and is the value
which is used for application purposes. lcn (of the MCB) should be
equal to or greater than the prospective short-circuit current at the
point of application.
l2t (Joule Integral) is the integral of the square of the current over a
given time interval (t0, t1)
The l2t characteristic of a circuit breaker is shown as a curve giving
the maximum values of the prospective current as a function of time.
Manufacturers are required by the Standard to produce the l 2 t
characteristic of their circuit breakers.
The energy limiting characteristics of modern MCBs greatly reduce
the damage that might otherwise be caused by short-circuits. They
protect the cable insulation and reduce the risk of fire and other
damage. Knowledge of the energy limiting characteristic of a circuit
breaker also helps the circuit designer calculate discrimination with
other protective devices in the same circuit.
Because of the importance energy limiting characteristic the
Standards for circuit breakers for household and similar installations
suggests three energy limiting classes based on the permissible l2t
(let-through) values for circuit breakers up to 32A; class 3 having the
highest energy limiting performance.
All Hager MCBs are well within the limits of energy let-through set by
IEC 60898 for energy limiting class 3.

You will see from the curves that the inverse time delay characteristic The circuit breaker can have the line\load connected to either top or
which provides overload protection is the same on all three. This is bottom terminals.
because the standards required the breaker to carry 1.13 times the
rated current without tripping for at least one hour and when the test
current is increased to 1.45 times the rated current, it must trip within
one hour, and again from cold if the last current is increased to 2.55
times the rated current the breaker must trip between 1 and 120
seconds. The inverse time delay characteristic of all MCBs claiming
compliance with IEC 60898 must operate within these limits.

The difference between the three types of characteristic curves

designated 'B', 'C' and 'D' concerns only the magnetic instantaneous
trip which provides short-circuit protection.
* For type 'B' the breaker must trip between the limits of 3 to 5
times rated current
* For type 'C' the breaker must trip between the limits of 5 to 10
times rated current, and
* For type 'D' the breaker must trip between the limits of 10 to 20
times rated current

Often manufacturers publish their MCB tripping characteristics

showing the limits set by the standard and guarantee that any
breakers that you purchase will operate within these limits. So great
care should be taken when working with characteristics curves
showing lower and higher limits - on no account should you take a
mean point for application design purposes.

For cable protection applications you should take the maximum

tripping time and some manufacturers publish single line
characteristics curves which show the maximum tripping time. If the
design problem is nuisance tripping then the minimum tripping time

111