BTicino Megatiker M3 160 Circuit Breaker

BTicino Megatiker M3 160 Circuit Breaker

Introduction

In modern industrial power distribution systems, molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs) are not only the on-off components of circuits, but also the key protective devices that ensure equipment and personal safety. The Megatiker M3 platform launched by BTicino aims to provide high-performance, compact, and cost optimized protection solutions for high-power applications. Among them, the M3 160 model, as a core member of the platform, is widely used in industrial distribution cabinets, motor control centers, and various OEM equipment due to its 160A rated current, maximum 100kA breaking capacity, and flexible functional configuration.

This article is based on the official technical documentation of BTicino, systematically reviewing the technical characteristics, electrical parameters, installation methods, accessory configurations, and trip characteristics of Megatiker M3 160 thermal magnetic circuit breaker and MS3 160 isolating switch, providing professional reference for engineers and system integrators.

Product positioning and scope

1. Product positioning

The Megatiker M3 platform is developed specifically to meet the demand for high-performance circuit breakers in the high-end market. Its design philosophy emphasizes:

High precision protection: providing precise overload and short circuit protection

Compact size: achieving high-power applications in limited space

Cost optimization: balancing performance and economy

M3 160 is a model with a rated current of 160A in this platform, suitable for small and medium-sized distribution circuits and motor protection.

2. Product Scope

Thermal magnetic circuit breaker

According to different breaking capacities, M3 160 circuit breakers are divided into the following four levels:

Breaking ability level, model code, breaking ability Icu (415V AC), number of poles

F T7303F160 / T7304F160 36 kA 3P / 4P

N T7303N160 / T7304N160 50 kA 3P / 4P

H T7303H160 / T7304H160 70 kA 3P / 4P

L T7303L160 / T7304L160 100 kA 3P / 4P

disconnecting switch

MS3 160 isolation switch is suitable for isolation applications that require visible breakpoints:

Model, rated current, number of poles

T7303S160 160 A 3P

T7304S160 160 A 4P

Size and weight

The M3 160 series features a compact design for easy panel installation:

Parameters 3P 4P

Width (W) 75 mm 100 mm

Height (H) 135 mm 135 mm

Depth (D) 86 mm 86 mm

Pole spacing 25 mm 25 mm

Weight Reference

Component weight (kg)

Circuit breaker/isolating switch (3P) 0.95

Circuit breaker/isolating switch (4P) 1.20

Direct rotary handle 0.18

Variable depth rotary handle 0.55

Mechanical interlocking 0.35

Expansion terminal 0.135

Supply content and installation method

1. Factory standard configuration

Each M3 160 circuit breaker comes with the following accessories at the factory:

Fixed screws (2 for 3P, 4 for 4P)

Wiring screws (6 for 3P and 8 for 4P)

Interphase insulation partitions (2 pieces for 3P, 3 pieces for 4P)

2. Installation method

The circuit breaker supports the following installation directions:

Vertical installation: standard installation method

Horizontal installation: suitable for cabinets with limited space

Reverse feeding: Supports upper or lower input lines, no LINE/LOAD marking required for reverse feeding

Please refer to the detailed steps in the product manual during installation to ensure proper operation.

Electrical and mechanical characteristics

1. Technical parameters of circuit breaker

Parameter values

Rated current In 160 A

Pole number 3P/4P

Rated insulation voltage Ui 800 V AC

Rated working voltage Ue 690 V AC

Rated impulse withstand voltage Uimp 8 kV

Rated frequency 50/60 Hz

Reference ambient temperature 40 ° C/50 ° C

Working temperature range -25 ° C to+70 ° C

Mechanical lifespan of 20000 cycles

Electrical lifespan of 8000 cycles

Use category A

Suitable for isolation is

2. Protection features

Overload protection (thermal): adjustable range 0.8/0.9/1 × In

Short circuit protection (magnetic): fixed instantaneous trip value, In=1600 A (non adjustable)

Neutral wire protection: The 4P version provides 100% phase pole protection

3. Technical parameters of isolation switch

Parameter values

Rated uninterruptible current Iu 160 A

Short time withstand current Icw (1s) 1.5 kA

Rated short-circuit connection capacity Icm 2.5 kA

Use category AC23A

Suitable for isolation is

Mechanical lifespan of 20000 cycles

Electrical lifespan of 8000 cycles

Breaking ability and current limiting characteristics

1. Breaking ability (Icu)

The breaking capacity of M3 160 circuit breaker at different voltage levels is as follows:

Voltage 36kA (F) 50kA (N) 70kA (H) 100kA (L)

240V AC 70 kA 90 kA 100 kA 150 kA

415V AC 36 kA 50 kA 70 kA 100 kA

500V AC 12 kA 16 kA 20 kA 25 kA

690V AC 5 kA 6 kA 10 kA 12 kA

250V DC 10 kA 10 kA 10 kA 10 kA

2. Current limiting characteristics

The M3 160 circuit breaker has excellent current limiting capability, which can significantly reduce the peak value of short-circuit current and the passing energy (I ² t), thereby reducing thermal and electrical stress on downstream equipment. The document provides detailed I ² t and peak current curves for system coordination and design.

Power loss and derating usage