WESTINGHOUSE HC series molded case circuit breaker

WESTINGHOUSE HC series molded case circuit breaker

Product Overview and Core Parameters

Category specific specifications

Product Name: HC Series Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB)

Implement standard IEC/EN 60947-2

Rated current range 16A-1250A (graded by frame number)

Polar configuration 1P, 2P, 3P, 4P

Rated insulation voltage (Ui) G/F/J frame: 800V; K/L/N frame: 1000V

Rated operating voltage (Ue) AC 415V (maximum 690V), DC 250V

Short circuit breaking capacity (Icu) 6kA (690V) -120kA (415V)

Rated short-time withstand current (Icw) 1.2kA (G125) -20kA (N1250)

Release method: thermal magnetic type (F: fixed heat+fixed magnetic; T: Adjustable heat+fixed magnet; TM: adjustable heat+adjustable magnetic), electronic (LSI: long delay+short delay+instantaneous; LSIG: including ground fault protection)

Environmental temperature levels of 40 ℃ and 55 ℃ (different series are suitable for different temperatures)

Mechanical lifespan: 7000 to 14000 cycles

Electrical lifespan of 2000 cycles (In, 415V AC)

Core product series (divided by framework number)

（1） Core parameter table of each framework

Frame number, rated current range, core series, short-circuit breaking capacity (Icu), tripping method, temperature adaptation

G frame 16A-125A GI, GS, GIY (non automatic) 25kA, 36kA F, T, TM 40 ℃, 55 ℃

F frame 16A-160A FS, FH, FN, FNY (non automatic) 36kA, 50kA, 75kA F, T, TM 40 ℃, 55 ℃

J framework 100A-250A JS, JH, JN, JNY (non automatic) 36kA, 50kA, 75kA F, TM 40 ℃, 55 ℃

K frame 250A-630A KS, KH, KN, KNY (non automatic) 36kA, 50kA, 100kA F, TM 40 ℃, 55 ℃

L-frame 500A-800A LH, LHY (non automatic) 70kA TM, LSIG 40 ℃, 55 ℃

N-frame 1000A-1250A NH, NHY (non automatic) 70kA LSIG 40 ℃, 55 ℃

（2） Typical Series Details

G Framework (16-125A): Suitable for small current circuit protection, cable cross-section 3-95mm ², size (H × W × D) 130 × 25 × 76.8mm (1P), weight 0.3kg-0.9kg, supports DIN rail installation, connects miniature circuit breakers with industrial grade plastic case circuit breakers.

K frame (250-630A): Short circuit breaking capacity up to 100kA, cable cross-section 95-500mm ², size 257 × 140 × 108mm (3P), weight 4.1kg-5.8kg, supports busbar connection, suitable for industrial heavy-duty circuit protection.

N-frame (1000-1250A): Electronic Release (LSIG), size 406 × 210 × 140mm (3P), weight 21.3kg-28.3kg, pull-out installation, used for incoming line protection of large distribution systems.

Installation and connection method

（1） Installation type

Fixed: All frames are supported and directly fixed to the distribution board, making installation convenient.

Plug in: F/J/K/L/N frame adaptation, front side disassembly is achieved through plug-in adapters for easy maintenance.

Pull out type: J/K/L/N frame adaptation, including movable mechanism and fixed cassette, supporting circuit breaker pull out maintenance without affecting the main circuit.

（2） Connection specifications

Frame number connection method, cable cross-section

G-frame cable connection 3-95mm ²

F-frame cable connection 2.5-150mm ²

J-frame cable/busbar connection 50-185mm ²

K frame cable/busbar connection 120-500mm ²

L/N frame busbar connection 95-500mm ²

Core accessory system

Accessory Type Function Description Adaptation Framework

Auxiliary switch 1NO+1NC conversion contact, used for signal feedback of the entire frame

Shunt Trip remote control circuit breaker opening, supporting AC/DC voltage full frame

Undervoltage Release automatically opens when the voltage is insufficient, protecting the entire equipment frame

Padlockable Handle locks the ON/OFF position to prevent accidental operation of the entire frame

Pull out cassette specifically designed for pull-out installation, including secondary terminal block J/K/L/N frame

Electric opening and closing of motor operating mechanism, supporting local/remote operation of the entire framework

Plug in adapter for plug-in installation, simplifying disassembly of F/J/K/L/N frames

Rotate the handle mechanism to change the direction of operation and adapt to the installation of the entire cabinet door frame

Key performance characteristics

release characteristics

Overload tripping: The thermal magnetic type generates heat through bimetallic plates, while the electronic type detects current through electronic components; Adjustable thermal release range 0.7-1.0In.

Short circuit release: Magnetic release fixed 5In or adjustable 5-10In, instantaneous breaking time ≤ 0.1s.

Ground fault protection: The electronic LSIG release supports ground fault detection and tripping.

environmental adaptability

Temperature adaptation: The 40 ℃ series operates at full load at an ambient temperature of 40 ℃, while the 55 ℃ series is suitable for high temperature scenarios.

Mechanical/electrical lifespan: Mechanical lifespan is 7000-14000 cycles, electrical lifespan is 2000 cycles (In, 415V AC).

safety protection

Insulation protection: The creepage distance and electrical clearance comply with IEC standards, and the terminal protection cover reaches IP30 level.

Reliability of breaking: After short circuit breaking, it can be repeatedly closed, Ics=70%-100% Icu， Ensure that it can still be used normally after disconnection.

Core accessory system

The HC series provides a complete field adaptation accessory system, which is easy to install, safe and reliable, and can meet diverse needs such as remote control, signal feedback, and safety locking

Accessory category, specific type, functional description, adaptation framework

Signal feedback auxiliary switch 1NO+1NC conversion contact, used for the full frame of signal feedback for opening/closing status

Alarm switch 1NO contact, output alarm signal when fault trips, full frame

Remote control type shunt release device for remote control of circuit breaker opening, supporting AC/DC multi voltage level full frame

When the voltage of the undervoltage release is insufficient, it automatically opens to protect the equipment from undervoltage damage to the entire frame

Electric opening and closing of motor operating mechanism, supporting local/remote switching operation, with ON/OFF/TRIPPED status indication full frame

The safety lock type padlock handle locks the ON/OFF position to prevent accidental operation, and can hang 3 padlocks (6mm lock tongue) on the entire frame

Install auxiliary plug-in adapters to simplify plug-in installation, including line/load end adapters and installation board F/J/K/L/N frames

Pull out cassette, specifically designed for pull-out installation, includes a secondary terminal block and automatically opens J/K/L/N frame when pulled out

Operation auxiliary rotating handle mechanism for changing operation direction, suitable for cabinet door installation, with a shaft length of 290mm and a full frame

Protective terminal cover with anti misoperation design, reaching IP30 protection level, including short/long specifications for the entire frame

Maintenance and upkeep system

（1） Maintenance cycle and core projects

Key operational points for core projects in the maintenance cycle

Daily appearance inspection+status confirmation check: The appearance of the circuit breaker is free of damage and rust, and the handle position is consistent with the operating status

Weekly current/temperature monitoring records three-phase operating current to ensure no overload; Use an infrared thermometer to measure the terminal temperature. A temperature of ≤ 70 ℃ is considered normal

Mechanical operation inspection+manual opening and closing of terminals 3-5 times per month, with flexible and non jamming movements; Tighten the terminal bolts to prevent loosening and overheating

Insulation resistance testing should be conducted quarterly using a 500VDC megohmmeter to measure insulation resistance, which should be ≥ 100M Ω (calibrated at 40 ℃)

Annual comprehensive functional testing simulates overload and short circuit conditions to verify the reliability of the tripping mechanism action; Check the function of accessories (auxiliary switch, release)

Thoroughly maintain and clean the dust inside the circuit breaker every 3 years; Check the status of bimetallic strips/electronic components and replace them if necessary; Replace aging parts

（2） Key component maintenance details

Maintenance of the release mechanism:

Thermal magnetic type: Regularly clean the dust on the surface of the bimetallic sheet to avoid affecting heat conduction; Check that the magnetic release mechanism is not stuck and operates flexibly.

Electronic: Keep electronic components dry to avoid condensation damage; Regularly verify the tripping accuracy to ensure accurate protection.

Terminal maintenance: Regularly tighten the terminal bolts, especially the copper aluminum conductor connection parts, to prevent oxidation from increasing contact resistance and overheating overload.

Accessory maintenance: Regularly test the reliability of the action of the shunt/undervoltage release device; Clean the contacts of the auxiliary switch to ensure accurate signal feedback; The motor operating mechanism was checked for loose wiring terminals and no abnormal noise during operation.

Environmental maintenance: Keep the installation environment of the circuit breaker dry and ventilated, and avoid the accumulation of dust and oil stains; Strengthen heat dissipation measures in high temperature environments to ensure that equipment operates within the rated temperature range.

Selection Guide and Application Scenarios

（1） Selection core logic

Current matching: Select the rated current of the circuit breaker based on 1.2 times the rated current of the load, ensuring that there is overload redundancy (such as selecting a 63A circuit breaker for a 50A load).

Breaking capacity matching: Select the breaking capacity based on the level of short-circuit current in the distribution system (such as workshop short-circuit current of 30kA, select models with breaking capacity ≥ 36kA).

Buckling type matching: Choose F-type for load stability, T/TM type for load fluctuation, and LSIG type for precision equipment/important loads.

Installation method matching: Choose fixed type for compact space, insert type for regular maintenance, and pull-out type for important circuits.

Environmental adaptation: Select the 55 ℃ series for high temperature scenarios and the 40 ℃ series for normal scenarios; Strengthen protection in humid environments and choose models with terminal protective covers.

（2） Typical application scenarios

Residential and commercial buildings: G/F frame (16-160A), fixed installation, F/T type release, used for circuit protection of lighting, sockets, air conditioning, etc.

Small and medium-sized industries: J/K frame (100-630A), plug-in installation, TM type release, suitable for power distribution of equipment such as water pumps, fans, and machine tools.

Large industrial and distribution stations: L/N frame (500-1250A), pull-out installation, LSIG type trip, used for factory main incoming lines, distribution busbars, and large motor protection.

Special scenarios: Select 55 ℃ series for high-temperature workshops, LSIG electronic (including grounding protection) for precision electronic equipment, and protective accessories for outdoor distribution boxes.