| International / IEC-based projects | IEC 60947-2
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear — Circuit-breakers | Commonly 230/400 V AC, 400/415 V AC, 690 V AC, and up to 1,000 V AC for applicable equipment.
DC ratings require separate verification. | Commonly 16–1,600 A for MCCB product families.
The actual rating depends on the frame size, trip unit, ambient temperature, and installation method. | Common Icu ranges include 18–100 kA at 400/415 V AC.
Higher values may be available for specific frame sizes and voltage levels. | 2P, 3P, and 4P are common.
Four-pole versions may use a switched or solid neutral, subject to the design. | Confirm Ue, Ui, Uimp, Icu, Ics, utilization category, and terminal configuration against the project specification. |
| European Union and EEA | IEC/EN 60947-2
Applied with the relevant European conformity requirements | Typical LV distribution ratings are 400/415 V AC and 690 V AC.
Equipment rated above 1,000 V AC is outside the normal LV MCCB scope. | Approximately 16–1,600 A is common for molded-case construction.
Continuous-current derating may apply inside switchboards. | Typical project requirements range from 25 kA to 70 kA at 400/415 V AC.
The required value must be based on the calculated prospective fault current. | 3P and 4P are widely used in three-phase systems; 2P is used for selected single-phase applications. | Check the applicable Low Voltage Directive requirements, technical documentation, declaration of conformity, CE marking where applicable, and coordination with upstream and downstream protective devices. |
| United Kingdom | BS EN 60947-2
National adoption of the IEC/EN circuit-breaker standard | Common system voltages include 230/400 V AC and 690 V AC.
Verify the marked service voltage for each installation. | Commonly 16–1,600 A, depending on frame size and application. | Typical values include 25 kA, 36 kA, 50 kA, and 70 kA at specified operating voltages. | 3P and 4P are typical for commercial and industrial distribution. | Confirm the applicable UK conformity route, product marking, declaration, type-test evidence, installation regulations, and discrimination requirements. |
| United States and Canada | UL 489 for molded-case circuit breakers
CSA C22.2 No. 5 for Canadian applications | Common distribution ratings include 120/240 V AC, 240 V AC, 480 V AC, and 600 V AC.
The exact voltage must match the product marking and system configuration. | Commonly 15–1,200 A for molded-case product ranges, with higher ratings available in selected product constructions. | Common interrupting ratings include 10 kA, 18 kA, 25 kA, 35 kA, 50 kA, and 65 kA at the specified voltage. | 2-pole and 3-pole devices are common; 4-pole versions are used where a switched neutral is required. | Verify the certification mark accepted by the authority having jurisdiction, SCCR requirements, voltage rating, interrupting rating, wire range, enclosure suitability, and applicable installation code. |
| China | GB/T 14048.2
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear — Circuit-breakers | Commonly 400/415 V AC and 690 V AC for industrial distribution equipment. | Commonly 16–1,600 A, subject to product design and temperature-rise limits. | Typical Icu values include 25–70 kA at 400/415 V AC, depending on the frame and test configuration. | 2P, 3P, and 4P configurations are available for different distribution arrangements. | Confirm the required Chinese conformity and certification pathway, rated operational voltage, breaking capacity, trip characteristics, and local project acceptance requirements. |
| Australia and New Zealand | AS/NZS 60947.2
Circuit-breakers for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear | Typical systems use 230/400 V AC and 400/415 V AC.
Industrial systems may use higher rated voltages where permitted by the equipment. | Commonly 16–1,600 A for MCCB families. | Typical project values include 25 kA, 36 kA, 50 kA, and 70 kA at the specified voltage. | 2P, 3P, and 4P devices are commonly specified. | Check the required RCM pathway, installation rules, switchboard assembly requirements, derating factors, and coordination with local network conditions. |
| Japan | JIS C 8201-2-1
Circuit-breakers for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear | Typical low-voltage distribution systems include 200 V, 400 V, and 415 V AC, depending on the facility and supply arrangement. | Commonly 16–1,600 A for industrial molded-case applications. | Select from the tested interrupting-capacity values stated for the product at the applicable voltage and frequency. | 2P, 3P, and 4P configurations are used according to system design. | Confirm JIS conformity, 50/60 Hz suitability, local electrical installation requirements, terminal dimensions, and the specified short-circuit current. |
| Middle East and Africa | Usually IEC 60947-2 or the project-designated national adoption | Commonly 400/415 V AC at 50 Hz for low-voltage distribution systems. | Approximately 16–1,600 A is common for commercial and industrial applications. | Frequently specified at 25–50 kA for standard distribution, with 65–100 kA selected for high-fault-level installations. | 3P and 4P are widely used; 2P is selected for suitable single-phase circuits. | Account for high ambient temperature, dust, altitude, enclosure protection, emergency-power arrangements, and the authority or consultant’s approved standard list. |
| Renewable energy and DC applications | IEC 60947-2 may apply where the MCCB is specifically designed and tested for the intended DC application. | DC voltage ratings vary significantly; common equipment ratings may include 250 V DC, 500 V DC, 750 V DC, or 1,000 V DC. | Commonly 16–1,600 A, but the usable rating depends on the number of poles connected in series and the thermal design. | DC breaking capacity is normally lower or different from the AC value and must be taken directly from the product test data. | 2P, 3P, and 4P arrangements may be required to achieve the specified DC voltage and isolation function. | Never substitute an AC-only MCCB for a DC application. Verify polarity, arc-extinguishing design, isolation distance, DC Icu, energy-storage fault current, and system grounding method. |
| Why MCCB is suitable for global projects | Multi-standard product selection can support different national approval routes when the product has the required test evidence. | A broad range of AC and selected DC voltage ratings supports building, industrial, infrastructure, and energy projects. | Adjustable trip units and multiple frame sizes allow protection to be coordinated with a wide range of feeder and equipment loads. | High interrupting-capacity options help address different prospective short-circuit levels without changing the basic protection concept. | Flexible pole configurations support single-phase, three-phase, switched-neutral, and isolation requirements. | Final selection should be based on the governing standard, local certification, load current, fault current, voltage, frequency, ambient conditions, enclosure, coordination study, and installation rules. |
