If you need a circuit breaker for your electrical system but are unsure exactly what you should be looking for, you need to read Electrical Power and Control’s new guide to understanding circuit breaker catalog numbers.
Electrical Power and Control has published a new guide to help you find and understand catalog numbers on Square D circuit breakers. The guide explains the significance of each character in the catalog number, from its frame type to its voltage class, and it covers key considerations when choosing a circuit breaker for your electrical system setup. By the time you've finished reading, you should be able to find the perfect breaker for your application!
Educate yourself on circuit breakers and their catalog numbers by visiting
Finding the catalog number on a circuit breaker is, in fact, fairly simple. On most models, it is directly to the left of the operator switch, just below the amperage rating. It's usually a combination of letters and numbers spanning eight characters. The example Electrical Power and Control provides is — FAL36020.
“The first character in a catalog number indicates the frame type, which determines how the circuit breaker will fit into your application,” explained a company spokesperson. “The second and third characters represent the interrupting capacity and lug configuration of the breaker. In most cases, these first three characters are all letters.”
The fourth and fifth characters, which are always digits, indicate the number of poles and the voltage class of the breaker. The fourth character will either be a 1, 2, or 3, while the fifth character indicates voltage: a 6 for 600 volts, a 4 for 480 volts, or a 2 for 240 volts.
The last three characters — six, seven, and eight — make up a three-digit number that specifies the frame’s amperage rating. Electrical Power and Control notes that this number is the most important in the sequence as it indicates the maximum current the breaker can safely carry without tripping.
When selecting a circuit breaker, Electrical Power and Control recommends you know the dimensions and mounting configuration of your application, what interrupting capacity and lug configuration are required, how many poles are needed, and what voltage class and amperage rating are compatible with your system.
“With a little knowledge, you can make informed choices that ensure the safety and efficiency of your electrical system,” said the spokesperson. “By following the practices outlined in our guide, you can be confident in your selection and maximize the performance and longevity of your circuit breaker.”
Understanding the catalog number and its components is the most surefire way of knowing that the model you're considering will be compatible with your system. Go to https://electricalpowerandcontrol.com/circuit-breaker-catalog-numbers-explained today and let Electrical Power and Control help you find the circuit breaker you're looking for!
