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In response to the question “What’s the difference between standards IEC 60898-1 and IEC 60947-2?”, I’m tending to answer with another question: What do they have in common? They are both standards that specify requirements for low-voltage circuit breakers. Is there more in common than different? Let’s look into it.
What is the IEC 60898 standard?
The IEC 60898 standard, is a globally recognized blueprint for the design, construction, and performance of low-voltage circuit breakers. These circuit breakers, affectionately known as Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs), are the unsung heroes of our homes, offices, and shops, ensuring our safety and the smooth operation of our electrical systems.
What is the IEC 60947 standard?
IEC 60947 encompasses a comprehensive range of standards that are directly applicable to low-voltage switchgear and control gear, which includes circuit breakers. It provides a broader scope of circuit breakers utilized in industrial applications as compared to IEC 60898, making it a valuable reference for those involved in industrial electrical systems.
Which one is for homes, which one is for industry?
IEC 60947-2 governs circuit breakers (CBs) for industrial applications. They protect electrical power distribution of up to 1000 volts a.c. and 1500 volts d.c. with an entire spectrum of rated currents from 0,5 to 6300A. Utilities and manufacturing facilities often use air circuit breakers (ACBs), molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs), and miniature circuit breakers (MCBs)
IEC 60898-1 relates to a.c. low-voltage circuit breakers for household and similar applications– also known as MCBs (miniature circuit breakers)– which we find in homes, schools, shops, and office electrical distribution switchboards. The standard states that the maximum rated current is 125A, while the lowest is a few amps, and the maximum value of rated short-circuit capacity (Icn) is 25kA. Those basic tech specs alone tell us just how different the use of circuit breakers (CBs) are as defined by the two standards.
What is the IEC standard for circuit breakers?
Both standards specify requirements for low-voltage circuit breakers. The primary IEC standard governing circuit breakers is IEC 60898. It outlines the performance criteria for low-voltage circuit breakers utilized in a range of applications such as power distribution and motor control. On the other hand, when it comes to industrial settings, IEC 60947 provides a more extensive array of standards tailored to various circuit breaker types, clearly differentiating the two standards and their respective applications.
Many more differences between IEC 60898-1 and IEC 60947-2?
Yes. The rated voltage currently required in industrial use CBs is 400 V, 440 V, 690 volts, or higher values up to 1000 V. Compare those numbers to the usual value 230V/400 V for residential MCBs. Reference ambient temperature is 30°C for households. The same goes for impulse withstand voltage (Uimp), IEC 60898-1 requires 4kV, in line with the use for final circuits. Whereas for industrial circuit breakers, the usual values of Uimp are 6 or 8kV, in line with the position of the circuit breaker at the origin of the installation.
Who often confuses the two standards and how?
Oftentimes users confuse the standards – particularly “prescribers” e.g., those people who draw up specifications in invitations to tender. Utility procurement managers can also get things wrong. As to how they mix up the standards, I can’t say for certain. But happen it does.
The history of standard IEC 60947 may have something to do with it. The concept behind it evolved in the 1970s-80s when it was a single standard for all low-voltage switchgear. That notion, combined with a lack of knowledge or technical expertise, may have led to the misconception that there is only one standard for all CBs. Of course, it wouldn’t matter so much if people thought it was IEC 60947-2.
Can IEC 60898-1 be used instead of IEC 60947-2?
No. Consequences can be serious if residential CBs are used instead of industrial ones. An MCB designed for indoor, pollution degree 2 conditions would be inadequate for harsh, outdoor applications that require pollution degree 3.
Or take the tripping characteristics: IEC 60898-1 clearly describes B, C, and D curves with ratio to rated current, while in IEC 60947-2 the instantaneous tripping release may be adjustable according to the need of the user, or pre-defined by the manufacturer, with ±20% tolerance. This is the reason why manufacturers additionally provide a wide scope of different curves: K, Z, MA.
Typically IEC 60898-1 certified circuit breakers meet required performance to prove proper protection of household installations: Pollution degree 2, impulse voltage 4kV, isolation voltage is the same as nominal voltage 400V. Also, the requirements of this standard are adapted for non-technical users which is why limited technical information is printed in detail on CBs.
Where should IEC 60898-1 certified CBs be used?
These certified CBs are intended for indoor use, and under pollution and humidity-free conditions: households or similar installations where overcurrent protection will not likely be maintained by unskilled users. In other words – in the final distribution electrical switchboards of buildings in which the nominal current does not exceed 125A. Usually, these circuit breakers are sold by electrical retailers: they are simple to install, safe, and easy to use even after many years without maintenance.
The most suitable solution is for MCBs that are certified by both IEC standards since their performance meets requirements for use in residential installations and is high enough for use in industry and infrastructure applications. Due to the high level of protection performance of these CBs, they should be used at least for the incoming electrical switchboards in buildings applications.
I can say is that mix-ups of standards happen. The ideal way to avoid them is with tightly worded and highly enforced national regulations. And, for prescribers to specify what CBs will be used for and then confirm that the standard governs that usage.
Have you ever mixed up the two standards? Leave us your comments below!
Conversation
praseet
11 years ago
I am from India. And I did engineering from electronics and communication in 2010. At present I am in search of job can you help me in getting job so that i can creat my future. ..
abhishek
11 years ago
Thanks for useful information!!!
Kevin Castel
11 years ago
@Praseet > Thank you for your interest in our company. You can view our current job opportunities, apply online or send a spontaneous application here: https://www2.schneider-electric.com/corporate/en/careers/jobs-with-us/jobs-with-us.page?
Good luck for your job search!
Frank Lowe
8 years ago
I am confused with two standards for the same breaker. Does it mean that the trip kA is different when the breaker is used for residential or non residential use? ICU and ICN. Also as i am new, how do i calculate my trip current ? Assuming the breaker is a 3 phase 230VAC, 63A.
jack
11 years ago
i like this
Alan Sam
11 years ago
I have never confused them yet maybe because its not much since I started working.Anyways the information was very useful and I’m sure I will need it in future.
sunil
11 years ago
Good for making Technical specification for electrical tender.
FELIX Jr.
11 years ago
INDEED , THERE WILL BE CONFUSION HERE AS MORE OFTEN THAN NOT THE IEC-60947 IS USED COMMONLY IN SPECIFYING LV SWITCHGEAR DESIGN AND IT’S COMPONENTS WHILE THE IEC-60898 IS NOT COMMONLY USED.
THIS MUST BE HIGHLITED EVEN MORE BY IEC COMMITTEE TO AVOID ERROR.
THANK YOU.
Stephen
11 years ago
I have started working in the industrial sector and am having trouble completing test certs for installations fed from panels. How do I go about working out Max Zs Values for CB’s that have so many variables. The NICEIC just say refer to manufacturer, but I cant find the information for 60947-3 mcb’s starting from 2A and also for a lot of the motor starters GV2,3 etc etc. Can anyone help?
Vladislav Tverdochleb
10 years ago
Stephen, the Max Zs value is not always published in technical guides. You should contact the technical support of Schneider Electric in your country.
Max
11 years ago
Miniature Circuit Breaker – S200 – Number
of Poles 1 – Tripping characteristic C
Can these breakers be used with an inductive load?
Vladislav Tverdochleb
10 years ago
Dear Max, you should verify the inrush current of the inductive load first.
Usually it is recommended to use D, K or MA curves MCB’s to protect inductive loads. Typically: C curve: Ii=5 to 10 In, D curve: Ii=10 to 14 In.
PAMBOS
10 years ago
Shall any where mention on BS or IEC that we need to do Field Trip Test for each MCB’s type B,C,D .We are using SCHNEIDER MCB,s and the project is for housing.
Vladislav Tverdochleb
10 years ago
IEC 60898-1 does not request field test trip to the MCB (type B, C, D)
Law WS
6 years ago
Dear Vladislav ,
How to verify MCB functioning well on site?
Ricki
10 years ago
Hi Vladislav
I work for the utility in South Africa and am researching the use of MCB’s at the PUC between the utility and an IPP.
Are AC MCB’s able to be used for DC applications? If so, What is it about the Ac rated MCB’s that makes this possible?
Regards
Ricki
Vladislav Tverdochleb
10 years ago
Hello Ricki,
Yes the standard AC MCBs can be used on DC applications.
The rating is the same in DC, there is a new magnetic threshold and voltage limitation. Detailed information you can find following the link, pages 2 and 3:
Ricki
10 years ago
Hi Vladislav
Thanks so much for the reply – very useful info.
One last question:
Are AC MCB’s polarity sensitive?
My thinking is that by nature AC signals reverse polarity each cycle and therefore it would not matter which way the MCB was wired.
Is this correct?
Vladislav Tverdochleb
10 years ago
Ricki, you are correct, there are no difference on MCB’s power supply side connection in AC applications.
mehdi-mohammadian,iran
9 years ago
hi Vladislav,
to answer to ricki comment to use of MCB in DC current. I want to ask you that. can we use all AC MCB in DC voltage? free of voltage,current or curve.
and that link is unavailable too.
Vladislav Tverdochleb
9 years ago
Dear Mehdi-Mohammadian,
DC breaking conditions are different than AC.
In order to use AC breaker in DC applications you should follow manufacturer recommendations. If such recommendations do not exist – its better to use dedicated DC offer.
mehdi-mohammadian,iran
9 years ago
I mean Schneider MCB’s. can you help me more about use of Schneider MCB in DC current. pleas send me by email.
thanks a lot.
Abdullah
10 years ago
Really very useful information. Stil…
1) Can we say it is for industrial application if a MCB manufactured as per IEC 60898 only
2) According to these standards any manufacturers could provide life time warranty. Aging of Plastic covers, degradation of Bi-metals / Springs & No calibration for a long time as if it a life time product.
Thanks
Vladislav Tverdochleb
10 years ago
Dear Abdullah,
As mentioned in the blog, MCB manufactured as per IEC 60898 to be used in residential buildings or similar applications. In industrial applications can be used breakers certified as per IEC 60947-2 or IEC 60947-2 and 60898 both.
sumedha
10 years ago
I am in search of complete MCCB test procedure with graphical explanation. Kindly let me know if it is available on the Schneider site
appreciate if Schneider can up load a youtube video
Vladislav Tverdochleb
10 years ago
Dear Sumedha,
Test procedures are explained in the mentioned standards. You can download them from official standardization bureau sites.
Amey Talekar
10 years ago
What is the difference between short circuit values mentioned in the 2 standards , Icn values in IEC60898 & Icu value in IEC60947. There is also one observation that Icu values of MCB’s as per IEC60947 are higher than Icn values of MCB as per IEC60898.
Vladislav Tverdochleb
10 years ago
Dear Amey,
If I understood your question well, the difference comes from ratio of nominal Icn and ultimate Icu breaking capacities ratio to service breaking capacity Ics. It is usually stated in percentage 100%, 75%, 50% or less. As higher this value as more “robust” breaker to withstand Ics.
Husain Alhawaj
9 years ago
How many short circuit trip MCB can make ,if Icn =10ka 898
PRATAP
10 years ago
can we use ACTI 9 XC60 series MCB’ for 440V 60HZ supply (for Mexico country)
Vladislav Tverdochleb
10 years ago
Unfortunately I have no answer for the question. I would recommend to find the answer by contacting technical support team in the country.
SAHAD
10 years ago
MCCB standard is IEC60947 and MCB is coming under IEC 947 & 898. So what is your opinion of using MCCB-947 & MCB-898 in a single distribution for a residential/commercial buildings. Also any problem occurs if using IEC898 MCB in industrial applications.
Thanks
Vladislav Tverdochleb
10 years ago
Dear Sahad, it is normal having MCCB certified as per 947 in commercial/small commercial buildings with MCB’s certified as per 898. And it is wrong to use MCB’s dedicated for domestic applications (60898) in industrial applications installations.
In any case you should pay attention on technical characteristics of devices like: Icu, Ics, Ue, Uimp, pollution degree, ect.
raj
10 years ago
Vlad,
We use Siemens breakers and they have a SCCR rating of 10KA as per IEC 60898. Under IEC 60947 they do not mention any SCCR rating . But somewhere on the breaker it says Icu 20 KA . All in all there are so many interrupting ratings that I am so confused. All I need to know is are 5SY4232 breakers 10 KA rated for industrial AC application.
Do you have DP breakers IEC certified for industrial application and 10 KA rated?
Vladislav Tverdochleb
10 years ago
Dear Raj,
1) In the product catalog you can find that range 5SY4 is only certified per EN60898-1 and EN60947-2. Unfortunately I found no value for Icu there. It has Icn=10kA only. I do not have example of the breaker to comment this point. Icu is given only for range 5SY8.
2) There are Icu=10kA MCBs certified as per IEC/EN60947-2: https://www2.schneider-electric.com/sites/corporate/en/products-services/product-launch/acti9/acti9-ic60.page
david
10 years ago
Hi im looking for an MCB with the following specs please let me know if schneider offers one;
standards IEC/EN 60898-1
protection level IP20
rated voltage and frequency 230v/400v 50hz,
rated current 63A,
break capacity of 6kva,
1P+N,
DIN rail mountable,
35mm locking clip,
thermal and magnetic trip function,
operate under curve C,
electrical life not less than 6000
mechanical life not less than 20000
Kevin
10 years ago
Dear Vlad,
I found your article is very informative and helpful
But I’m still confused in case of MCBs that have 2 condition of breaking capacity depend on which IEC that MCB comforting to
Let’s take an example of MCB iC60N
It have 6kA Icn conforming to IEC 60898-1 – 400 V AC 50/60 Hz
and 50 kA Icu conforming to IEC 60947-2 – 380…415 V AC 50/60 Hz
I am from Indonesia and we use 227 V Line to Netral / 400 V Line to Line
When I use MCB iC60N which breaking capacity I should refer to?
Vladislav Tverdochleb
10 years ago
Kevin,
You should keep it simple: residential installations – IEC60898-1, industry and commercial buildings – IEC60947-2 & – IEC60898-1.
In your given example its not exactly as you name it: for iC60N range the 50kA Icu is only for breakers in range of 0,5-4A, for the rest of the range it is 10kA.
In fact it is about the same, eg. (iC60N, 6 to 63 A, 380…415 V AC 50/60 Hz):
– as per 60898-1: Icn=6kA with Ics = 100% =>6kA
– as per 60947-2: Icu=10kA with Ics = 75% =>7,5kA
As you can see, breaker performs 7,5kA service capacity which is applicable for both standards requirements to declare.
More details you can find in my blogs about 60947-2 standard (https://blog.se.com/tag/iec-60947/)
Jonas
10 years ago
Dear Vladislav
IEC60947-2 used by MCCBs and IEC60898-1 are used by MCBs, is that correct?
Can we consider iC60 a MCCB if the application is based on IEC60947-2?
Vladislav Tverdochleb
10 years ago
Hello Jonas,
No, your statement is not correct. MCB is a miniature circuit breaker and MCCB is a molded case circuit breaker. Difference is in the breaking technology and size.
IEC60947-2 covers all the types of the breakers: MCB, MCCB, ACB
IEC60898-1 naturally covers MCB’s due to limited nominal currents and breaking capacities stated in standard (In=<125A, Icn=<25kA)
Koks
10 years ago
Hello Vlad, our customer need 10kAIC circuit breaker for Lighting / C.O. loads. Is it safe to offer the iC60n where it is 20kAIC at 230Vac,2P @ 947-2 standard and 6kAIC @ 898-1 standard?
What is the right thing to say if they questioned us why we offered 6kAIC breaker?
Vladislav Tverdochleb
10 years ago
Dear Koks,
Yes it is safe choice. iC60N 2P @230Vac during the trip has a double break effect (circuit is interrupting in 2 places, per each pole).
It means at Isc=10kA 2P breaker is much reliable and can withstand up to Icu=20kA than 1P or 1P+N breakers (Icu=10kA).
M.O
10 years ago
From your article I get that IEC 947-2 has stronger specs more than IEC 898-1 such as ( Ue , Ui , pollution degree) but how Icu for 947 ( stronger conditions ) can be greater than 898 for the same MCB
Vladislav Tverdochleb
10 years ago
Dear Mostafa, in IEC 898-1 it is mainly used definition of Icn (rated (nominal) breaking capacity) but not Icu (ultimate breaking capacity) and it makes the difference.
Following IEC 898-1 ratio between Icn and Ics (service breaking capacity) shall be:
– Icn ≤ 6 000 A – 100%
– 6 000 A < Icn ≤ 10 000 A – 75% (Minimum value of lcs: 6 000 A)
– Icn > 10 000 A – 50% (Minimum value of Ics: 7 500 A)
Masih
9 years ago
In DC MCBs, what’s the multiple between Ii & Ie?
Ii=? Ie
R.S
9 years ago
Why marking on the the MCB are only based on a IEC 60898 standard And specification of MCB according to IEC 946-2 can be seen only in the data sheet?
For example on the C60N
Vladislav Tverdochleb
8 years ago
It’s marked according both standards, please find details in other blog post:
https://blog.se.com/power-management-metering-monitoring-power-quality/2013/07/16/iec-60947-2-the-all-risk-insurance-for-circuit-breakers/
Yogesh PAtil
9 years ago
Dear sir,
I Want to know the details of IS-IS/ IEC 60898-1 9.8.5, Can you help me
Vladislav Tverdochleb
8 years ago
Hello Yogesh, you can download them from IEC official website: https://webstore.iec.ch/publication/21972
sumith
9 years ago
I need to install 10kA breaking capacity MCB
I have a MCB which shows Icn=6ka iec 60898 and Icu=10kA iec 60947
Is it OK to use it
Vladislav Tverdochleb
8 years ago
Hello Sumith,
If the field of installation is commercial buildings or industry, Icu=10kA is proper solution.
LIM FREDDIE
8 years ago
MCB IEC 898-1 :10KA, IEC60947-2:15KA. Why is IEC60947-2 is higher at 15KA. If i need a MCB IEC60898-1: 15KA, is there such product from Schneider?
Vladislav Tverdochleb
8 years ago
Hello Lim,
It is higher because of lower Icu breaking capacity ratio to service breaking capacity Ics, eg. 75% instead of 100%. In any case it will break 15kA.
If you need 15kA according 60898-1, please check with local offer available, typically it is range of C120.
LIM FREDDIE
8 years ago
Thanks for your reply. One more question regarding RCCB. The printed label on RCCB is either 6000A or 10000A. Understand that is making capacity and not Short Circuit capacity. What this 6000A or 10000A meaning. If my outgoing MCB is 10KA, them I should use a 10000A RCCB. Is this correct?
Owen Hsu
8 years ago
I have a question regarding to the same MCB but different kA rating of different standard
For example, the MCB marked 6kA @ IEC60898, and also marked 10kA @IEC60947-2, why does the manufacturer just marked 10kA@ both IEC60898 and IEC60947-2 if the testing procedure is the same C-t-CO
Sheldon
8 years ago
HI
I would like to know what have been the design and technological trend in low and medium current and high current miniature circuit breakers.
I would really appreciate any help provided.
Dmytro
8 years ago
Hi there,
We have MCCB NSX 250H with Micrologic 2.2 trip unit installed in our utility station. We would like to connect 440V HPU with star-delta starter, inrush/peak start up current is abt. 448A, FLA is abt. 198A (HPU motor has it’s own overload protection). Is this breaker fit for purpose along with Micrologic 2.2 trip unit? What will be be approximate short-time delay timing for 448A inrush?
Thanks
Pranjal pratim Mech
6 years ago
Thank you for the useful infprmation.