The GFCI function, included in a circuit breaker, provides ground-fault security for individuals and it has amount of unique marking and instruction needs.
Test function –The GFCI has a test function that will require action upon installation as well as on a basis that is monthly. GFCI circuit breakers will need to have a test switch or switch that really must be labeled in an area available without removing trims or covers to be able to facilitate month-to-month screening.
“Class A”–A that is marking“Class ground-fault unit is supposed to guard individuals. The Class A marking shows that the journey limit of this GFCI is between 4 mA and 6 mA. This marking may be in almost any location except the rear.
Guidelines –All GFCI circuit breakers must consist of directions for the installer plus guidelines in the utilization of the test function. A hangtag or label that is self-adhesive additionally be supplied, instructing an individual to try the GFCI at the very least month-to-month. Inspectors should always check to note that the label or label happens to be precisely set up.
Ground-Fault Protection for Equipment
Circuit breakers could also incorporate a ground-fault security for equipment (GFPE) work that, like GFCIs, has a wide range of unique marking and instruction demands.
Test function –GFPE circuit breakers could have a test switch or switch that could be labeled in a place accessible without getting rid of trims or covers so that you can facilitate assessment.
Trip level –GFPE circuit breakers should be marked making use of their journey limit in milliamperes in a spot available without eliminating trims or covers.
Guidelines GFPE that is–All circuit must add guidelines for the installer.
Circuit breakers may include arc-fault protection also (AFCI) that, like GFCIs, has also a amount of unique marking and instruction demands.
Unit identification–AFCIs must also appropriately be identified. Branch/feeder or blend kind AFCIs must certanly be therefore marked in an area noticeable if the trims or covers are eliminated. This will be a marking that is important note even as we transfer to 2008, asNEC-2005 requires mix AFCIs in rooms effective January 1, 2008 (NEC 210.12).
Test function –AFCI circuit breakers should have a test switch or switch that really must be labeled in a place available without getting rid of trims or covers to be able to facilitate evaluating.
Directions –All AFCI circuit breakers must add directions for the installer.
Circuit Breaker Markings Ensure A safe Electrical Installation
Picture 4. Special marking
So just why are typical among these markings on circuit breakers? Without them, it might be extremely difficult to set up or examine an installation when it comes to appropriate performance reviews and fundamental electric connections. When making or completing an installation, key what to review are:
1. Will be the voltage, constant present, and interrupting ratings appropriate for the application form?
2. Does the application form require SWD or HID ranks?
3. Could instabang review be the cable size and type suitable for the circuit breaker?
4. Could be the circuit breaker suited to the apparatus by which it’s set up? Have actually other protective functions such as GFCI or AFCI been supplied as needed by the NEC?
5. May be the heat score of this circuit breaker ideal for the application form?
The UL Marking Guide for Molded Case Circuit Breakers is a resource that is valuable realize circuit breaker markings that will further explain these as well as other markings at length. When you have questions regarding CB markings maybe not answered here, consult the Marking Guide or the manufacturer to help in a installation that is NEC-compliant.
Ed Larsen
Ed Larsen is a business criteria supervisor for Schneider Electrical United States Of America and it is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He could be accountable for overcurrent device that is protective engine control product requirements and holds BS and MS degrees through the Milwaukee class of Engineering. He’s been a worker of Square D/Schneider Electrical for 40 years as a credit card applicatoin engineer, advertising supervisor, item manager and engineering manager for control items and circuit breakers. Ed has authored articles and documents and sometimes talks on different item code-compliance and application subjects. He could be a part of several industry committees that are technical NEC Code-Making Panels 2 and 11.