Disjoncteur magnétothermique C120N-C80-2 C 80A bipolaire A9N18361

Protection of high-current circuits in industrial and commercial installations

This device is a 2-pole circuit breaker from the C120N series, designed to operate in circuits requiring protection at a rated current of 80 A. Its main task is to automatically disconnect the power in the event of an overload or short circuit, protecting connected loads and cabling from damage. Thanks to its Type C tripping characteristic, the device exhibits a delayed response to short-term current spikes, making it an ideal choice for circuits supplying inductive devices, such as motors or transformers, which generate higher currents during startup than in a steady state.

High breaking capacity is a key feature of this model in industrial applications. The breaker guarantees safe disconnection of the circuit even during short circuits with currents up to 10 kA (according to EN 60898-1) and has a short-circuit withstand capacity Icu of 20 kA at a voltage of 230 V (according to IEC 60947-2). This level of parameters allows for the installation of the device directly near power sources or in main switchboards, where the risk of high short-circuit currents is real. Energy limiting class 3 ensures rapid extinction of the electric arc, minimizing thermal and dynamic effects on the installation.

Installation, compatibility, and operating conditions

Installation is standard on a DIN rail, which facilitates quick mounting in modular switchboards. The width of the device is 3 modules (approx. 54 mm), and the mounting depth is 44 mm – these dimensions must be taken into account when designing the dimensions of the distribution cabinet. The device supports conductors with a cross-section from 1 to 50 mm² (depending on the type of core), providing great flexibility when selecting cabling for such a large rated current. It is worth noting that this model features a function for simultaneous disconnection of both poles, which is required in many industrial applications to ensure full circuit isolation.

The device is adapted to work in a wide range of ambient temperatures: from -25 °C to +70 °C, allowing its use in unheated production halls or technical rooms with difficult thermal conditions. The IP20 protection rating protects against access to live parts by fingers or tools with a diameter greater than 12 mm, but requires installation in a closed switchboard enclosure. The rated insulation voltage is 500 V, and the impulse withstand voltage (Uimp) reaches 6 kV, ensuring safety in networks exposed to atmospheric or switching surges.

Key benefits and practical applications

For the installer and end user, the most important aspects are not just the raw technical data, but their translation into system reliability:

• Protection of motors and inductive devices: The C characteristic allows avoiding nuisance tripping during motor startup, which draws a temporarily high current (up to 5-10 times higher than the rated current).
• Safety during short circuits: The ability to safely disconnect a short-circuit current of up to 10 kA means that even in the event of a serious installation failure, the breaker will not seize or cause a fire due to an electric arc.
• Expandability: The device has the possibility of additional equipment (e.g., auxiliary or alarm contacts), allowing integration with remote monitoring systems of the installation status without the need to replace the entire module.
• Compliance with standards: Certification according to EN 60898-1 and EN/IEC 60947-2 confirms suitability for both residential applications (for large loads) as well as commercial and industrial ones.

Summarizing the key operational data: the device operates at a rated voltage of up to 415 V AC and requires mounting on a DIN rail, occupying a width of three modules. The cross-section of connected single-core conductors can reach up to 50 mm², and multi-core up to 35 mm². The operating temperature range includes values from -25 °C to +70 °C, making it resistant to the difficult environmental conditions typical of production halls. The entire unit protects the circuit bipolarly with simultaneous disconnection of the phases and the neutral pole (if present), ensuring full isolation during service or failure.

This device is a solid component of the Acti9 system from Schneider Electric, combining high short-circuit performance with precise overload protection necessary in modern electrical installations with increased power requirements.