Naming Rules for Electronic Molded Case Circuit Breaker Models (e.g., CM3E, NSX E)

06-06 2025

Naming Rules for Electronic Molded Case Circuit Breaker Models (e.g., CM3E, NSX E)


Electronic molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) models follow standardized naming conventions that encode key technical parameters, features, and manufacturer-specific designations. While rules vary slightly between manufacturers, they typically include product series, current rating, pole configuration, protection type, and special features. Below is a detailed breakdown using examples like CM3E (CHINT) and NSX E (Schneider Electric):

1. Manufacturer Prefix and Product Series

The first part of the model name usually identifies the manufacturer and product series, indicating the design platform or generation of the MCCB.


  • Example 1: CM3E (CHINT)

    • C: Brand prefix (CHINT).

    • M: Product category (Molded Case Circuit Breaker).

    • 3: Series number (3rd generation or specific product line).

  • Example 2: NSX E (Schneider Electric)

    • NSX: Product series name (a flagship MCCB line by Schneider).

    • E: Denotes "Electronic" trip unit (as opposed to thermal-magnetic).


Common Manufacturer Prefixes:


  • ABB: Tmax (e.g., T5N160E: T5 series, N=breaking capacity, 160A, E=electronic).

  • Siemens: 3VA (e.g., 3VA9630: part of the Sitop series).

  • Eaton: XN (e.g., XN250E: XN series, 250A, E=electronic).

2. Current Rating and Breaking Capacity

The model often includes numbers specifying the rated current (In) and short-circuit breaking capacity (Icu).


  • Example: CM3E-100/3300

    • 100: Rated current (100A).

    • 3: Pole count (3P for three-phase).

    • 300: Breaking capacity or protection features (varies by manufacturer; e.g., "300" may indicate thermal-magnetic trip, but "E" specifies electronic).

  • Example: NSX E 160N

    • 160: Rated current (160A).

    • N: Breaking capacity (e.g., N=36kA, H=50kA, L=100kA in Schneider’s NSX series).


Key Symbols for Breaking Capacity:


  • N: Normal (e.g., 36kA at 400V).

  • H: High (e.g., 50kA–70kA).

  • L: Low (e.g., 18kA for residential use).

3. Pole Configuration and Protection Type

Model codes specify the number of poles (1P, 2P, 3P, 4P) and protection functions (e.g., electronic trip, 漏电 protection [earth leakage]).


  • Example: DZ47E-63/2P+N

    • DZ47: Product series (common in Chinese manufacturers).

    • E: Electronic trip unit.

    • 63: Rated current (63A).

    • 2P+N: Two poles plus neutral (for single-phase with neutral).

  • Example: Tmax T4E 250 PR221DS-LSIG

    • T4: Frame size (accommodates up to 250A).

    • E: Electronic trip unit (PR221DS).

    • LSIG: Protection functions (L=overload, S=short circuit, I=instantaneous, G=ground fault).


Common Protection Type Codes:


  • E or ELE: Electronic trip unit (e.g., CM3E, DZ158E).

  • LE or 30: Earth leakage protection (e.g., DZ47LE, NSX 160LE).

  • S or SI: Selective coordination (e.g., Tmax T5S).

4. Special Features and Accessories

Additional suffixes or letters indicate optional features or accessories integrated into the MCCB.


  • Example: NSX E 250 F TM25D

    • F: Flush-mounted or frame type.

    • TM25D: Electronic trip unit with specific functions (e.g., thermal-magnetic with digital display).

  • Example: CM3E-225M/4300B

    • M: High breaking capacity (e.g., 70kA).

    • 4: 4 poles.

    • 300B: Basic electronic protection (no communication).


Common Feature Codes:


  • M: High breaking capacity (e.g., "M" for "Maximum").

  • H: Hybrid (solid-state + mechanical).

  • C: Communication module (e.g., Modbus, Profibus).

  • D: Digital display or diagnostic functions.

5. Regional and Manufacturer-Specific Variations

Chinese Manufacturers (e.g., CHINT, DELIXI)

  • CM3E:

    • C: CHINT.

    • M3: 3rd generation MCCB.

    • E: Electronic trip unit.

    • Suffixes: Current rating (e.g., CM3E-630 = 630A).

  • DZ158E:

    • DZ: Low-voltage circuit breaker.

    • 158: Product series.

    • E: Electronic.

International Manufacturers (e.g., Schneider, ABB)

  • Schneider NSX E:

    • NSX: Series name (New System eXtended).

    • E: Electronic trip (vs. "TM" for thermal-magnetic).

    • Example: NSX E 400H = 400A, high breaking capacity (H=70kA).

  • ABB Tmax T5E:

    • T5: Frame size (up to 630A).

    • E: Electronic trip unit (PR223DS).

6. Decoding a Complex Model: ABB Tmax T4E160 PR222DS-LSIG

  1. Tmax: Product series (ABB’s premium MCCB line).

  2. T4: Frame size (accommodates 160A–250A).

  3. E: Electronic trip unit.

  4. 160: Rated current (160A).

  5. PR222DS: Trip unit model (PR=Protection Relay, 222=advanced electronic, DS=distributed system).

  6. LSIG: Protection functions:

    • L: Long-time (overload) protection.

    • S: Short-time (delayed short circuit).

    • I: Instantaneous short-circuit protection.

    • G: Ground fault protection.

Key Takeaways for Model Decoding

  1. Manufacturer Series: Identifies the product line and design heritage (e.g., NSX, Tmax).

  2. Current and Breaking Capacity: Numbers and letters specify In (rated current) and Icu (short-circuit rating).

  3. Trip Unit TypeE = electronic; TM = thermal-magnetic; LE = with earth leakage.

  4. Pole Count: 1P, 2P, 3P, or 4P (including neutral).

  5. Special Features: Suffixes for communication (C), high capacity (M/H), or digital functions (D).


By understanding these conventions, engineers can quickly identify an MCCB’s capabilities, ensuring proper selection for applications in residential, commercial, or industrial systems. Always refer to the manufacturer’s technical documentation for precise model specifications.


Zhejiang Huile Electric Co., Ltd