Short Circuit Ratings of Circuit Breakers

[Anonymous user]

At home we normally have a prospective short circuit current of <1.5KA, but still we can see in the market 6KA and 10KA breakers as standard, will there be any relook on this rating in future by IEC?

[Anonymous user]

@Anonymous user  - The short circuit level at homes vary depending on the impedance path from the transformer source. IEC 60898-1 has already defined standard short circuit levels that can be claimed like 1500A, 3000A, 4500A, 6000A, 10000A, 20000A and 25000A. The popularity of 6kA and 10kA short circuit levels are due to the market driven demand as well, though in few places the prospective short circuit levels are very much lower. 

For more information, you may refer IEC 60898-1 Cl 5.3.4 which gives these details.

Best regards,

Anilesh Kaduthanum

Senior Principal Test Expert

[Anonymous user]

In addition to Anilesh's response, every circuit breaker complying with IEC60898-1 is additionally tested for other ratings like 10In (10 times of rated current ) and 1500A  in addition to service and rated short circuit test. 

Please refer IEC60898-1 

"Short-circuit performance at 1 500 A"  clause - 9.12.11.3

"Performance at reduced short-circuit currents " Clause 9.12.11.2.1

Regards

Rachna Verma