ANSI C37.

16-2000

American National Standard

Low-Voltage Power
Circuit Breakers and AC Power
Circuit Protectors
Preferred Ratings, Related
Requirements, and Application
Recommendations

Approved 05/19/00

American National Standards Institute, Inc.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

3 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5997, USA
Copyright 2003 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
Print:
PDF:

ISBN 0-7381-3598-4
ISBN 0-7381-3599-2

SH95095
SS95095

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page i

American
National
Standard

Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by ANSI that

the requirements for due process, consensus, and other criteria for approval
have been met by the standards developer.
Consensus is established when, in the judgment of the ANSI Board of
Standards Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly and
materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much more than a
simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires that all
views and objections be considered, and that a concerted effort be made
toward their resolution.
The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary; their
existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether he has approved
the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or using
products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the standards.
The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards and will
in no circumstances give an interpretation of any American National Standard.
Moreover, no person shall have the right or authority to issue an interpretation
of an American National Standard in the name of the American National
Standards Institute. Requests for interpretations should be addressed to the
secretariat or sponsor whose name appears on the title page of this standard.
CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised or
withdrawn at any time. The procedures of the American National Standards
Institute require that action be taken periodically to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw
this standard. Purchasers of American National Standards may receive current
information on all standards by calling or writing the American National
Standards Institute.

Published by
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
1300 N. 17th Street, Rosslyn, Virginia 22209

Copyright 2000 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. All rights including translation into
other languages, reserved under the Universal Copyright Convention, the Berne Convention or the
Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, and the International and Pan American Copyright Conventions.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any

form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise,
without prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page iii

FOREWORD

(This foreword is not part of American National Standard C37.16-2000.)

This standard has been revised to include a 5000 Ampere frame size in tables 1 through 5 and tables 22A
and 22B for low-voltage AC power circuit breakers. In addition, both 1000 volt and 1200 volt ratings for
DC breakers in tables 11, 11a, and 12 are now included, since both ratings of breakers are now available.
The titles of tables 11 and 12 have been clarified to differentiate between heavy duty and light duty
applications.
The 1997 version was revised to reflect industry trends such as deleting the 225 ampere frame size
throughout since it is not utilized any longer; adding a 2000 ampere frame size fused circuit breaker
(Tables 17 and 19, Line 4) which is now available; incorporating the C37.16a-1994 DC circuit breaker
Tables 8, 9, 10, 11, 11A and 12, which correlated with C37.14-1992; and incorporating the electronic trip
device ratings.
This standard was first published by the American Standards Association (now the American National
Standards Institute) in 1956, using material developed by the National Electrical Manufacturers
Association (NEMA).
Reference should be made to the appropriate American National Standards for service conditions,
definitions, ratings, temperature limitations, classes of insulating material, nameplate markings, dielectricwithstand requirements, test requirements, and application standards.
American National Standards are subject to periodic review. Users are cautioned to secure the latest
edition. Suggestions for improvement of this standard will be welcome. They should be
sent to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, 1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1847, Rosslyn, VA
22209.
This standard was processed and approved for submittal to ANSI by the Accredited Standards Committee
on Power Switchgear, C37. Committee approval of the standard does not necessarily imply that all
committee members voted for its approval. At the time this standard was approved, the C37 Committee
had the following members:
E. Byron, Chairman
A.K. McCabe, Executive Vice-Chairman, HV Standards
J. Scott, Executive Vice-Chairman, LV Standards
D.L. Swindler, Executive Vice-Chairman, IEC Activities
M. Calwise, Secretary
Organizations Represented

Name of Representative

Electric Light and Power Group ..................................................... D.E. Galicia

J.L. Koepfinger
G.J. Martuscello
Y. Musa
E. Worland
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers............................ T. Burse
K. Gray
A. Monroe
B. Puckett
T.E. Royster
R. Garzon (Alt)
J.G. Wood (Alt)

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page iv
National Electrical Manufacturers Association............................... G. Jones
W. Long
T. Olsen
G. Sakats
D. Stone
E. Byron (Alt)
International Electrical Testing Association ................................... A. Peterson
National Electrical Contractors Association ................................... D. Harwood
Testing Laboratory Group .............................................................. P. Notarian
E. Roseen
Tennessee Valley Authority ........................................................... J. Nelson
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture ................................................................ H.L. Bowles
U.S. Dept. Of the Army-Office of the Chief of Engineers............... J.A. Gilson
U.S. Dept. of the Navy-Naval Construction Battalion Center......... D.L. Mills
Technical Liaison ........................................................................... W. Laubach
C. Wagner
The following members of NEMA Power Circuit Breaker Technical Committee and NEMA Power
Switchgear Assemblies Technical Committee worked on this Guide prior to its publication:
C. Ball
M. Beard
E. Byron
P. Dwyer
R. Garzon
R.W. Long

G. Montillet
G. Nourse
T. Olsen
G. Sakats
S. Slattery
H.M. Smith

D. Stone
F. Teufel
T. Tobin
J. Wiseman
R. York

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page v
CONTENTS
Clause

Page

Foreword ..................................................................................................................................iii
Scope ....................................................................................................................................... 1

Referenced standards .............................................................................................................. 1

Requirements ........................................................................................................................... 1

Revision of American National Standards referred to in this document ................................... 1

TABLES
Table 1

Preferred ratings for low-voltage AC power circuit breakers with instantaneous

direct-acting phase trip elements.............................................................................................. 2

Table 2

Preferred ratings for low-voltage AC power circuit breakers without instantaneous

direct-acting phase trip elements.............................................................................................. 3

Table 3

Overload switching requirements for low-voltage AC power circuit breakers .......................... 4

Table 4

Endurance requirements for low-voltage AC power circuit breakers ....................................... 4

Table 5

Application limitations relating to repetitive duty and normal maintenance of low-voltage

AC power circuit breakers ........................................................................................................ 4

Table 6

Application of low-voltage AC power circuit breakers to full-voltage motor starting and

running duty of three-phase, 60-Hz, 40C-rise motors ............................................................. 5

Table 7

Preferred ratings and related requirements of field-discharge circuit breakers........................ 6

Table 8

Preferred ratings for general-purpose DC power circuit breakers with or without

instantaneous direct-acting trip elements ................................................................................. 7

Table 9

Test circuit values for general-purpose low-voltage DC power circuit breakers....................... 8

Table 10

Preferred ratings and test-circuit values for general-purpose low-voltage

DC power circuit breakers for mining applications ................................................................... 9

Table 11

Preferred ratings and test circuit values for heavy duty high-speed, semi-high-speed, and
rectifier low-voltage DC power circuit breakers ...................................................................... 10

Table 11A Preferred ratings and test circuit values for heavy duty high-speed, semi-high-speed, and
rectifier low-voltage DC power circuit breakers ...................................................................... 11
Table 12

Preferred ratings and test circuit values for light duty high-speed, semi-high-speed, and
rectifier low-voltage DC power circuit breakers ...................................................................... 12

Table 13

(Deleted from this edition)

Table 14

Endurance requirements for low-voltage DC power circuit breakers and field

discharge circuit breakers ...................................................................................................... 13

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page vi
Table 15

Application limitations relating to repetitive duty and normal maintenance of

low-voltage DC power circuit breakers ................................................................................... 13

Table 16

Application of general-purpose low-voltage DC power circuit breakers to

motor starting and running duty.............................................................................................. 14

Table 17

Preferred ratings for integrally fused low-voltage AC power circuit breakers

with instantaneous direct-acting phase trip elements............................................................. 15

Table 18

Application of integrally fused low-voltage AC power circuit breakers to

full-voltage motor starting and running duty of three-phase, 60-Hz,
40C-rise motors maximum short-circuit current rating: 200 000 rms
symmetrical current ................................................................................................................ 16

Table 19

Application limitations relating to repetitive duty and normal maintenance of

integrally fused low-voltage AC power circuit breakers .......................................................... 17

Table 20

Preferred ratings for low-voltage AC power circuit protectors ................................................ 17

Table 21

Endurance requirements for low-voltage AC power circuit protectors ................................... 18

Table 22A Preferred trip-device current ratings or settings (in amperes) of low-voltage
power circuit breakers (electro-mechanical)........................................................................... 18
Table 22B Preferred trip-device current ratings or settings (in amperes) of low-voltage power
circuit breakers (electronic) .................................................................................................... 18
Table 23

Preferred rated control voltages and their ranges .................................................................. 19

Annex........................................................................................................................................................ 21

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AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

C37.16-2000

Low-Voltage Power Circuit Breakers and AC Power Circuit Protectors

Preferred Ratings, Related Requirements, and Application Recommendations
1

Scope

This standard applies to all low-voltage power circuit breakers and AC power circuit protectors as covered
in the following American National Standards (see Section 4):
ANSI/IEEE C37.13-1990 (R1995), American National Standard for Low-Voltage AC Power Circuit
Breakers Used in Enclosures
ANSI/IEEE C37.14-1999, American National Standard for Low-Voltage DC Power Circuit Breakers Used
in Enclosures.
ANSI C37.17-1997, American National Standard for Trip Devices for AC and General Purpose DC LowVoltage Power Circuit Breakers
ANSI/IEEE C37.18-1979 (R1997), American National Standard Requirements for Field Discharge Circuit
Breakers for Rotating Electric Machinery
ANSI/IEEE C37.29-1981 (R1990), American National Standard for Low-Voltage AC Power Circuit
Protectors Used in Enclosures
ANSI C37.50-1989 (R2000), American National Standard Test Procedures for Low-Voltage AC Power
Circuit Breakers Used in Enclosures
ANSI C37.52-1974 (R2000), American National Standard Test Procedures for Low-Voltage AC Power
Circuit Protectors Used in Enclosures

Referenced standards

In addition to the standards listed in Section 1, this standard is intended for use in conjunction with
American National Standard National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70-1999.

Requirements

Preferred ratings, related requirements, and application recommendations for low-voltage power circuit
breakers and AC power circuit protectors shall be as given in tables 1 through 23.

Revision of American National Standards referred to in this document

When the American National Standards referred to in this document are superseded by a revision
approved by the American National Standards Institute, Inc., the revision shall apply.

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page 2
Table 1 Preferred Ratings for low-voltage AC power circuit breakers with instantaneous
direct-acting phase trip elements (See ANSI/IEEE C37.13)

Line No.

Rated
maximumvoltage
volts
Col 1

Dielectric
withstand
volts
Col 2

Short-circuit
current rating,
symmetrical
amperes1
Col 3

Range of trip-device current ratings

amperes2
Electromechanical
Electronic
Col 5
Col 6

Frame-size
amperes
Col 4

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

635
635
635
635
635
635
635
635

2200
2200
2200
2200
2200
2200
2200
2200

22000
22000
42000
42000
65000
65000
85000
85000

600
800
1600
2000
3000
3200
4000
5000

40-600
100-800
200-1600
200-2000
2000-3000
2000-3200
4000
5000

60-600
150-800
300-1600
500-2000
800-3000
800-3200
1000-4000
2000-5000

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

508
508
508
508
508
508
508
508

2200
2200
2200
2200
2200
2200
2200
2200

30000
30000
50000
50000
65000
65000
85000
85000

600
800
1600
2000
3000
3200
4000
5000

100-600
100-800
400-1600
400-2000
2000-3000
2000-3200
4000
5000

60-600
150-800
300-1600
500-2000
800-3000
800-3200
1000-4000
2000-5000

17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

254
254
254
254
254
254
254
254

2200
2200
2200
2200
2200
2200
2200
2200

42000
42000
65000
65000
85000
85000
130000
130000

600
800
1600
2000
3000
3200
4000
5000

150-600
150-800
600-1600
600-2000
2000-3000
2000-3200
4000
5000

60-600
150-800
300-1600
500-2000
800-3000
800-3200
1000-4000
2000-5000

NOTES
1 Ratings in this column are rms symmetrical values for single-phase (2-pole) circuit breakers and three-phase average rms
symmetrical values of three-phase (3-pole) circuit breakers. When applied on systems where rated maximum voltage may
appear across a single pole, the short-circuit current ratings are 87% of these values. See 5.6 of ANSI/IEEE C37.13.
2

For preferred trip-device current ratings, see table 22. Note that the continuous-current-carrying capability of some circuitbreaker-trip-device combinations may be higher than the trip-device current rating. See 10.1.3 of ANSI/IEEE C37.13.

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page 3
Table 2 Preferred ratings for low-voltage AC power circuit breakers without instantaneous direct-acting phase trip elements
(Short-time-delay element or remote relay) (See ANSI/IEEE C37.13)
Range of trip-device current ratings amperes2
Setting of short-time-delay trip element
Electro-mechanical
Intermediate
Maximum
Electronic
time band
time band
any time band
Col 6
Col 7
Col 8

Line No.

Rated maximum
voltage
volts
Col 1

Dielectric
withstand
volts
Col 2

Short-circuit current
rating / short-time
current rating
symmetrical amperes1
Col 3

Frame size
amperes
Col 4

Minimum
time band
Col 5

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

635
635
635
635
635
635
635
635

2200
2200
2200
2200
2200
2200
2200
2200

22000
22000
42000
42000
65000
65000
85000
85000

600
800
1600
2000
3000
3200
4000
5000

175-600
175-800
350-1600
350-2000
2000-3000
2000-3200
4000
5000

200-600
200-800
400-1600
400-2000
2000-3000
2000-3200
4000
5000

250-600
250-800
500-1600
500-2000
2000-3000
2000-3200
4000
5000

60-600
150-800
300-1600
500-2000
800-3000
800-3200
1000-4000
2000-5000

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

508
508
508
508
508
508
508
508

2200
2200
2200
2200
2200
2200
2200
2200

22000
22000
42000
50000
65000
65000
85000
85000

600
800
1600
2000
3000
3200
4000
5000

175-600
175-800
350-1600
350-2000
2000-3000
2000-3200
4000
5000

200-600
200-800
400-1600
400-2000
2000-3000
2000-3200
4000
5000

250-600
250-800
500-1600
500-2000
2000-3000
2000-3200
4000
5000

60-600
150-800
300-1600
500-2000
600-3000
800-3200
1000-4000
2000-5000

17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

254
254
254
254
254
254
254
254

2200
2200
2200
2200
2200
2200
2200
2200

22000
22000
42000
50000
65000
65000
85000
85000

600
800
1600
2000
3000
3200
4000
5000

175-600
175-800
350-1600
350-2000
2000-3000
2000-3200
4000
5000

200-600
200-800
400-1600
400-2000
2000-3000
2000-3200
4000
5000

250-600
250-800
500-1600
500-2000
2000-3000
2000-3200
4000
5000

60-600
150-800
300-1600
500-2000
800-3000
800-3200
1000-4000
2000-5000

NOTES

Ratings in this column are rms symmetrical values for single-phase (2-pole) circuit breakers and three-phase average rms symmetrical values of three-phase (3-pole)
circuit breakers. When applied on systems where rated maximum voltage may appear across a single pole, the short-circuit current ratings are 87% of these values.
See 5.6 of ANSI/IEEE C37.13.

For preferred trip-device current ratings, see table 22. Note that the continuous-current-carrying capability of some circuit-breaker-trip-device combinations may be
higher than the trip-device current rating. See 10.1.3 of ANSI/IEEE C37.13.

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page 4

Table 3 Overload switching requirements for low-voltage AC power circuit breakers

(See ANSI C37.50)

Line No.

Circuit-breaker frame size

amperes
Col 1

Number of make-break operations

Col 2

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

600
800
1600
2000
3000
3200
4000
5000

50
50
38
38
*
*
*
*

*Not applicable.

Table 4 Endurance requirements for low-voltage AC power circuit breakers (See ANSI C37.50)

Line No.

Circuit-breaker
frame size
amperes
Col 1

Between
servicing1
Col 2

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

600
800
1600
2000
3000
3200
4000
5000

1750
1750
500
500
250
250
250
250

Number of make-break or close-open operations

Electrical
Mechanical
endurance
endurance
Col 3
Col 4
2800
2800
800
800
400
400
400
400

9700
9700
3200
3200
1100
1100
1100
1100

Total
Col 5
12500
12500
4000
4000
1500
1500
1500
1500

NOTE
1 Servicing shall consist of adjusting, cleaning, lubricating, and tightening.

Table 5 Application limitations relating to repetitive duty and normal maintenance of low-voltage
AC power circuit breakers (See ANSI/IEEE C37.13)

Line No.

Circuit-breaker
frame size
amperes
Col 1

Between
servicing1
Col 2

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

600
800
1600
2000
3000
3200
4000
5000

1750
1750
500
500
250
250
250
250

Number of make-break or close-open operations

No-load
Rated continuousInrush-current
mechanical2
current switching3
switching4
Col 3
Col 4
Col 5
9700
9700
3200
3200
1100
1100
1100
1100

2800
2800
800
800
400
400
400
400

1400
1400
400
400
-

NOTES
1 See Annex A, item A.
2 See Annex A, items A through G.
3 See Annex A, items A, C, D, G, F, G, H, and J.
4 See Annex A, items C, D, E, F, G, I, and J.

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page 5
Table 6 Application of low-voltage AC power circuit breakers to full-voltage motor starting and
running duty of three-phase, 60-Hz, 40C-rise motors (See ANSI/IEEE C37.13)
Trip-device

Motor full-load

current
rating

current
amperes
Min
Max

Line

Horsepower rating of three-phase AC motors*

100% power-factor
80% power-factor
Induction motors
synchronous motors
synchronous motors
230 V
460 V
575 V
220 V
440 V
550 V
220 V
440 V
550 V

No.

Col 1

Col 2

Col 3

Col 4

Col 5

Col 6

Col 7

Col 8

Col 9

amperes**
Col 10

Col 11

Col 12

1
2
3
4
5

10
15
20
25;30
-

25
30
40
50;60
-

30
40
50;60
75
-

25
30
40

30
40
50
60
75

40
50
60
75
100

25
30

25
30
40
50
60

25;30
40
50
60
80

40
50
70
90
100

26
32
45
58
64

35
44
61
78
87

6
7
8
9
10

40
50
60
75

75
100
125
150

100
125
150
200

50
60
75
-

100
125
150
-

125
150
200
-

40
50
60
-

75
100
125
-

100
125
150
-

125
150
175
200
225

80
96
112
128
144

109
131
152
174
196

11
12
13
14
15

100
125
150

200
250*
300;350

250*
300
350
400;450

100
125
-

200
-

75
100
125
-

150
200
-

200
-

250
300
350
400
500

160
192
224
256
320

218
261
304
348
435

16
17
18
19
20

200
250*
300;350
400
450;500

400
450;500
-

500
-

600
800
1000
1200
1600

384
512
640
768
1023

522
696
870
1044
1392

* Characteristics of motors of more than 200 hp vary widely, and the manufacturer of the motor should be consulted for specific
details in these cases.

* * Selection of trip-device current rating and circuit-breaker frame size. The trip device rating listed is a preferred rating from table
22. In accordance with ANSI/NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, section 430-110, this rating is at least 115% of the maximum
motor full-load current (column 12). With trip devices having the lowest calibration point at 80% of the trip-device rating, the
requirement of section 430-34 can be met for the minimum full-load current (column 11). Section 430-34 requires that the trip
device be set at a calibration point which does not exceed the following:
(1) 140% of motor full-load current for motors with a marked service factor not less than 1.15 and for motors with a marked
temperature rise not over 40C.
(2) 130% of motor full-load current for all other motors.
Any value listed in Column 10 may also be a trip-device setting if this current can be carried continuously and if additional
adjustments allow compliance with section 430-34.
Trip devices having a higher current rating may be used provided that they have a suitable calibration point below 80% of the
trip-device rating. The circuit-breaker frame size should be selected based on the applicable trip-device rating as well as the
short-circuit current available. See Tables 1 and 2 for guidance.
NOTES
1

Locked-rotor current and instantaneous trip settingCircuit breakers selected from this table are suitable for all motors
having locked-rotor kilovolt-ampere per horsepower, indicated by code letters A through J, inclusive, as listed in ANSI/NFPA
70, section 430-7. For motors with higher locked-rotor currents, care must be taken to ensure that an instantaneous trip
setting high enough to permit motor starting is available. It may be necessary to choose the circuit breaker with the next
higher continuous current rating, provided that the calibration limitations given in the footnote to column 10 are not exceeded.
If motor locked-rotor current exceeds 600% of the circuit-breaker frame size, a shorter service life than that shown in Table 5,
Column 5, can be expected.

Applications to motors other than those listedFor motors with horsepower ratings not listed in this table or for motors with
other than normal speed or torque characteristics, it will be necessary to determine the full-load current and locked-rotor
current as specified by the motor manufacturer. Find the current range in columns 11 and 12 which matches the full-load
current to determine the circuit breaker with the proper continuous rating. Check locked-rotor current according to Note 1.

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page 6

Table 7 Preferred ratings and related requirements of field-discharge circuit breakers(See ANSI/IEEE C37.18)
Main contacts

Discharge contacts

Rated
short-time
voltage
volts, DC
Col 4

Rated
interrupting
current at rated
short-time
voltage
amperes, DC
Col 5

Rated
maximum
interrupting
voltage
volts, DC
Col 6

Rated
interrupting
current at rated
maximum
interrupting
voltage
amperes, DC
Col 7

600

350

6000

1000

2700

3300

3300

3750

600

500

6000

1500

3000

3300

375

3750

1600

500

16000

2200

7200

500

5000

4000

700

24000

2000

500

5000

6000

700

24000

2000

5400

6000

700

48000

5500

8000

750

Line
No.

Rated
nominal
voltage
volts, DC
Col 1

Dielectric
test
voltage
rms 60 Hz
for
1 min1
Col 2

Rated
continuous
current
amperes, DC
Col 3

250

2500

375

700
750

Rated 1/2-s
short-time
current
amperes, DC
Col 11

Rated
interrupting
current at
rated nominal
voltage
amperes, DC
Col 12

1200

2700

600

3300

1200

2700

600

9600

9600

3200

7200

1600

14000

18600

18600

14000

4000

14000

18600

18600

14000

6000

2450

21000

30000

21000

12000

6000

64000

2625

28000

40000

28000

16000

8000

Rated 1/2-s
short-time
current
amperes, DC
Col 8

Rated making
Rated 15-s
current
short-time
peak
current
amperes
amperes, DC3
Col 9
Col 10

1000

6000

10000

1000

80000

3500

35000

60000

35000

20000

10000

5500

12000

750

96000

2625

42000

60000

42000

24000

12000

750

NOTES
1 The test voltage for field windings rated up to and including 500 volts shall be an AC voltage whose effective value is 10 times the rated excitation voltage but not less than 1500 volts.
2 It is suggested that the test voltage greater than 500 volts be an AC voltage whose effective value is 4000 volts plus twice the rated excitation voltage.
3 See 9.4.5.2 of ANSI/IEEE C37.18.
NOTE: For mechanical endurance requirements see Table 14.

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page 7

Table 8 Preferred ratings for general-purpose DC power circuit breakers with or without instantaneous direct-acting trip elements
(See ANSI/IEEE C37.14 for basis of ratings)

Rated peak
current amperes1
Col 4

Rated maximum
short-circuit current
or rated short-time
current amperes2,3
Col 5

Maximum
inductance for
full interrupting
rating
microhenries4
Col 6

Load circuit
stored-energy
factor W kilowatt
seconds4
Col 7

Range of tripdevice current

ratings amperes5
Col 8

300

41000

25000

160

50

40-800

250

300

83000

50000

80

100

200-1600

2000

250

300

83000

50000

80

100

200-2000

3000

250

300

124000

75000

50

140

2000-3000

4000

250

300

165000

100000

32

160

4000

5000

250

300

165000

100000

32

160

5000

6000

250

300

165000

100000

32

160

6000

Line
No.

Circuitbreaker
frame size
amperes
Col 1

System
nominal
voltage volts
Col 2

Rated
maximum
voltage volts
Col 3

600/800

250

1600

NOTES
1
The peak current rating is only applicable for circuit breakers for use on solid-state rectifier applications.
2
A circuit breaker with coils that have a continuous-current rating lower than those listed for the breakers under a particular interrupting rating shall be given an interrupting rating
corresponding to the greatest interrupting rating under which the coil rating is listed.
3
Rated short-time current is applicable only to circuit breakers without instantaneous direct-acting trip elements (short-time-delay element or remote relay).
4
If the expected inductance to the point of fault exceeds the value given in column 6, obtain the reduced interrupting rating from the formula:
I = 10 4 20

W
L

Where:
W is the value in column 7
L is the actual inductance in microhenries
5

For preferred trip-device current ratings, see table 22. Note that the continuous-current-carrying capability of some circuit-breaker-trip-device combinations may be higher than
the trip-device current rating. See 10.1.3 of ANSI/IEEE C37.13.

NOTE: The above values apply to one pole of the circuit breaker, except where specifically required for use on insulated systems, battery installations, etc., where the tests apply to
two poles.

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page 8

Table 9 Test circuit values for general-purpose low voltage DC power circuit breakers (See ANSI/IEEE C37.14 for basis of ratings)

Line
No.

Circuitbreaker frame
size amperes
Col 1

Test
Col 2

Rated maximum
voltage
volts
Col 3

Rated peak
current
amperes1
Col 4

Current
amperes
Col 5

Test circuit
Resistance
ohms
Col 6

Inductance
microhenries
Col 7

Load circuit
stored-energy
factor W
kilowatt
seconds
Col 8

1
2

600/800

a
b

300
300

41000
-

25000
9000

0.012
0.033

160
1200

50
50

3
4

1600 & 2000

a
b

300
300

83000
-

50000
13000

0.006
0.023

80
1200

100
100

5
6

3000

a
b

300
300

124000
-

75000
15000

0.004
0.020

50
1200

140
140

7
8

4000

a
b

300
300

165000
-

100000
17000

0.003
0.018

32
1200

160
160

9
10

5000

a
b

300
300

165000
-

100000
17000

0.003
0.018

32
1200

160
160

11
12

6000

a
b

300
300

165000
-

100000
17000

0.003
0.018

32
1200

160
160

NOTE
1 The peak current rating is only applicable for circuit breakers for use on solid-state rectifier applications.

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page 9

Table 10 Preferred ratings and test-circuit values for general-purpose low voltage DC power circuit breakers for mining applications
(See ANSI/IEEE C37.14 for basis of ratings)
Circuitbreaker
frame size
amperes
Col 1

Line
No.

Test
Col 2

System
nominal
voltage
volts
Col 3

Rated
maximum
voltage
volts
Col 4

Rated peak
current
amperes4
Col 5

Rated
maximum
short-circuit
current
amperes
Col 6

Current
amperes
Col 7

Test circuit
Resistance
Inductance
ohms
microhenries
Col 8
Col 9

Load circuit
stored-energy
factor W
kilowatt
seconds
Col 10

1
2

600-2000

a
b

275

325

41000

25000

25000
9000

0.013
0.036

400
3090

125
125

3
4

800-4000

a
b

275

325

83000

50000

50000
13000

0.007
0.025

200
2950

250
250

NOTES
1 The above values apply to one pole of the circuit breaker.
2 For the basis of short-circuit current ratings, see ANSI/IEEE C37.14.
3 If the expected inductance to the point of fault exceeds the value given in column 9, line 2 or 4, obtain the reduced interrupting rating from the formula:
I = 10 4 20

W
L

Where:
W is the value in column 10
L is the actual inductance in microhenries
4 The peak current rating is only applicable for circuit breakers for use on solid-state rectifier applications.

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page 10
Table 11 Preferred ratings and test circuit values for heavy duty (8) high-speed, semi-high-speed, and rectifier low-voltage DC
power circuit breakers (Based on transit systems with high frequency impedance bonds) (See ANSI/IEEE C37.14 for basis of ratings)

Line
No.

Circuitbreaker frame
size amperes
Col 1

Test
Col 2

Rated
maximum
voltage
volts
Col 3

Semi-high-speed
breaker rated peak
or high-speed
breaker shortcircuit current
amperes
Col 4

Sustained current
and semi-highspeed breaker
rated short-circuit
current
avg. amperes
Col 5

Rectifier or other breaker-ratings with

delayed trip or in non-trip direction
Rated shortRated peak
circuit or shortcurrent
time current
amperes
amperes
Col 6
Col 7

Add to load
circuit
inductance
microhenries
Col 8

Approximate
load circuit
time constant
seconds
Col 9

1
2
3
4

1200-10000

a
b
c
d

300
300
300
300

125,000
-

85,000
46,200
13,300
7,300

70,000
-

42,500
-

Note 1
500
1000
2000

0.053
0.053
0.053

5
6
7
8

1200-12000

a
b
c
d

800
800
800
800

200,000
-

120,000
52,600
31,200
17,900

149,000
-

90,000
-

Note 1
450
1000
2000

0.053
0.053
0.053

9
10
11
12

1200-8000

a
b
c
d

1000
1000
1000
1000

158,000
-

96,000
50,250
34,000
20,700

119,000
-

72,000
-

Note 1
500
1000
2000

0.053
0.053
0.053

13
14
15
16

1200-8000

a
b
c
d

1200
1200
1200
1200

132,000
-

80,000
49,000
35,300
22,600

100,000
-

60,000
-

Note 1
500
1000
2000

0.053
0.053
0.053

17
18
19
20

1200-6000

a
b
c
d

1600
1600
1600
1600

100,000
-

60,000
44,300
35,000
25,000

74,000
-

45,000
-

Note 1
600
1200
2500

0.066
0.066
0.066

21
22
23
24

1200-4000

a
b
c
d

3200
3200
3200
3200

50,000
-

30,000
27,700
25,600
22,300

37,000
-

22,500
-

Note 1
600
1200
2500

0.066
0.066
0.066

NOTES
1 No intentional inductance or resistance is to be added on the load side.
2 Columns 4, 5, 6, and 7 headings delineate specific ratings for breaker types noted.
3 The instantaneous trip element shall be set at not more than four times the circuit breaker continuous current rating or the
maximum setting below 63.2% of the available sustained current (column 5). See 9.2.7.3 a) 1) ii) and 10.2.3.7 of ANSI/IEEE C37.14.
4 Tests a, b, c, and d represent simulated close-in, intermediate and distant faults.
5 The circuit breaker must handle all interrupting stored energy of the circuit based on the inherent speed of operation and let-through of current interrupted.
6 For total performance at other parameters, consult the manufacturer.
7 Frame sizes are 1200, 1600, 2000, 2500, 4000, 5000, 6000, 8000, 10000, and 12000 amperes.
8 Heavy duty transit system applications are based upon a maximum of 8000 kW source interruption capacity.

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page 11
Table 11A Preferred ratings and test circuit values for heavy duty (8) high-speed, semi-high-speed, and rectifier low-voltage DC power circuit breakers (Based on
transit systems with low frequency impedance bonds) (See ANSI/IEEE C37.14 for basis of ratings)

Line No.

Circuit
breaker
frame size,
amperes
Col 1

Test
Col 2

Rated maximum
voltage
volts
Col 3

Semi-high-speed
breaker rated
peak or highspeed breaker
short-circuit
current
amperes
Col 4

Sustained current
and semi-high-speed
breaker rated shortcircuit current
avg. amperes
Col 5

Rectifier or other breakerratings with delayed trip or in

non-trip direction
Rated shortRated peak
circuit or shortcurrent
time current
amperes
amperes
Col 6
Col 7

Add to load
circuit
inductance
microhenries
Col 8

Approximate
load circuit
time constant
seconds
Col 9

1
2
3
4

1200-10000

a
b
c
d

300
300
300
300

125000
-

85000
46200
13300
7300

70000
-

42500
-

Note 1
2000
4000
8000

0.21
0.21
0.21

5
6
7
8

1200-12000

a
b
c
d

800
800
800
800

200000
-

120000
52600
31200
17900

149000
-

90000
-

Note 1
1800
4000
8000

0.21
0.21
0.21

9
10
11
12

1200-8000

a
b
c
d

1000
1000
1000
1000

158,000
-

96,000
50,250
34,000
20,700

119,000
-

72,000
-

Note 1
2000
4000
8000

0.21
0.21
0.21

13
14
15
16

1200-8000

a
b
c
d

1200
1200
1200
1200

132000
-

80000
49000
35300
22600

100000
-

60000
-

Note 1
2000
4000
8000

0.21
0.21
0.21

17
18
19
20

1200-6000

a
b
c
d

1600
1600
1600
1600

100000
-

60000
44300
35000
25000

74000
-

45000
-

Note 1
3250
6400
12800

0.34
0.34
0.34

21
22
23
24

1200-4000

a
b
c
d

3200
3200
3200
3200

50000
-

30000
27700
25600
22300

37000
-

22500
-

Note 1
3250
6400
12800

0.34
0.34
0.34

NOTES
1 No intentional inductance or resistance is to be added on the load side.
2 Columns 4, 5, 6, and 7 headings delineate specific ratings for breaker types noted.
3 The instantaneous trip element shall be set at not more than four times the circuit breaker continuous current rating or the
maximum setting below 63.2% of the available sustained current (column 5). See 9.2.7.3 a) 1) ii) and 10.2.3.7 of ANSI/IEEE C37.14.
4 Tests a, b, c, and d represent simulated close-in, intermediate, and distant faults.
5 The circuit breaker must handle all interrupting stored energy of the circuit based on the inherent speed of operation and let-through of current interrupted.
6 For total performance at other parameters, consult the manufacturer.
7 Frame sizes are 1200, 1600, 2000, 2500, 4000, 5000, 6000, 8000, 10000, and 12000 amperes
8 Heavy duty transit system applications are based upon a maximum of 8000 kW source interruption capacity.

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page 12

Table 12 Preferred ratings and test circuit values for light duty (8) high-speed, semi-high-speed, and rectifier low-voltage
DC power circuit breakers (Based on transit systems with high frequency impedance bonds)
(See ANSI/IEEE C37.14 for basis of ratings)

Line
No.

Circuitbreaker
frame size
amperes
Col 1

Test
Col 2

Rated
maximum
voltage
volts
Col 3

Semi-highspeed breaker
rated peak or
high-speed
breaker shortcircuit current
amperes
Col 4

Sustained current
and semi-highspeed breaker
rated short-circuit
current
avg. amperes
Col 5

Rectifier or other breaker-ratings

with delayed trip or in non-trip
direction
Rated shortRated peak
circuit or
current
short-time
amperes
current amperes
Col 6
Col 7

Add to load
circuit
inductance
microhenries
Col 8

Approximate
load circuit
time constant
seconds
Col 9

1
2
3
4

1200-6000

a
b
c
d

800
800
800
800

100000
-

60000
35100
24800
15700

74000
-

45000
-

Note 1
600
1250
2500

0.066
0.066
0.066

5
6
7
8

1200-6000

a
b
c
d

1200
1200
1200
1200

66000
-

40000
30700
24500
17600

50000
-

30000
-

Note 1
600
1250
2500

0.066
0.066
0.066

NOTES
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

No intentional inductance or resistance is to be added on the load side.

Columns 4, 5, 6, and 7 headings delineate specific ratings for breaker types noted.
The instantaneous trip element shall be set at not more than four times the circuit breaker continuous current rating or the
maximum setting below 63.2% of the available sustained current (column 5). See 9.2.7.3 (1) (b) and 10.2.3.7 of ANSI/IEEE C37.14.
Tests a, b, c, and d represent simulated close-in, intermediate, and distant faults.
The circuit breaker must handle all interrupting stored energy of the circuit based on the inherent speed of operation and let-through of current interrupted.
For total performance at other parameters, consult the manufacturer.
Frame sizes are 1200, 1600, 2000, 2500, 4000, 5000, and 6000.
Light duty transit system applications are based upon a maximum of 4000 kW source interruption capacity.

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page 13

Table 13 Preferred ratings for anode circuit breakers

(DELETED FROM THIS EDITION)

Table 14 Endurance requirements for low-voltage DC power circuit breakers and

field discharge circuit breakers (See ANSI/IEEE C37.14 and ANSI/IEEE C37.18)

Line No.

Circuit breaker
frame size
amperes
Col 1

Number of make-break or close-open operations

Electrical
Mechanical
Between
endurance
endurance
Servicing1
Col 2
Col 3
Col 4

600/800

1750

9700

1750

11450

1200

500

3200

500

3700

1600

500

3200

500

3700

2000-12000

250

1100

250

1350

Total
Col 5

NOTE
1 Servicing shall consist of adjusting, cleaning, lubricating, tightening, etc.

Table 15 Application limitations relating to repetitive duty and normal maintenance of

low-voltage DC power circuit breakers (See ANSI/IEEE C37.14)
Number of make-break or close-open operations
Circuit breaker
frame size amperes

Between
servicing1

No-load mechanical2

Rated continuous current

switching3

Line No.

Col 1

Col 2

Col 3

Col 4

600/800

1750

9700

1750

1200

500

3200

500

1600

500

3200

500

2000-12000

250

1100

250

NOTES
1 See Annex A, item A.
2 See Annex A, items A through G.
3 See Annex A, items A, C, D, E, F, G, H, and J.

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page 14
Table 16 Application of general-purpose low-voltage DC power circuit breakers to motor starting
and running duty (See ANSI/IEEE C37.14)

Line No.

Horsepower ratings of DC motors

120 V
240 V
Col 1
Col 2

Trip-device
current rating
amperes1
Col 3

Motor full-load
current amperes2
Min
Max
Col 4
Col 5

1
2
3
4
5
6

5
7.5
10
-

7.5
10
15
20
25

40
50
70
90
100
125

26
32
45
58
64
80

35
44
61
78
87
109

7
8
9
10
11
12

15
20
25
30

30
40
50
60
-

150
175
200
225
250
300

96
112
128
144
160
192

131
152
174
196
218
261

13
14
15
16
17
18

40
50
60
75
-

75
100
125;150
200
250

350
400
500
600
800
1000

224
256
320
384
512
640

304
348
435
522
696
870

19
20
21
22
23
24

300
350
400;500
600
750
1000

1200
1600
2000
2500
3000
4000

768
1023
1280
1600
1920
2560

1044
1392
1740
2180
2610
3480

NOTES
1 Selection of trip-device current rating and circuit-breaker frame size. The trip device rating listed is a preferred rating from table 22.
In accordance with ANSI/NFPA 70, Section 430-110, this rating is at least 115% of the maximum motor full-load current (column 5).
With trip devices having the lowest calibration point at 80% of the trip-device rating, the requirement of Section 430-34 can be met
for the minimum full-load current (column 4). Section 430-34 requires that the trip device be set at a calibration point which does
not exceed the following:
(1) 140% of motor full-load current for motors with a marked service factor not less than 1.15 and for motors with a marked
temperature rise not over 40C.
(2) 130% of motor full-load current for all other motors.
Any value listed in column 3 may also be a trip-device setting if this current can be carried continuously and if additional
adjustments allow compliance with section 430-34.
Trip devices having a higher current rating may be used provided that they have suitable calibration points below 80% of the tripdevice rating. The circuit-breaker frame size should be selected based on the applicable trip-device rating as well as the shortcircuit current available. See table 8 for guidance.
2

Applications to motors other than those listed. For motors with horsepower ratings not listed in this table or for motors with other
than normal speed or torque characteristics, it will be necessary to determine the full-load current as specified by the motor
manufacturer. Find the current range in columns 4 and 5 which matches the full-load current to determine the circuit breaker with
the proper continuous-current rating.

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page 15

Table 17 Preferred ratings for integrally fused low-voltage AC power circuit breakers
with instantaneous direct-acting phase trip elements (See ANSI/IEEE C37.13)

Line No.

Circuitbreaker
frame size
amperes1
Col 1

Rated
maximum
voltage
volts 2
Col 2

Dielectric
withstand
volts
Col 3

Short-circuit
current rating
symmetrical
amperes3
Col 4

Range of continuous-current rating amperes

Range of trip-device
current ratings
Maximum
amperes4
fuse rating5
Col 5
Col 6

600

600

2200

200000

125-600

800

600

2200

200000

125-800

1600

600

2200

200000

200-1600

2000

600

2200

200000

500-2000

NOTES
1 Two circuit-breaker frame ratings are used for integrally fused circuit breakers. The continuous-current rating of the integrally fused
circuit breaker is determined by the rating of either the direct-acting trip device or the current-limiting fuse applied to a particular
circuit-breaker frame rating, whichever is smaller.
2 Listed values are limited by the standard voltage rating of the fuse.
3 Ratings in this column are rms symmetrical values for single-phase (2-pole) circuit breakers and three-phase average rms
symmetrical values of three-phase (3-pole) circuit breakers. When applied on systems where rated maximum voltage may appear
across a single pole, the short circuit current ratings are 87% of these values. See 5.6 of ANSI/IEEE C37.13.
4 For preferred trip-device current ratings, see table 22. Note that the continuous-current-carrying capability of some circuit-breakertrip-device combinations may be higher than the trip-device current rating. See 10.1.3 of ANSI/IEEE C37.13. Lower rated tripdevice current ratings may be used when the fuse size is small or the available current is low, or both. Consult the manufacturer.
5 Fuse current ratings may be 300, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3000, and 4000 amperes. Fuses are of the currentlimiting type.
Values have not yet been determined; consult the manufacturer.

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page 16
Table 18 Application of integrally fused low-voltage AC power circuit breakers to
full-voltage motor starting and running duty of three-phase, 60-Hz, 40C-rise motors
maximum short-circuit current rating: 200 000 rms symmetrical current (See ANSI/IEEE C37.13)
Horsepower rating of three-phase AC motors*

Tripdevice

Induction motors
230 V
460 V
575 V

100% power-factor
synchronous motors
220 V
440 V
550 V

80% power-factor
synchronous motors
220 V
440 V
550 V

current
rating
amperes**

Typical
rating of
currentlimiting
fuse
amperes***

Line No.

Col 1

Col 2

Col 3

Col 4

Col 5

Col 6

Col 7

Col 8

Col 9

Col 10

Col 11

Col 12

Col 13

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

40
50
60
75
100
125
150
200

75
100
125
150
200
*
-

100
125
150
200
*
-

50
60
75
100
125
-

100
125
150
200
*
-

125
150
200
*
-

40
50
60
75
100
125
-

75
100
125
150
200
*
-

100
125
150
200
*
-

125
150
175
200
225
250
300
350
400
500
600

400
600
600
600
800
800
1000
1200
1200
1600
2000

80
96
112
128
144
160
192
224
256
320
384

109
131
152
174
196
218
261
304
348
435
522

Motor full-load
current
amperes
Min
Max

* Characteristics of motors rated at more than 200 hp vary widely, and the manufacturer of the motor should be consulted for specific details in these cases.
** Selection of trip-device current rating and circuit-breaker frame size. The trip device rating listed is a preferred rating from table 22. In accordance with ANSI/NFPA 70, section 430-110,
this rating is at least 115% of the maximum motor full-load current (column 13). With trip devices having the lowest calibration point at 80% of the trip-device rating, the requirement of
section 430-34 can be met for the minimum full-load current (column 12). Section 430-34 requires that the trip device be set at a calibration point which does not exceed the following:
(1) 140% of motor full-load current for motors with a marked service factor not less than 1.15 and for motors with a marked temperature rise not over 40C.
(2) 130% of motor full-load current for all other motors.
Any value listed in column 10 may also be a trip-device setting if this current can be carried continuously and if additional adjustments allow compliance with section 430-34.
Trip devices having a higher current rating may be used provided that they have a suitable calibration point below 80% of the trip-device rating. The circuit-breaker frame size
should be selected based on the applicable trip-device rating as well as the short-circuit current available. See table 17 for guidance.
*** These ratings are based on the use of a direct-acting phase trip device with instantaneous trip element. Where information is available, the fuse rating may be selected to suit the
particular application based on: (1) motor current, (2) overcurrent trip characteristics, (3) fuse melting time characteristics, and (4) system coordination requirements.
NOTES
1 Locked-rotor current and instantaneous trip setting. Circuit breakers selected from this table are suitable for all motors having locked-rotor kilovolt-ampere per horsepower, indicated by
code letters A through J, inclusive, as listed in ANSI/NFPA 70, section 430-7. For motors with higher locked-rotor currents, care must be taken to ensure that an instantaneous trip
setting high enough to permit motor starting is available. It may be necessary to choose the circuit breaker with the next higher continuous-current rating, provided the calibration
limitations given in the footnote to column 10 are not exceeded.
If motor locked-rotor current exceeds 600% of the circuit-breaker frame size, a shorter service life than that shown in Table 19, column 5, can be expected.
2

Applications to motors other than those listed. For motors with horsepower ratings not listed in this table, or for motors with other than normal speed or torque characteristics, it will be
necessary to determine the full-load current and locked-rotor current as specified by the motor manufacturer. Find the current range in columns 12 and 13 that matches the full-load
current to determine the circuit breaker with the proper continuous rating. Check locked-rotor current according to Note 1.

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page 17
Table 19 Application limitations relating to repetitive duty and normal maintenance of integrally
fused low-voltage AC power circuit breakers (See ANSI/IEEE C37.13)

Line No.

Circuit-breaker
frame size
amperes
Col 1

Between
servicing
Col 2

Number of make-break or close-open operations

No-load
Rated continuousInrush-current
mechanical2
current switching3
switching4
Col 3
Col 4
Col 5

600

1750

9700

2800

1400

800

1750

9700

2800

1400

1600

500

3200

800

400

2000

500

3200

800

400

NOTES
1 See Annex A.
2 See Annex A, items A through G.
3 See Annex A, items A, C, D, E, F, G, H, and J.
4 See Annex A, items C, D, E, F, G, I, and J.

Table 20 Preferred ratings for low-voltage AC power circuit protectors (See ANSI/IEEE C37.29)

Line
No.

Rated
continuous
current
amperes
Col 1

System
nominal
voltage
volts
Col 2

Rated
maximum
voltage
volts
Col 3

Insulation
dielectric
withstand
volts
Col 4

Three-phase
short-circuit
current rating
symmetrical
amperes1
Col 5

Rated
switching
current
symmetrical
amperes
Col 6

Rated fuse
size
amperes2
Col 7

800

240

254

2200

200000

9600

800

480

508

2200

200000

9600

800

240

254

2200

200000

14400

1200

480

508

2200

200000

14400

1200

240

254

2200

200000

19200

1600

480

508

2200

200000

19200

1600

240

254

2200

200000

24000

2000

480

508

2200

200000

24000

2000

240

254

2200

200000

36000

3000

480

508

2200

200000

36000

3000

240

254

2200

200000

48000

4000

480

508

2200

200000

48000

4000

1200

1600

2000

3000

4000

NOTES
1 Ratings in this column are rms symmetrical values for single-phase (2-pole) circuit breakers and three-phase average rms
symmetrical values of three-phase (3-pole) circuit breakers. When applied on systems where rated maximum voltage may appear
across a single pole, the short-circuit current ratings are 87% of these values. See 5.6 of ANSI/IEEE C37.13.
2 Fuses are of the current-limiting type.

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page 18
Table 21 Endurance requirements for low-voltage AC power circuit protectors
(See ANSI/IEEE C37.29)

Line No.

Rated continuous
current
amperes
Col 1

Number of make-break or close-open operations

Electrical
Mechanical
Between
endurance
endurance
servicing1
Col 2
Col 3
Col 4

800

100

3500

500

1200

100

3000

500

1600

50

2500

500

2000

50

2500

250

3000

50

1250

250

4000

50

1250

250

NOTE
1 Servicing shall consist of adjusting, cleaning, lubricating, tightening, etc.

Table 22A Preferred trip device

current ratings or settings (in amperes)
1
of low-voltage power circuit breakers
electro mechanical (AC & DC)
(see ANSI C37.17)
Line
No.

Amperes
Col 1

Amperes
Col 2

40

50

Table 22B Preferred trip device

current ratings or settings (in amperes)
1
of low voltage power circuit breakers
electronic (AC only)
(see ANSI C37.17)

Amperes
Col 3

Line
No.

Amperes
Col 4

Amperes
Col 5

200

800

150

1200

225

1000

200

1600

70

250

1200

400

2000

90

300

1600

600

3000

100

350

2000

800

3200

125

400

2500

4000

150

500

3000

5000

175

600

4000

5000

10

60002

NOTES
1
See tables 1, 2, 8, and 17 for ranges of trip-device current ratings by circuit-breaker frame size.
2

This value is for DC circuit breakers only.

NOTE:

Where these exact ratings or settings are not available in electronic devices, they may be closely approximated by the
pickup setting of the long-time-delay element.

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page 19
Table 23 Preferred rated control voltages and their ranges
Operating mechanisms are designed for the rated control voltages listed with operational capability throughout the indicated
voltage ranges to accommodate variations in source regulation, coupled with low charge levels, as well as high charge levels
maintained with floating charges. The maximum voltage is the open circuit voltage measured at the control power terminals of
the operating mechanism and the minimum voltage is measured with operating current flowing.
Direct current control voltage ranges1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 10
(Min Max)
Functions
Closing and
auxiliary4
Opening5
Col 2
Col 3

Alternating current control voltage ranges1, 2, 3, 9

(Min Max)
Rated
Closing opening &
control voltage,
auxiliary
(volts 60 Hz)
functions4, 5
Col 4
Col 5

Line
No.

Rated control
voltage
(volts, DC)
Col 1

24

(7)

14-28

Single Phase

Single Phase

2
3

48 (7)

38-56

28-56

120
240

104-127 (8)
208-254 (8)

125

100-140

70-140

Polyphase

Polyphase

5
6

250
-

200-280
-

140-280
-

208Y/120
240

180Y/104220Y/127
208-254

NOTES
1
Electrically operated motors, contactors, solenoids, valves, and the like, need not carry a nameplate voltage rating that
corresponds to the nominal voltage rating shown in the table as long as these components perform the intended duty cycle
(usually intermittent) in the voltage range specified.
2

Relays, motors, or other auxiliary equipment that function as a part of the control for a device shall be subject to the voltage
limits imposed by this standard, whether mounted at the device or at the remote location.

Device control components, in some applications, may be exposed to control voltages exceeding those specified here due
to abnormal conditions such as abrupt changes in line loading. Such applications require specific study, and the
manufacturer should be consulted. Also, application of switchgear control components containing solid-state control,
exposed continuously to control voltages approaching the upper limits of ranges specified herein, require specific attention
and the manufacturer should be consulted before application is made.

Closing functions include (a) the closing power mechanism and (b) the means (coils, contactors, seal-in relays, and the
like) to actuate the power mechanisms. Auxiliary functions include all functions except closing and opening.

Opening is the release of the holding means that permits stored energy to open the device.

It is recommended that the coils of closing, auxiliary, and opening components that are connected continually to one DC
potential should be connected to the negative control bus so as to minimize electrolytic deterioration.

24-volt or 48-volt control voltages are recommended only when both the control components and devices are located near
the battery or where special effort is made to ensure adequate control voltage at the control terminals. The 24-volt closing
function is not recommended.

Includes heater circuits and supply for pump or compressor motors.

The devices utilizing standard auxiliary relays for control may not function at lower extremes of voltage ranges when relay
coils are hot, as after repeated or continuous operation.

10

Direct current control voltage sources, such as those derived from rectified alternating current, may contain sufficient
inherent ripple to modify the operation of control devices to the extent that they may not function over the entire specified
voltage ranges.

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page 20

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ANSI C37.16-2000
Page 21
Annex A
(Informative)
(This Annex is not part of American National Standard C37.16-2000, but is included for information only.)
Operating Conditions
The various operating conditions are outlined here and should be used with the appropriate tables in the
standard. This information is also contained in the basic standards, that is, American National Standard for
Low-Voltage AC Power Circuit Breakers Used in Enclosures, ANSI/IEEE C37.13, and American National
Standard for Low-Voltage DC Power Circuit Breakers Used in Enclosures, ANSI/IEEE C37.14.
(A)

Servicing consists of adjusting, cleaning, lubricating, tightening, and the like, as recommended by
the manufacturer. When current is interrupted, dressing of contacts may be required as well. The
operations listed are on the basis of servicing at intervals of 6 months or less.

(B)

When closing and opening no-load.

(C)

With rated control voltage applied.

(D)

Frequency of operation not to exceed 20 in 10 minutes or 30 in an hour. Rectifiers or other auxiliary

devices may further limit the frequency of operation.

(E)

Servicing at no greater intervals than shown in column 2 of tables 5, 15, and 19.

(F)

No functional parts should have been replaced during the listed operations.

(G)

The circuit breaker should be in a condition to carry its rated continuous current at rated maximum
voltage and perform at least one opening operation at rated short-circuit current. After completion
of this series of operations, functional part replacement and general servicing may be necessary.

(H)

When closing and opening current up to the continuous-current rating of the circuit breaker at
voltages up to the rated maximum voltage and at 85% power factor or higher for AC circuits, and
with L/R ratios between 0.02 and 0.06 seconds for DC circuits.

(I)

When closing current up to 600% and opening currents up to 100% (80% power factor or higher)
of the continuous-current rating of the circuit breaker at voltages up to the rated maximum voltage.

(J)

When closing currents up to 600% and opening currents up to 600% (50% power factor or less) of
the continuous-current rating of the circuit breaker at voltages up to rated maximum voltage, the
number of operations shown shall be as in Table 3.

(K)

If a fault operation occurs before the completion of the listed operations, servicing is recommended
and possible functional part replacements may be necessary, depending on previous accumulated
duty, fault magnitude, and expected future operations.

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