FAQ
TL;DR: For low-power 24 V DC control loops, DC-rated miniature circuit breakers with 6 kA breaking capacity clear faults up to three times faster, yet “ordinary 230 V ‘eski’ only cleared a dead-short at 20 A” [Elektroda, Ryszard49, post #6337952]
Why it matters: Selecting the wrong breaker can leave 24 V supplies unprotected, weld contacts, and void CE marking for machines.
Quick Facts
• Legrand S302-D: 24 V DC max, 6 kA breaking capacity, curve D [Elektroda, HeSz, post #6338649]
• Eaton FAZ-DC series: 60 V DC (1-pole) or 220 V DC (2-pole), 15 kA at 60 V [Eaton, 2022 Cat.].
• Schneider C60H-DC: 250 V DC (1-pole), 10 kA breaking capacity [Schneider, 2023 Cat.].
• AC MCB trip delay rises ≈100 % on DC due to absent zero-crossing [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #6340517]
• B10 test: 20 A at 40 V DC produced no trip for several minutes [Elektroda, Ryszard49, post #6337952]
Can I use a single-pole 230 V AC MCB in a 24 V DC circuit?
Manufacturers do not guarantee performance; tests show a B10 AC breaker failed to open at 20 A on 40 V DC [Elektroda, Ryszard49, post #6337952] Use a breaker explicitly marked “DC” or a fuse.
What goes wrong when an AC breaker switches DC?
DC lacks a natural zero-crossing, so the arc lasts longer, eroding contacts and raising overvoltage. The electromagnetic trip may need double current to actuate [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #6340517]
Are there dedicated DC miniature circuit breakers?
Yes. Examples: Legrand S302-D up to 24 V DC [Elektroda, HeSz, post #6338649], Eaton FAZ-DC up to 60 V DC (1P) [Eaton, 2022 Cat.], Schneider C60H-DC up to 250 V DC [Schneider, 2023 Cat.].
How do trip characteristics change on DC?
The thermal element stays the same, but the magnetic element needs more ampere-turns; expect instantaneous trip current to double for the same curve [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #6340517]
Does a B10 breaker still trip at 10 A on DC?
No. A field test showed continuous 20 A DC load without tripping; only a solid short triggered it [Elektroda, Ryszard49, post #6337952]
Which brands supply low-voltage DC breakers suitable for machine control circuits?
Legrand, Eaton (Moeller), Schneider Electric, and ABB all list ≤250 V DC MCBs in current catalogues [Legrand e-cat., 2023; Schneider, 2023 Cat.].
Could standard cartridge fuses replace an MCB for 24 V DC?
Yes, if their DC voltage rating equals or exceeds 24 V. Fuses are polarity-agnostic and extinguish arcs efficiently [Elektroda, Aleksander_01, post #6342836]
How do I size protection for a 24 V reed-switch array fed by one power supply?
- Sum maximum sensor current.
- Choose DC MCB/fuse rated 125 % of sum.
- Verify breaking capacity exceeds supply’s short-circuit current (often 1–2 kA for SMPS) [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #6335696]
What edge-case failures appear after years on DC?
The magnetic core in an AC-only breaker can retain flux, preventing future trips after long DC service [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #8875064]
Can I wire poles in series to raise DC voltage rating?
Yes; two poles in series roughly double permissible DC voltage—Schneider rates a 2P C60H-DC at 500 V DC [Schneider, 2023 Cat.]. Keep identical wiring lengths for equal sharing.
How do I test whether my AC breaker will operate on DC?
Apply a resistive load at rated current, then short the output through a monitored shunt. If trip time exceeds 0.1 s or contacts weld, discard it. Always shield the test—arcs reach 3 000 °C.
What is the meaning of “breaking capacity” on a DC breaker?
It is the highest prospective short-circuit current the device can open and stay usable. For Legrand S302-D, that is 6 kA at 24 V DC [Elektroda, HeSz, post #6338649]