Product Overview
The EATON PL9-C4/2-DC is a Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) specifically designed for DC (Direct Current) applications. It is part of Eaton’s xPole series (which includes PL9 and PL10 ranges) and serves as a crucial protective device for electrical circuits operating on DC voltage. The “C4” in the model code signifies a C-curve tripping characteristic and a rated current of 4 Amperes (A). The “/2” indicates that it is a 2-pole breaker, capable of interrupting current on two separate lines.
Unlike AC circuit breakers, DC MCBs like the PL9-C4/2-DC are engineered with specialized arc extinguishing mechanisms to effectively manage the continuous arc that occurs when interrupting direct current, which lacks the natural zero-crossing point of AC. This makes safe and reliable interruption of DC faults significantly more challenging. The EATON PL9-C4/2-DC is designed to meet these challenges, providing robust overcurrent and short-circuit protection for sensitive equipment. It is commonly found in applications such as small-scale photovoltaic (solar) systems, low-power battery storage systems, telecommunications equipment, and various industrial control circuits where DC power distribution is utilized. Its modular design allows for straightforward installation on DIN rails in standard electrical distribution boards.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | PL9-C4/2-DC |
| Manufacturer | EATON (Moeller series xPole) |
| Product Type | Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) for DC applications |
| Number of Poles | 2 (two-pole) |
| Rated Current (In) | 4 A |
| Tripping Characteristic | C-curve (magnetic trip from 5 to 10 times In) |
| Rated Operational Voltage (Ue) | Up to 125 V DC per pole (often up to 250 V DC for 2-pole series connection) |
| Rated Insulation Voltage (Ui) | 440 V |
| Rated Impulse Withstand Voltage (Uimp) | 4 kV |
| Rated Short-Circuit Breaking Capacity (Icn) | 10 kA (according to IEC/EN 60947-2) |
| Current Limiting Class | 3 |
| Frequency | 0 Hz (DC application) |
| Operating Temperature | -25°C to +75°C (with derating above 25°C) |
| Mounting | DIN Rail |
| Degree of Protection | IP20 (terminals), higher for enclosure |
| Width in Modular Spacings | 2 |
| Connectable Conductor Cross-Section | 1 to 25 mm² (solid or multi-wired) |
| Special Features | Contact position indicator (red-green), dual function terminals, easy removal from busbar. |
Main Features and Advantages
The EATON PL9-C4/2-DC Miniature Circuit Breaker offers several critical features and advantages specifically for DC electrical systems, prioritizing safety, precise protection, and ease of integration.
Reliable DC Arc Interruption: The most significant advantage of the EATON PL9-C4/2-DC is its specialized design for interrupting direct current. DC current lacks the natural zero crossing of AC, making arc extinction more difficult. This MCB incorporates a sophisticated arc extinguishing mechanism that ensures rapid and reliable interruption of DC fault currents, thereby preventing sustained arcing, potential fires, and damage to downstream components.
C-Curve Tripping Characteristic: The “C” tripping curve means the breaker provides thermal overload protection and also a magnetic trip (instantaneous trip) at 5 to 10 times its rated current (4A). This characteristic makes it suitable for general DC applications where there might be moderate inrush currents upon startup, such as in control circuits, LED lighting, and small DC motor loads.
High Breaking Capacity: With a rated short-circuit breaking capacity of 10 kA (according to IEC/EN 60947-2), the PL9-C4/2-DC can safely interrupt significant fault currents, providing robust protection for wiring and equipment even in the event of severe short circuits.
2-Pole Protection: As a 2-pole breaker, the EATON PL9-C4/2-DC simultaneously isolates both the positive and negative conductors (or two active lines) in a DC circuit during a fault. This provides comprehensive protection and ensures complete circuit isolation when tripped or manually switched off, enhancing safety.
Robust and User-Friendly Design:
- Contact Position Indicator: A clear red-green indicator provides immediate visual confirmation of the breaker’s contact status (ON/OFF/Tripped), which aids in quick diagnostics and ensures operational safety.
- Dual Function Terminals: The terminals are designed to accept wiring from either the top or bottom, offering flexibility in installation and simplifying panel wiring.
- DIN Rail Mounting: Standardized DIN rail mounting facilitates quick and secure installation within electrical distribution boards, ensuring seamless integration into various panel designs.
- Modular Accessories: Compatibility with Eaton’s xPole accessories, such as auxiliary contacts and shunt trips, allows for enhanced functionality like remote signaling and control.
Application Field
The EATON PL9-C4/2-DC Miniature Circuit Breaker is specifically engineered for overcurrent protection in Direct Current (DC) electrical systems. Its precise characteristics make it suitable for a variety of applications where reliable DC circuit protection is essential.
Small-Scale Photovoltaic (PV) Systems: In smaller solar power installations, the EATON PL9-C4/2-DC is used to protect individual solar panel strings, combiner box circuits, or the main DC output from low-power arrays, safeguarding against overcurrents and short circuits.
Battery Storage Systems: For low-power battery banks or specific circuits within larger energy storage systems, the PL9-C4/2-DC provides crucial protection during charging and discharging cycles, preventing damage to batteries and associated equipment. This could include off-grid residential systems or small commercial battery backups.
Industrial Control Circuits: Many industrial automation systems utilize 24V DC or similar low-voltage DC power for control circuits. The EAT9-C4/2-DC is ideal for protecting these sensitive circuits, including power supplies, PLCs, sensors, actuators, and HMI panels, from overloads and short circuits.
LED Lighting Systems (DC powered): With the increasing adoption of DC-powered LED lighting in commercial and residential buildings, this MCB offers a reliable protection solution for individual DC lighting circuits.
Telecommunications Equipment: In smaller telecommunication installations or specific branches within larger systems, the PL9-C4/2-DC can protect low-power DC feeds to routers, switches, and other communication devices.
Specialized DC Equipment and Systems: This includes various niche applications like certain railway signaling systems, marine vessel DC systems, recreational vehicles (RVs), or any other setup where a precise 4A, 2-pole DC circuit protection is required.
Related Products
The EATON PL9-C4/2-DC Miniature Circuit Breaker operates as a key component within larger electrical distribution and protection systems. Related products typically include other circuit breakers, protective devices, and complementary accessories from Eaton’s portfolio.
