PL9-C2/2 EATON

Product Overview

The EATON PL9-C2/2 is a Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) designed for AC (Alternating Current) applications. As part of Eaton’s xPole series (which includes PL9 and PL10 ranges), this device provides essential overcurrent protection for electrical circuits in residential, commercial, and light industrial settings. The “C2” in the model code indicates a C-curve tripping characteristic and a rated current of 2 Amperes (A). The “/2” signifies that it is a 2-pole breaker, meaning it can interrupt current on two separate lines, typically phase and neutral, or two phases in a multi-phase system.

The PL9-C2/2 operates on both thermal and magnetic principles. The thermal mechanism protects against sustained overloads, while the magnetic mechanism provides rapid protection against short circuits. Its C-curve characteristic makes it suitable for general applications where there might be moderate inrush currents upon switching on, such as lighting circuits, general-purpose outlets, and small appliances. This MCB is designed for easy installation on standard DIN rails within consumer units or distribution boards, offering reliable and safe protection for electrical installations.

Technical Specifications

Parameter Name	Parameter Value
Product Model	PL9-C2/2
Manufacturer	EATON (Moeller series xPole)
Product Type	Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) for AC applications
Number of Poles	2 (two-pole)
Rated Current (In)	2 A
Tripping Characteristic	C-curve (magnetic trip from 5 to 10 times In)
Rated Operational Voltage (Ue)	230/400 V AC (typical)
Rated Insulation Voltage (Ui)	440 V
Rated Impulse Withstand Voltage (Uimp)	4 kV
Rated Short-Circuit Breaking Capacity (Icn)	6 kA or 10 kA (depending on specific variant/standard, common for PL9)
Frequency	50/60 Hz (AC 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-C2/2 Miniature Circuit Breaker offers several key features and advantages that contribute to its effectiveness and popularity in electrical protection:

Dual Protection (Thermal and Magnetic): The PL9-C2/2 combines two tripping mechanisms. The thermal mechanism protects against sustained overloads by heating a bimetallic strip, while the magnetic mechanism provides instantaneous protection against severe short circuits. This dual functionality ensures comprehensive protection for electrical circuits and connected equipment.

C-Curve Tripping Characteristic: The “C” characteristic means the breaker trips magnetically when the current reaches 5 to 10 times its rated current (2A), in addition to its thermal overload function. This makes it suitable for general applications where there might be moderate inrush currents, preventing nuisance tripping while still offering robust short-circuit protection.

2-Pole Protection: As a 2-pole breaker, the EATON PL9-C2/2 provides protection for both live conductors in a single-phase circuit (e.g., phase and neutral in some regions, or two phases in a multi-phase system). This ensures complete isolation of the faulty circuit, enhancing safety during maintenance or fault conditions.

High Breaking Capacity: With a rated short-circuit breaking capacity typically of 6 kA or 10 kA, the PL9-C2/2 can safely interrupt significant fault currents, protecting the electrical installation and preventing extensive damage in the event of a short circuit.

Robust and User-Friendly Design:

Contact Position Indicator: A clear red-green indicator provides immediate visual confirmation of the breaker’s internal contact status (ON/OFF/Tripped), enhancing safety and simplifying troubleshooting.
Dual Function Terminals: The terminals are designed to accept wiring from either the top or bottom, offering flexibility in installation and streamlining wiring in distribution boards.
DIN Rail Mounting: Standardized 35mm DIN rail mounting allows for quick and secure installation within consumer units and distribution boards, ensuring seamless integration into various electrical panels.
Modular System: Part of Eaton’s xPole range, it is compatible with a range of modular accessories (e.g., auxiliary contacts, shunt trips), allowing for enhanced functionality and system flexibility.

Application Field

The EATON PL9-C2/2 Miniature Circuit Breaker is primarily used for overcurrent and short-circuit protection in various AC electrical installations, particularly where low current protection with a C-curve characteristic is required. Its main application fields include:

Residential Buildings:

Lighting Circuits: Ideal for protecting general lighting circuits in homes, ensuring safety for fixtures and wiring.
Small Appliance Circuits: Suitable for protecting circuits feeding small appliances, ensuring they are not overloaded.

Commercial Buildings:

Office Lighting and Power Outlets: Provides reliable protection for lighting systems and general-purpose power outlets in offices, shops, and other commercial spaces.
Control Circuits: Used in building management systems (BMS) or other control panels for protecting low-current control circuits.

Light Industrial Applications:

Control Panels: Protecting circuits within control panels for machinery, HVAC systems, or other industrial equipment where a 2A C-curve breaker is specified.
Instrumentation Power: Safeguarding power supplies to sensitive industrial instrumentation or sensors.

OEM Applications:

Integrated into the electrical systems of various Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) products, such as custom machinery, vending machines, or specialized equipment requiring low-current, reliable circuit protection.

Given its low current rating (2A), the PL9-C2/2 is typically employed for protecting individual circuits or sub-circuits with relatively low power demands, where precise and rapid tripping in case of fault is necessary.

Related Products

The EATON PL9-C2/2 Miniature Circuit Breaker is an integral part of Eaton’s extensive electrical distribution and protection portfolio. Related products often include other circuit breakers, protective devices, and accessories that work together to form a complete electrical system.

Other Eaton xPole MCBs (PL9/PL10 series):

Different Current Ratings: Other MCBs in the PL9/PL10 series with varying current ratings (e.g., PL9-C6/2, PL9-C10/2, PL9-C16/2, up to 63A) to match different load requirements.
Different Tripping Characteristics: MCBs with B-curve (for very low inrush currents) or D-curve (for high inrush currents, like motors or transformers) characteristics within the same series.
Different Pole Configurations: Single-pole (e.g., PL9-C2/1), 3-pole (e.g., PL9-C2/3), or 4-pole (e.g., PL9-C2/4) versions, as well as 1P+N or 3P+N variants.
DC Versions: As seen with the PL9-C2/2-DC, Eaton also offers DC-specific MCBs.