Product Overview
The EATON PL9-C10/2-DC is a Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) specifically designed for DC (Direct Current) applications. It is a key component within Eaton’s xPole series (which includes PL9 and PL10 ranges), engineered to provide essential overcurrent and short-circuit protection for electrical circuits operating on DC voltage. The “C10” in the model code indicates a C-curve tripping characteristic and a rated current of 10 Amperes (A). The “/2” signifies that it is a 2-pole breaker, meaning it can effectively interrupt current on two separate lines, typically the positive and negative conductors in a DC system, or two strings.
Unlike standard AC circuit breakers, DC MCBs like the PL9-C10/2-DC are critically designed to manage the unique challenges of interrupting direct current. DC current lacks a natural zero-crossing point, making the extinguishment of the electrical arc significantly more complex and difficult. Eaton’s PL9-C10/2-DC incorporates specialized arc extinguishing chambers and mechanisms to reliably and safely break high DC fault currents, preventing damage to downstream equipment, mitigating fire risks, and ensuring the safety of personnel. It is commonly used in photovoltaic (solar) systems, battery energy storage systems, telecommunications power supplies, and various industrial or commercial applications where DC power distribution is employed. Its modular design allows for straightforward installation on DIN rails in dedicated DC distribution boards.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | PL9-C10/2-DC |
| Manufacturer | EATON (Moeller series xPole) |
| Product Type | Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) for DC applications |
| Number of Poles | 2 (two-pole) |
| Rated Current (In) | 10 A |
| Tripping Characteristic | C-curve (magnetic trip from 5 to 10 times In) |
| Rated Operational Voltage (Ue) | Up to 250 V DC per pole (often up to 500 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-C10/2-DC Miniature Circuit Breaker offers several key features and advantages tailored for its application in DC electrical systems, emphasizing safety, reliability, and ease of use.
Dedicated DC Current Interruption: The most significant advantage is its specific design for DC circuits. Unlike AC, DC current does not naturally cross zero, making arc extinguishing more challenging. The EATON PL9-C10/2-DC incorporates a distinguished arc extinguishing mechanism that reliably interrupts DC faults, preventing prolonged arcing, potential fires, and equipment damage. This specialized capability is crucial for safety and system integrity in DC applications.
C-Curve Tripping Characteristic: The “C” characteristic means the breaker will trip instantaneously at 5 to 10 times its rated current (10A), in addition to its thermal overload protection. This makes it suitable for general applications where there might be moderate inrush currents, such as in control circuits, lighting, and some motor loads in DC systems.
High Breaking Capacity: With a rated short-circuit breaking capacity of 10 kA (according to IEC/EN 60947-2), the PL9-C10/2-DC can safely interrupt significant fault currents, providing robust protection for downstream wiring and components.
2-Pole Protection: As a 2-pole breaker, the EATON PL9-C10/2-DC offers comprehensive protection for both the positive and negative (or two active) conductors in a DC circuit. This ensures complete isolation and protection, which is often required in many DC power distribution setups.
Robust and User-Friendly Design:
- Contact Position Indicator: A clear red-green indicator visually shows the internal contact status, enhancing safety and ease of troubleshooting.
- Dual Function Terminals: Terminals on both sides of the breaker allow for flexible wiring (power or load side can be connected from top or bottom) without affecting breaking capability.
- DIN Rail Mounting: Standardized DIN rail mounting allows for quick and easy installation in distribution boards, facilitating integration into existing electrical panels.
- Modular Design: Compatible with other xPole series accessories (e.g., auxiliary contacts, shunt trips), enhancing its versatility.
Application Field
The EATON PL9-C10/2-DC Miniature Circuit Breaker is specifically designed for overcurrent protection in Direct Current (DC) electrical installations. Its application fields are growing significantly due to the increasing adoption of DC power in various industries and technologies.
Photovoltaic (PV) Systems (Solar Power): This is one of the most prominent application areas. The EATON PL9-C10/2-DC is used to protect DC strings, combiners, and main DC circuits in residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar power installations. It provides overcurrent and short-circuit protection for solar panels and associated DC cabling, ensuring system safety and reliability.
Battery Storage Systems: In systems incorporating battery banks for energy storage (e.g., alongside solar PV, for uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), or off-grid systems), the PL9-C10/2-DC protects battery circuits from overcurrents and short circuits during charging and discharging cycles.
Telecommunications and Data Centers: DC power is widely used in telecommunication base stations, data centers, and network infrastructure. The EATON PL9-C10/2-DC safeguards power distribution units (PDUs), rectifiers, and server racks, ensuring continuous operation and protection of critical equipment.
Industrial Control and Automation: Many industrial control systems, machinery, and automation equipment operate on DC power (e.g., 24V DC control circuits). The PL9-C10/2-DC provides circuit protection for power supplies, PLC I/O, sensors, and actuators in these applications.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure: As EV charging stations often involve high-power DC charging, MCBs like the PL9-C10/2-DC are crucial for protecting the DC circuits within charging piles.
DC Lighting and Specialized DC Applications: In commercial and residential buildings, there’s a growing trend towards DC lighting systems. The EATON PL9-C10/2-DC can be used to protect these circuits, as well as in other specialized DC-powered equipment and systems (e.g., marine vessels, RVs, railway applications).
Related Products
The EATON PL9-C10/2-DC Miniature Circuit Breaker is the primary power source for the entire Bently Nevada 3500 Series rack. It works in conjunction with virtually every other module in the 3500 family. Related products include:
