ABB S202-C4 Two-pole Miniature Circuit Breaker, C 4 A

The S202-C4 is a two-pole miniature circuit breaker in ABB’s System pro M compact S200 range, listed under order code 2CDS252001R0044. It combines a delayed thermal release for overload with an electromagnetic release for short circuit, and the C curve tolerates normal switching-on surges. At 6 kA rated short-circuit capacity (IEC/EN 60898-1) it is a standard distribution-board part for a two-wire 230 V feeder to a small control transformer or instrument.

Larger feeders move to moulded case breakers such as the SACE Tmax XT family, and the wider choice sits under circuit breakers.

Technical specifications

Trip limits and temperature derating for 4 A

Instantaneous tripping lies in the window of 20 to 40 A, that is 5 to 10 x In, and the tripping time at 5 x In is 0.1 to 15 s. Overload limits are 4.52 A for no trip over an hour and 5.8 A for tripping within an hour, the 1.13 x In and 1.45 x In points, referred to 30 C. Heat reduces the load: 3.8 A at 40 C, 3.5 A at 50 C and 3.3 A at 60 C for this rating. When several breakers sit together under load, apply 0.9 (two or three neighbours), 0.8 (four or five) or 0.75 (six or more); distance pieces remove the need.

Two-pole duty and add-ons

The 2P version isolates phase and neutral together, which suits 230 V circuits that need neutral isolation. Ratings are 400 V AC (IEC/EN 60898-1), 440 V AC (IEC/EN 60947-2) and 125 V DC. Side accessories are auxiliary and signal contacts, a shunt trip, an undervoltage release, a motor operating device and a DDA 200 RCD block. The body needs 35 mm of DIN rail.

Type designation and order code

Break S202-C4 down and you get S200, 2 poles, C curve, 4 A. The order code 2CDS252001R0044 is the number to quote on a purchase document. Before ordering, confirm the pole count, characteristic, rated current, voltage and fault level needed on site, and whether side accessories are wanted.

Why a C curve at 4 A

The tripping characteristic decides how the breaker reacts to short current peaks. A B curve trips magnetically at 3 to 5 times rated current, a C curve at 5 to 10 times, and a D curve at 10 to 20 times. For a 4 A breaker the C curve means the instantaneous release operates between 20 and 40 A, as listed above. That leaves room for the inrush of small transformers, power supplies, solenoid coils, LED drivers and small motors, which would often cause nuisance trips on a B curve. Where the load has a very high inrush, such as a larger control transformer, a D curve may be needed; where cables are long and fault current is low, a B curve trips more reliably.

Typical uses of a two-pole 4 A breaker

• Protection of the primary of a small control transformer in a motor control or PLC panel.
• Feeders to instrumentation, analysers and small measuring devices.
• Supply to switch-mode DC power supplies for control circuits.
• Lighting or small single-phase loads where both conductors must be disconnected, for example in IT or TN-S systems where the neutral needs switching.

Coordination and selection checks

Installation and maintenance

• Mount on a standard 35 mm DIN rail in a distribution board or control panel.
• Tighten terminals to the 2.8 Nm stated by ABB, and recheck tightness during scheduled maintenance; loose terminals are a common source of heat.
• Operate the handle periodically on circuits that rarely switch, to confirm the mechanism moves freely.
• Replace any breaker that shows discolouration, cracked housing or signs of overheating.

Use in Oman and GCC distribution boards

Boards in the region are often installed in rooms or outdoor kiosks where the internal temperature rises well above the reference temperature of the breaker. Because the thermal release is temperature sensitive, a hot board makes the breaker trip at a lower current than its rating, so the derating data is relevant. Good ventilation or air conditioning of electrical rooms, and avoiding densely packed rows of loaded breakers, keep nuisance tripping down.

What to include in your RFQ

• Order code 2CDS252001R0044 (S202-C4) and quantity.
• Any accessories such as auxiliary contacts, signal contacts, shunt trips or busbars.
• Delivery location and any documentation required.

Documents and quotation

Behind the link is ABB’s own data sheet for S 200 and S 200 M miniature breakers: ratings, curves, derating, accessories and outline dimensions. Seven Star LLC, an independent supplier in Muscat, quotes on request with the type and quantity. Neither price nor availability appears on this page, so verify the specification with us before ordering.