ABB Power Break II Insulated Case Circuit Breakers

Reliable industrial protection upgrade using ABB Power Break II breakers

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Table Of Contents
  1. What is Power Break II Insulated Case Breaker?

Industrial Power Distribution • Switchgear • Protection

What is Power Break II Insulated Case Breaker?

ABB Power Break II insulated case circuit breaker in an industrial setting

If you deal with switchgear, distribution networks, or industrial power gear, you know the need for selecting protection devices that combine safety, flexibility, and dependability. That’s why contractors and facility managers choose to use the ABB Power Break II insulated case circuit breaker in challenging electrical systems. Understanding what differentiates this breaker, whether you are upgrading older gear or planning a new installation, helps you to make better judgments in the field.

Key Topics: ABB Power Break II insulated case circuit breaker • Power Break II ICCB breaker • NEMA insulated case circuit breaker • ABB Power Break II Replacement Breaker • Power Break II breaker specifications

What Is the ABB Power Break II Insulated Case Circuit Breaker

A Power Break II ICCB breaker is a heavy-duty protection device used in commercial and industrial electrical distribution systems. Insulated-case breakers surpass smaller molded-case breakers in terms of interrupting capacity, enhanced trip functionality, and customization options.

These breakers are made for AC systems up to 600 volts and are available in multiple frame sizes covering a wide current range. They’re designed to handle high fault currents safely, making them ideal for mission-critical environments where reliability is a must.

In practical terms, that means you get:

  • Higher withstand ratings
  • Flexible protection settings
  • Modular accessories
  • Advanced electronic trip options

For contractors, that means fewer callbacks, better coordination, and easier commissioning.

Why Contractors Choose Power Break II ICCB Breakers

When you’re installing or specifying breakers, you want the system to be installed, easily maintained, and expanded later. Contractors usually specify a Power Break II ICCB breaker because it’s built with that actual installation conditions in mind.

Here’s what stands out:

  • Compact footprint compared to earlier insulated-case designs
  • Field-installable accessories that don’t require special tools
  • Modular components that reduce inventory complexity
  • Clearly visible status indicators and controls

These features cut installation time and make troubleshooting easier. Rather than removing equipment to add accessories, modules can be quickly installed on-site. This type of flexibility is useful when project deadlines are tight.

NEMA Insulated Case Breakers for Industrial Power Systems

A NEMA insulated case circuit breaker is specifically designed for rugged applications where electrical systems face high available fault current and difficult operating conditions. These breakers are used in heavy industrial environments, manufacturing plants, hospitals, data centers, and utilities.

Compared to smaller breakers, insulated-case models provide:

  • Higher interrupting capacity
  • Adjustable protection curves
  • Improved coordination with downstream devices
  • Advanced monitoring capability

This makes them good for systems where selective coordination and arc-flash mitigation are needed. With adjustable settings, you can fine-tune trip characteristics to match system requirements instead of relying on fixed protection parameters.

Power Break II Breaker Specifications and Frame Sizes

Understanding Power Break II breaker specifications helps you select the right device the first time. These breakers come in multiple frame sizes covering wide amperage ranges for feeders, mains, and tie breakers.

Specification highlights include:

  • Frame sizes covering medium to high amperage ranges
  • Multiple interrupting rating levels (standard and high-capacity versions)
  • Solid-state electronic trip units with programmable settings
  • Optional communication and metering features
  • Stationary and draw-out configurations

Trip units are one of the biggest advantages. Electronic trip systems allow you to adjust long-time, short-time, instantaneous, and ground-fault protection. That means you can dial in coordination between upstream and downstream devices for best system performance.

ABB Power Break II Replacement and Retrofit Applications

Common reasons customers look for an ABB Power Break II replacement breaker is to modernize. Facilities still operate legacy switchgear that’s structurally sound but electrically outdated. Instead of replacing entire switchboards, you can often upgrade protection by installing newer breakers.

Retrofit projects benefit from these breakers because:

  • Compact designs fit existing compartments
  • Draw-out versions simplify installation and service
  • Accessories can be added later if requirements change
  • Modern trip units provide diagnostics and monitoring

For contractors, retrofit jobs become faster and more predictable. For end users, it means extending equipment life without major capital investment.

Common Applications for ABB Power Break II Breakers

You’ll typically find the ABB Power Break II insulated case circuit breaker installed in systems where dependable protection is critical. These include:

  • Industrial motor control systems
  • Switchgear main breakers
  • Generator protection systems
  • Data center distribution
  • Commercial facility mains
  • Utility substations

Any application with high available fault current or complex coordination requirements is a strong reason for this breaker type.

How Power Break II Fits Between MCCBs and Power Breakers

If you’ve ever compared breaker categories, you know there’s a performance gap between molded-case circuit breakers (MCCBs) and large air circuit breakers. The Power Break II ICCB breaker fills that gap.

Think of it as the middle tier:

Breaker Type Typical Use
MCCB (Molded Case) Branch circuits and small feeders
ICCB (Insulated Case) Feeders, mains, and distribution
Power Breaker Utility or very high-capacity systems

This middle-tier position is why insulated-case breakers are popular. They deliver high performance without the size, cost, or complexity of large power breakers.

Example Power Break II Models

Model Number Description / Key Details
SSF16D216 Power Break II Insulated Case Circuit Breaker, 600 V, 3P/3PH, 1600 A frame with 1600 A rated trip — heavy-duty protection device for industrial power distribution.
SSF30G330 Power Break II Insulated Case Circuit Breaker, 600 V, 3P/3PH, 3000 A frame with 3000 A rated trip — high-capacity breaker for large feeders or mains.
SHF1G3H3H Power Break II Insulated Case Circuit Breaker, 600 V, 3P/3PH, 800 A with current sensor rating 100 kA @ 480 V — suitable for medium-duty distribution.
SHF20B220H Power Break II Insulated Case Circuit Breaker, 600 V, 3P/3PH, 2000 A frame with 2000 A rated trip — ideal for larger feeder circuits.
TR10C800GFD Ground fault rating plug element for Power Break II breakers rated for 800 A — used to defeat ground fault trip with compatible trip unit.
GTP0800U0820 800 A EntelliGuard rating plug for Power Break II — electronic rating plug providing adjustable protection settings for breakers.
GTP2000U2050 2000 A EntelliGuard rating plug for Power Break II — high-current plug used to set trip rating in compatible breakers.

FAQ — ABB Power Break II Breakers

1. What is an insulated case circuit breaker?
A breaker designed for higher current and fault capacity than molded-case breakers, typically used in industrial systems.
2. What makes Power Break II different from MCCBs?
It offers higher interrupt ratings, adjustable protection, and advanced trip units.
3. Can Power Break II breakers be used for retrofits?
Yes. Many models are designed to fit existing switchgear compartments.
4. Are electronic trip units standard?
Most configurations use solid-state trip units with programmable settings.
5. Do these breakers support remote monitoring?
Certain trip units allow communication and metering integration.
6. Where are they typically installed?
Commonly used in switchgear, distribution panels, and industrial feeders.
7. Are accessories field-installable?
Yes. Many accessories are modular and designed for quick installation.

Glossary of Power Break Terms

ABB Power Break II insulated case circuit breaker — Industrial breaker designed for high-capacity electrical distribution protection.

Power Break II ICCB breaker — Abbreviation referring to the insulated-case breaker model series.

NEMA insulated case circuit breaker — Breaker meeting NEMA standards for industrial electrical equipment.

ABB Power Break II replacement breaker — Replacement unit used to upgrade or retrofit existing electrical systems.

Power Break II breaker specifications — Technical ratings such as amperage, interrupt capacity, and trip settings.

Tip: Always verify breaker ratings, configuration, and compatibility before installation.