Protect Switchgear, Motor Control Centers, Distribution Panels
When you’re designing or maintaining a power distribution system, Eaton Magnum air breakers(ACBs) are a good choice for handling large electrical loads safely. Eaton Magnum Air Breakers give you the flexibility to protect switchgear, motor control centers, and distribution panels while meeting global standards.
In this guide, you’ll learn why Magnum Low Voltage Air Circuit Breakers are so popular and how to choose the right model for your system. We’ll cover IEC 60947-2 compliant low-voltage circuit breakers, safety features, breaker trip units, and tips for selecting the best option.
Eaton’s Magnum Series: Engineered and manufactured low voltage circuit breakers and trip units.
Protect LV Systems up to 690 Vac
What Are Eaton Magnum Air Breakers?
At their core, Eaton Magnum air breakers (ACBs) protect low voltage systems up to 690 Vac and handle continuous currents from 800A to 6300A. These Air Circuit Breakers designed to safely break fault currents and quickly restore power once issues are resolved.
Unlike molded case breakers, ACBs are more customizable, durable, and flexible — making them a great choice for heavy-duty switchgear and industrial applications.
So if you’re sourcing new equipment or retrofitting an older installation, Eaton Magnum air breakers compliance keeps you in line with best practices internationally.
Eaton Air Breakers
Expanded Capabilities in Less Space
Eaton air breakers’ modern designs give you high interrupting capacity with a compact design. That means you can handle larger fault currents while using less space in your electrical room. If you’re upgrading switchboards or MCCs, this flexibility makes your job easier and your system more reliable.
Keeping Workers and Systems Safe
EATON Magnum Built-In Safety Features
You want a breaker that keeps your system and your team safe. That’s why Eaton Magnum air breakers’ safety features include:
⚡Positive ON indicators so you know exactly when contacts are closed ⚡Deadfront faceplates to isolate operators from live parts ⚡Anti-pump mechanisms that stop reclosing during faults ⚡Keyed sensor plugs to prevent miswiring in the field ⚡With features like these, you minimize downtime and protect your workforce.
A History of Firsts
Eaton Magnum Air Breakers: Proven Performance History
Eaton is an industry leader in air circuit breaker technology. They pioneered the first solid-state trip unit, the first microprocessor trip unit, and innovations like zone selective interlocking and the DE-ION® arc extinguisher.
When you buy from a brand with that history, you’re choosing reliability that’s been tested.
3 Considerations in Choosing Air Breakers
Choosing the Best Breaker for Your System
If you’re asking, “What’s the best IEC-certified low-voltage air circuit breaker for my project?” it comes down to three factors:
1. Application – switchgear, motor control center, or transfer switch 2. Current rating – anywhere from 800A to 6300A 3. Trip unit functionality – from simple protection to advanced metering and communication
Protection Options
Eaton’s Digitrip Trip Unit Family
Circuit breaker trip units are the brains of your breaker. Eaton’s Digitrip family gives you options for simple protection or advanced diagnostics.
⚡Digitrip 220: Long-time and instantaneous protection only ⚡Digitrip 520i/520Mi/520MCi: Flexible trip-curve shaping, earth fault protection, LCD display, and communication options ⚡Digitrip 1150i: Advanced programmability, waveform capture, power quality monitoring, and system communications
If you’re upgrading your switchgear, selecting an IEC low voltage air circuit breaker for switchgear often comes down to which trip unit features you need now and in the future.
No Special Tools Needed
Magnum Air Breakers: Easy Maintenance, Modular Accessories
Downtime is expensive, so ACBs are designed for minimal maintenance. Quick-access covers, contact wear indicators, and finger-safe terminals make inspections simple. Accessories are modular and plug-in, this means you can install shunt trips, undervoltage releases, or motor operators without special tools or modifications.
This flexibility allows you to adapt the breaker to changing system requirements without extended outages. The intuitive design also reduces the chance of installation errors, helping technicians complete upgrades faster and more safely. Over time, these features translate into lower operating costs and greater system reliability.
Popular Part Numbers for Eaton IEC Low Voltage ACBs
Eaton IEC low voltage air circuit breakers give you reliability, safety, and flexibility for electrical systems. With IEC 60947-2 compliant low voltage circuit breakers, proven safety features, and advanced Digitrip trip units, you can design smarter, safer, and more efficient switchgear.
FAQ: Eaton Magnum IEC Low-Voltage
What is the main function of an IEC low voltage air circuit breaker? It interrupts fault currents and protects your low voltage system from overloads and short circuits.
What air circuit breaker voltages are supported? Magnum ACBs cover 380V to 690V AC applications.
What are the continuous current ratings? From 800A up to 6300A, depending on frame size.
What does IEC 60947-2 mean? It’s the international standard for low voltage circuit breakers, ensuring safety and performance.
Can breaker accessories be added later? Yes. Shunt trips, undervoltage releases, and motor operators are modular plug-ins.
How do I know when to replace contacts? A contact wear indicator shows when service is required.
What’s the difference between fixed and drawout breaker designs? Fixed breakers are bolted in place; drawout designs let you rack the breaker in and out for testing or replacement.
Magnum Air Breaker Terminology
Glossary of Air Circuit Breaker Terms
ACB (Air Circuit Breaker) – A breaker that uses air as the arc extinguishing medium.
IEC 60947-2 – The standard defining requirements for low voltage circuit breakers.
Arc Extinguisher – A device that safely quenches electrical arcs during interruption.
Trip Unit – The electronic control that senses faults and trips the breaker.