Siemens CED Breaker Ratings, Applications, Replacement

Extra-high interrupting capacity molded case circuit breakers and switches from the Siemens Sentron ED frame family

Table Of Contents
  1. What Is a Siemens CED Molded-Case Circuit Breaker?
  2. Replacing CE and CLE breakers in distribution equipment.
  3. Siemens CED6 Breaker Current-Limiting Protection
  4. Siemens CED Breakers Replace Legacy CLE Breakers
  5. Can a Siemens CED Replace a Legacy CE Circuit Breaker?
  6. Understanding a Siemens CED Breaker Catalog Number
  7. Siemens CED Circuit Breaker Applications
  8. How to Select a Siemens CED Replacement

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What Is a Siemens CED Molded-Case Circuit Breaker?

It gives overload and short-circuit protection inside a molded insulating case.

Rated for applications up to 600 volts AC

The popular Siemens CED6 breaker belongs to the 125-amp ED frame family. It’s available in two- and three-pole configurations, with ratings from 15 through 125 amps depending on the catalog number and construction.

CED6 breakers are rated for applications up to 600 volts AC. Some catalog numbers have DC ratings when connected using Siemens instructions, so you shouldn’t assume every CED breaker works on both AC and DC systems.

The CED’s current-limiting construction separates it from a standard ED6 and gives it higher interrupting ratings.

Replacing CE and CLE breakers in distribution equipment.

Replacing an older breaker isn’t always as simple as matching the amp rating.

Siemens CED circuit breaker provides a replacement path

For certain catalog numbers, a Siemens CED breaker provides a replacement path. Siemens identifies listed CED and CLE breakers as mechanically and electrically interchangeable. An older CE breaker needs more verification because its replacement can have interrupting-capacity limits.

Understanding differences helps you avoid ordering a breaker that looks right but doesn’t meet your equipment’s electrical, mounting or protection needs. This post will help you choose a circuit breaker replacement.

CED6 includes the CED62 and CED63 breakers used to replace legacy CE and CLE models.

CED6 characteristicRating or description
Product typeCurrent-limiting molded-case circuit breaker
ManufacturerSiemens; older units may carry ITE or ITE-Siemens identification
Breaker familySiemens Sentron ED frame
Maximum frame rating125 amps
Available polesTwo or three poles
Continuous-current range15–125 amps, depending on catalog number and pole configuration
Maximum AC voltage600V AC
Two-pole DC ratingUp to 250V DC for listed catalog numbers
Three-pole DC ratingUp to 500V DC when connected according to Siemens instructions
Interrupting rating at 240V ACUp to 200 kA RMS symmetrical
Interrupting rating at 480V ACUp to 200 kA RMS symmetrical
Interrupting rating at 600V ACUp to 100 kA RMS symmetrical
Trip typeFixed thermal-magnetic trip
Current-limiting constructionYes
Trip-unit interchangeabilityNon-interchangeable trip construction
CalibrationStandard breakers are calibrated at 40°C; special catalog numbers may differ
Reverse connectionPermitted for ED-frame breakers where Siemens instructions and product markings allow
Typical applicationsCommercial switchboards, industrial distribution equipment, panelboards where listed and high-fault-current systems
Common replacement useListed legacy CLE breakers and qualified replacement paths for earlier CE breakers
Primary selection requirementsCatalog number, poles, amperage, voltage, interrupting rating, mounting, terminals, accessories and equipment compatibility

Siemens CED6 Breaker Current-Limiting Protection

A current-limiting breaker reduces the peak fault current and energy that pass through the system before the circuit opens.

Protect conductors and downstream equipment.

Siemens lists CED6 interrupting ratings as high as:
200 kA at 240 volts AC
200 kA at 480 volts AC
100 kA at 600 volts AC

These ratings are higher than those of several other ED-frame breakers. You shouldn’t replace a CED with a standard ED6 merely because the poles and amp rating match.
The replacement’s interrupting rating must equal or exceed the available fault current. It also needs to preserve any series rating or equipment short-circuit current rating.

Siemens CED Replacement Guide for Popular Legacy CLE and CE Breakers

Current Siemens CED breakerSuperseded CLE breakerEarlier CE breakerCED-to-CLE relationshipImportant CE qualification
CED62B020CLE62B020CE2B020Mechanically and electrically interchangeable for corresponding listed breakersVerify mounting, electrical ratings and available fault current before replacing CE.
CED63B020CLE63B020CE3B020Mechanically and electrically interchangeable for corresponding listed breakersThe CE-to-later-family relationship is electrically qualified. Mechanical requirements must be checked.
CED63B040CLE63B040CE3B040Mechanically and electrically interchangeable for corresponding listed breakersConfirm the complete catalog number, installation and interrupting-capacity requirements.
CED63B050CLE63B050CE3B050Mechanically and electrically interchangeable for corresponding listed breakersVerify the original CE breaker’s mounting, terminals and electrical ratings.
CED63B060CLE63B060CE3B060Mechanically and electrically interchangeable for corresponding listed CED and CLE breakersTrace the documented replacement path from CE to CLE before selecting CED.
CED63B070CLE63B070CE3B070Mechanically and electrically interchangeable for corresponding listed CED and CLE breakersConfirm that the replacement meets the application’s fault-current requirements.
CED63B100CLE63B100CE3B100Mechanically and electrically interchangeable for corresponding listed CED and CLE breakersVerify mounting, voltage, poles, accessories and interrupting rating.

Siemens CED Breakers Replace Legacy CLE Breakers

A Siemens CLE breaker replacement is made easier when the catalog number is in Siemens’ superseded-breaker reference.

CLE62, CLE63 and related molded-case switches

The documented groups include CLE62, CLE63 and related molded-case switches. Siemens marks corresponding CED and CLE groups as mechanically and electrically interchangeable.

Mechanical interchangeability means the replacement is meant for the corresponding mounting arrangement. Electrical interchangeability means its characteristics support the documented replacement relationship.

Still, compare the individual catalog numbers. Confirm poles, amperage, voltage, interrupting rating and function. A thermal-magnetic breaker and a molded-case switch aren’t the same device.

Can a Siemens CED Replace a Legacy CE Circuit Breaker?

A Siemens CE circuit breaker replacement needs more investigation.

Verify the Complete Replacement Path from CE to CED

Siemens shows CE as an earlier predecessor to CLE, but parts of that relationship carry electrical interchangeability and maximum interrupting-capacity qualifications.

Don’t jump from a CE number to a similar-looking CED number. Start with the exact CE catalog number, identify its documented CLE successor, and then see if Siemens lists a corresponding CED. Finally, compare the installation and ratings.

Understanding a Siemens CED Breaker Catalog Number

Don’t assume near-matching numbers are equivalent

CED63B060 is a useful example

The opening C identifies Siemens’ highest interrupting class and current-limiting construction. ED identifies the frame family, 6 indicates the 600-volt class, and 3 means three poles.

The B identifies a standard 40 degrees C thermal-magnetic construction, 060 indicates a 60-amp rating. Other letters identify a molded-case switch, special calibration or another construction, so don’t assume near-matching numbers are equivalent.

Siemens CED Circuit Breaker Applications

High interrupting capacity for switchboards, panelboards

CED breakers in commercial and industrial equipment have high interrupting needed capacity, including switchboards, listed panelboards and manufacturing systems built around Siemens or legacy ITE components.

They’re useful where a strong utility source, large transformer or condition creates high available fault current. Physical fit alone doesn’t establish compatibility; the equipment must be designed or approved for the breaker.

How to Select a Siemens CED Replacement

Record existing breaker’s catalog number. Photograph label, mounting and nameplate.

What to Check Before Selecting a CED Replacement Breaker

Record the existing breaker’s complete catalog number. Photograph the label, mounting and equipment nameplate. You’ll need the poles, current rating, voltage, available fault current and minimum interrupting rating.

Check the line and load connections, lugs, mounting hardware, enclosure and accessories. A shunt trip, auxiliary switch, molded-case switch function or special terminal arrangement can change the correct selection.

For a CE breaker, trace the Siemens replacement progression through CLE before selecting CED. For CLE, use the superseded-breaker table to find the corresponding CED group, then verify the individual catalog number and installed equipment.

What is a Siemens CED circuit breaker?

A Siemens CED circuit breaker is a current-limiting molded-case circuit breaker used in commercial and industrial electrical distribution systems. The CED6 belongs to Siemens’ 125-amp ED frame family and provides overload and short-circuit protection in applications up to 600 volts AC.

What does CED6 mean on a Siemens breaker?

The “C” identifies Siemens’ highest interrupting class and current-limiting construction. “ED” identifies the breaker’s frame family, while “6” indicates a maximum voltage class of 600 volts AC. The remaining characters identify the number of poles, breaker construction and amp rating.

Does a Siemens CED breaker replace a legacy CLE breaker?

Siemens identifies specific CED and CLE catalog-number groups as mechanically and electrically interchangeable. You’ll still need to compare the complete catalog numbers, poles, amperage, voltage, interrupting rating and breaker function before selecting a replacement.

Can a Siemens CED breaker replace an older CE breaker?

A CED may be part of the replacement path for certain legacy CE breakers, but it shouldn’t be treated as an automatic direct replacement. Siemens shows the general progression as CE to CLE to CED. Some CE replacement relationships include interrupting-capacity limits and other qualifications that must be checked.

Are Siemens CED6 and ED6 breakers interchangeable?

Not automatically. Both are associated with the Siemens ED frame, but CED6 is a current-limiting breaker with substantially higher interrupting ratings. The breakers can also have different dimensions and mounting requirements. An ED6 shouldn’t replace a CED6 unless Siemens documentation and the equipment listing permit it.

What is the interrupting rating of a Siemens CED6 breaker?

Siemens lists CED6 interrupting ratings as high as 200 kA at 240 volts AC, 200 kA at 480 volts AC and 100 kA at 600 volts AC. Always verify the individual breaker label because the complete catalog number and application can affect the rating.

What information is needed to select a Siemens CED replacement?

Start with the existing breaker’s complete catalog number. You’ll also need the number of poles, amp rating, system voltage, available fault current, required interrupting rating, mounting arrangement, terminal configuration and installed accessories. Photographs of the breaker label, mounting and equipment nameplate can help confirm the correct replacement.

Term Definition
Available Fault Current The maximum electrical current that could flow at a specific point in a system during a short circuit. The replacement breaker must have an interrupting rating suitable for the available fault current.
CE Breaker An earlier legacy Siemens or ITE current-limiting molded-case circuit breaker family. Selecting a replacement may require tracing the documented progression through CLE before identifying a possible CED replacement.
CED Breaker A Siemens Sentron current-limiting molded-case circuit breaker within the ED frame family. CED breakers are designed for applications requiring high interrupting capacity.
CED6 The 600-volt-class CED breaker family. CED62 identifies a two-pole breaker, while CED63 identifies a three-pole breaker.
CLE Breaker A legacy current-limiting breaker family that followed certain CE breakers. Siemens identifies listed CLE catalog numbers as superseded by corresponding CED breakers.
Current-Limiting Circuit Breaker A circuit breaker designed to reduce the peak current and electrical energy allowed to pass through a circuit during a high-current fault.
ED Frame A Siemens molded-case circuit breaker frame family with ratings up to 125 amps. ED, HED, HHED and CED breakers are related to this frame family but have different constructions and interrupting capabilities.
Interrupting Rating The maximum fault current a circuit breaker can safely interrupt at a specified voltage. It may also be called the ampere interrupting rating, AIR or AIC rating.
Mechanically and Electrically Interchangeable A Siemens replacement designation indicating that listed breakers have corresponding physical mounting and electrical characteristics. The individual catalog numbers and equipment requirements must still be verified.
Molded-Case Circuit Breaker A circuit-protection device with its contacts, trip components and operating mechanism enclosed inside a molded insulating case. An MCCB protects a circuit against overloads and short circuits.
Thermal-Magnetic Trip A trip mechanism that uses a thermal element to respond to sustained overloads and a magnetic element to respond quickly to short circuits.