100% Circuit Breaker Confusion

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xguard

Senior Member
Location
Baton Rouge, LA
I've found circuit breaker catalogs and websites state this or something similar:

"The NEC (or UL in one case) allows the breaker to be rated at 100% of its frame size in an assembly, provided that 90 degree C wire is applied at 75 degree C ampacity."

Does this mean 90 deg C wire must be used?

Or can you can still use 75 deg C wire at it's 75 deg C rating?
 

iwire

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Massachusetts
I've found circuit breaker catalogs and websites state this or something similar:

"The NEC (or UL in one case) allows the breaker to be rated at 100% of its frame size in an assembly, provided that 90 degree C wire is applied at 75 degree C ampacity."

Does this mean 90 deg C wire must be used?

Or can you can still use 75 deg C wire at it's 75 deg C rating?

You must use at least 90C conductors but only load them to the 75 C ampacity.

They are using the conductors as heat sinks to pull heat out of the breaker. (Or at least not put heat into the breaker)
 

Carultch

Senior Member
Location
Massachusetts
I've found circuit breaker catalogs and websites state this or something similar:

"The NEC (or UL in one case) allows the breaker to be rated at 100% of its frame size in an assembly, provided that 90 degree C wire is applied at 75 degree C ampacity."

Does this mean 90 deg C wire must be used?

Or can you can still use 75 deg C wire at it's 75 deg C rating?

Most single conductor wire today is 90 C rated anyhow. What kind are you intending to use?
 
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