Breaking Capacity vs. Circuit Breaker Ratings: Are They The Same?

Breaking capacity and circuit breaker ratings are often confused, but they serve different purposes in electrical systems. 

Breaking capacity refers to the maximum fault that can safely interrupt, while circuit breaker ratings cover multiple specifications like voltage, current, and interrupting capacity of circuit breakers. 

Selecting the correct breaker requires an understanding of both. 

In this guide, we’ll break down their differences and why both are critical for electrical safety.

Key Differences Between Breaking Capacity and Circuit Breaker Ratings

Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right circuit breaker for any electrical application.

Understanding Circuit Breaker Ratings

A circuit breaker rating is a set of electrical parameters that determine how a breaker operates under normal and fault conditions.

These ratings ensure that a breaker functions effectively within its designed limits. The key specifications include:

Rated Current (In)

This is the continuous current a breaker can carry without tripping. It is measured in amperes (A) and typically ranges from 1A to several thousand amperes, depending on the breaker type.

Rated Voltage (Ue)

This defines the maximum system voltage at which the breaker can operate safely. Examples include 230V, 400V, 11kV, and 33kV for low, medium, and high-voltage applications.

Rated Frequency (Hz)

Most circuit breakers are rated for either 50Hz or 60Hz, matching standard AC power supplies worldwide.

Breaking Capacity (Icu / Ics)

This is where breaking capacity comes into play. It is the maximum fault current the breaker can handle without sustaining permanent damage.

What is Breaking Capacity?

The breaking capacity (also called interrupting capacity) of a circuit breaker is its ability to interrupt short-circuit currents safely. 

When a short circuit occurs, a massive current surge flows through the breaker, and the circuit must be disconnected to prevent electrical fires or equipment damage.

Breaking Capacity Types

There are two main types of breaking capacities:

• Ultimate Breaking Capacity (Icu) – The highest fault current a breaker can interrupt before failing.
• Service Breaking Capacity (Ics) – A percentage of Icu, indicating how much fault current the breaker can handle repeatedly without damage.

Measuring Breaking Capacity

What determines breaking capacity or how it is measured in kiloamperes (kA) varies depending on the electrical system as summarized below:

Choosing the right breaking capacity is crucial for preventing catastrophic electrical failures.

Why Breaking Capacity Matters in Electrical Safety

A circuit breaker short circuit scenario can lead to severe damage if the breaking capacity is insufficient. Some key risks include:

• Electrical Fires – High fault currents can cause overheating, leading to fire hazards.
• Equipment Damage – Transformers, motors, and wiring can suffer irreparable damage.
• Safety Hazards – If a breaker fails to interrupt excessive current, it could lead to electric shocks or explosions.

Ensuring that the interrupting capacity of a circuit breaker matches the system’s potential fault current is critical for safety.

Using high-quality short circuit-circuit breakers is an optimal solution.

How to Select the Right Circuit Breaker Based on Breaking Capacity

When choosing a breaker, follow these steps:

Step #1: Determine the System’s Short-Circuit Current

Use transformer capacity, cable length, and impedance to calculate the maximum short-circuit current in your system.

Step #2: Match the Breaker’s Breaking Capacity

Select a breaker with a higher breaking capacity than the expected fault current.

Step #3: Consider System Voltage and Application

• For residential systems, a 6kA to 10kA breaker is sufficient.
• For industrial use, 50kA+ may be required.

Proper selection ensures the breaker can safely disconnect the circuit under extreme conditions.

Impact of Breaking Capacity on System Coordination

Breaking capacity plays a crucial role in system coordination, especially in multi-level electrical networks. 

Circuit breakers must be selected not only based on their ability to interrupt fault currents but also to ensure they coordinate with upstream and downstream protective devices.

Proper coordination allows smaller breakers to trip before larger upstream breakers, minimizing service disruptions and protecting the entire system. 

This process, known as selective coordination, ensures that only the fault-affected portion of the circuit is disconnected, improving system reliability.

When designing an electrical system, engineers must calculate fault currents at each level and choose breakers with breaking capacities that align with the system’s protection hierarchy. 

This ensures that faults are isolated without affecting the entire network.

FAQs About Breaking Capacity and Circuit Breaker Ratings

What Determines a Circuit’s Capacity?

A circuit’s capacity depends on voltage, current demand, and the maximum short-circuit current it can handle. These factors help in selecting a circuit breaker with the right ratings.

What Happens if a Breaker’s Breaking Capacity is Too Low?

If the fault current exceeds the breaker’s breaking capacity, the breaker may fail to trip, leading to severe electrical hazards like fire or explosions.

How is Breaking Capacity of a Circuit Breaker Calculated?

Breaking capacity is calculated based on the system’s short-circuit current using:

where Isc is short-circuit current, V is system voltage, and Z is total system impedance.

Is a Higher Breaking Capacity Always Better?

Not necessarily. Higher breaking capacity breakers are more expensive and may be unnecessary for low-fault-current systems. It’s best to match the breaker’s capacity with the system’s requirements.

How Often Should Circuit Breakers Be Tested for Breaking Capacity?

Regular testing every 1-3 years ensures the breaker functions correctly under fault conditions. Industries with high-power equipment should perform tests more frequently.

Breaking Capacity vs Circuit Breaker Rating: Conclusion

While breaking capacity is an essential part of circuit breaker ratings, they are not the same. 

Interrupting capacity of circuit breakers refers to the maximum fault current a breaker can interrupt, while circuit breaker ratings define multiple operational parameters. 

Understanding both ensures electrical safety, proper equipment protection, and compliance with industry standards.

Resources:

Circuit Breaker Short-Circuit Breaking Capacity and How to Select It

What is the service breaking capacity

What is the breaking capacity of the circuit breaker

Fundamental characteristics of a circuit-breaker

Rating of Circuit Breaker

Difference between Short circuit rating and Ultimate breaking rating (ICU)