Electrical decoder
Circuit Breaker Marking Decoder
Decode breaker curve, rated current, poles, voltage, and interrupt rating from markings such as C16 10kA.
Inputs
Results
- Decoded result
- Waiting for input
- Confidence
- Waiting for input
Segment breakdown
Matched fields
Use the decoder above to read a miniature circuit breaker marking. Enter the full visible string: curve letter, rated current, pole count, and kA rating. The tool splits curve, current, poles, voltage, and interrupt rating into separate fields.
Reference Table
| Input | Decoded result |
|---|---|
| C16 10kA | Curve C, 16 A rated, 10 kA interrupt rating |
| B10 6kA | Curve B, 10 A rated, 6 kA interrupt rating |
| 2P C20 6kA | 2-pole, curve C, 20 A rated, 6 kA interrupt rating |
Code Structure
| Segment | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Curve letter (B, C, D) | Magnetic trip characteristic: B trips earliest, D latest. |
| Rated current (16, 20) | Continuous current in amperes. |
| Poles (1P, 2P, 3P) | Number of protected poles. |
| kA rating (6kA, 10kA) | Breaking capacity under fault; not the load current. |
How To Decode
- Enter the marking exactly as printed, including curve letter, current, poles, and kA.
- Read curve and current first, then poles and interrupt rating.
- Confirm voltage, frequency, and installation rules in the breaker data sheet and local wiring code before any protection decision.
Sources And Limits
IEC miniature circuit breaker marking conventions and manufacturer breaker data sheets; verified 2026-08-26. This decoder reads the visible marking only — it never confirms protection coordination, wiring compliance, or safety.
Decode logic
- Read the curve letter first (B, C, D, Z, K): it names the magnetic tripping family, not an exact trip time.
- Read the rated current in amps, then the pole marking (1P, 2P, 1P+N) and any printed voltage marking as the configuration domain.
- Read the kA marking as the printed short-circuit interrupt rating; distinguish it from service or operational ratings on the data sheet.
- Keep selectivity, wiring rules, and downstream device coordination outside this decoder; verify the breaker data sheet before any protection decision.
FAQs
What does the C in C16 mean?
C names the magnetic tripping family of the breaker paired with a 16 A rated current. Exact trip times come from the time-current curve on the data sheet.
What does the 10kA marking mean?
10kA is the printed short-circuit interrupt rating. Confirm breaking capacity and selectivity against the installation standard and data sheet.
What is the difference between 2P and 1P+N?
2P switches two protected poles while 1P+N switches one protected pole plus neutral. Read the printed pole marking exactly; they are not interchangeable choices.
Can a C16 directly replace another C16?
Not on marking alone. Compare interrupt rating, voltage, poles, selectivity, and wiring rules on both device data sheets before swapping.