Circuit Breaker S203-C16NA 3P+N 16A Curve C 10kA

The ABB S203-C16NA miniature circuit breaker, reference 2CDS253103R0164, is a modular device from the System pro M compact S200 range designed to protect three-phase circuits with neutral against overloads and short circuits. It features a 3P+N configuration, a rated current of 16 A and a C tripping curve, with three protected poles and a neutral pole switched simultaneously.

The S203-C16NA combines a delayed thermal tripping mechanism for overload protection with a fast-acting electromagnetic mechanism against short circuits. Its current-limiting design, 4-module format and DIN rail mounting make it easy to integrate into residential, commercial and industrial distribution boards.

3P+N 16 A miniature circuit breaker

The ABB S203-C16NA has four total poles: three protected poles and one neutral pole that connects and disconnects together with the phases. This configuration is especially suitable for three-phase circuits with neutral where simultaneous disconnection of all live conductors is required.

The rated current is 16 A and the neutral is located on the right-hand side of the device.

C tripping curve

The C tripping characteristic is widely used in electrical distribution installations and circuits with loads that may present moderate inrush currents.

The thermal mechanism operates when an overload persists for a certain period, while the electromagnetic release provides rapid operation in the event of high short-circuit currents.

6 kA breaking capacity according to IEC/EN 60898-1

According to IEC/EN 60898-1, ABB specifies for the S203-C16NA a rated short-circuit capacity Icn of 6 kA at 400 V AC. This is the value commonly used when the miniature circuit breaker is specified according to the standard for circuit breakers for domestic and similar installations.

10 kA Icu according to IEC/EN 60947-2 at 400 V

When the device is considered compliant with IEC/EN 60947-2, ABB specifies an ultimate breaking capacity Icu of 10 kA at 400 V AC. For this reason, the model may be commercially described as a 10 kA miniature circuit breaker.

The values published by ABB according to IEC/EN 60947-2 are:

• Icu at 230 V AC: 20 kA.
• Icu at 400 V AC: 10 kA.
• Icu at 440 V AC: 10 kA.
• Ics at 230 V AC: 15 kA.
• Ics at 400 V AC: 7.5 kA.
• Ics at 440 V AC: 7.5 kA.

Therefore, when stating the breaking capacity of the S203-C16NA, it is advisable to also specify the reference standard: 6 kA Icn according to IEC/EN 60898-1 or 10 kA Icu at 400 V according to IEC/EN 60947-2.

Protection against overloads and short circuits

The miniature circuit breaker integrates two complementary tripping mechanisms:

• Thermal trip: protects conductors against sustained overloads.
• Electromagnetic trip: acts rapidly in the event of short-circuit currents.

This combination allows the S203-C16NA to be used as general circuit protection within the limits established by its electrical characteristics and the installation design.

Energy limiting class 3

The ABB S203-C16NA belongs to energy limiting class 3. The S200 circuit breakers are current-limiting devices, designed to reduce the energy let through during short-circuit tripping.

400 V AC according to IEC/EN 60898-1

The rated operational voltage according to IEC/EN 60898-1 is 400 V AC. According to IEC/EN 60947-2, the rated operational voltage reaches 440 V AC.

The rated insulation voltage Ui is 440 V and the impulse withstand voltage Uimp is 4 kV. The rated frequency is 50/60 Hz.

4 DIN modules

The S203-C16NA occupies 4 modules in the electrical panel. Its approximate dimensions are 70 mm wide, 88 mm high and 69 mm deep.

It is designed for mounting on TH35-7.5 and TH35-15 DIN rails in accordance with IEC 60715 and can be installed in different positions depending on the panel requirements.

High-capacity connection terminals

The main terminals accept different conductor cross-sections depending on the cable type used:

• Rigid conductor: 0.75 to 35 mm².
• Stranded/flexible conductor: 0.75 to 25 mm².
• Flexible conductor with ferrule: 0.75 to 25 mm².
• Comb busbar connection: up to 10 mm².

The specified tightening torque for the terminals is 2.8 Nm, using a Pozidriv 2 screwdriver.

Contact position indicator

The device features visual indication of the contact position, making it easier to check the status of the miniature circuit breaker during operation or maintenance tasks:

• Red: contacts closed / ON.
• Green: contacts open / OFF.

IP20 protection

The switch has an IP20 degree of protection as a standalone device. Installed inside a suitable enclosure with cover, it can achieve the protection level of the assembly as intended by the manufacturer and the panel design.

Operating temperature from -25 to +55 °C

ABB specifies an operating ambient temperature range of -25 to +55 °C, with a reference ambient temperature of 30 °C. For storage, the indicated range is -40 to +70 °C.

Overvoltage category III

The S203-C16NA is classified as overvoltage category III and pollution degree 3. Its impulse withstand voltage Uimp is 4 kV.

Electrical durability

The manufacturer’s technical documentation establishes an electrical endurance of up to 20,000 switching cycles under the specified conditions. This durability is intended to provide reliable operation in professional distribution boards.

Compatibility with System pro M compact accessories

The miniature circuit breaker belongs to the ABB System pro M compact family and supports the addition of different compatible accessories from the range, such as auxiliary contacts, signalling contacts and other auxiliary devices.

ABB also offers bottom-mounted auxiliary contacts that expand signalling functions while taking up less lateral space in the panel. Accessories must be selected separately and are not included with the miniature circuit breaker unless expressly stated.

Applications of the ABB S203-C16NA

• Three-phase electrical panels with neutral.
• Commercial installations.
• Industrial installations.
• Distribution boards.
• 16 A three-phase circuits.
• Commercial premises.
• Compatible machinery and auxiliary panels.
• Protection of lines against overloads and short circuits.

Technical characteristics of the ABB S203-C16NA

• Brand: ABB.
• Reference: 2CDS253103R0164.
• Model: S203-C16NA.
• Family: System pro M compact S200.
• Type: miniature circuit breaker.
• Configuration: 3P+N.
• Total number of poles: 4.
• Protected poles: 3.
• Switched neutral: yes.
• Neutral position: right.
• Rated current In: 16 A.
• Tripping curve: C.
• Breaking capacity Icn according to IEC/EN 60898-1 at 400 V: 6 kA.
• Ultimate breaking capacity Icu according to IEC/EN 60947-2 at 400 V: 10 kA.
• Icu according to IEC/EN 60947-2 at 230 V: 20 kA.
• Icu according to IEC/EN 60947-2 at 440 V: 10 kA.
• Ics according to IEC/EN 60947-2 at 400 V: 7.5 kA.
• Energy limiting class: 3.
• Rated voltage according to IEC/EN 60898-1: 400 V AC.
• Rated voltage according to IEC/EN 60947-2: up to 440 V AC.
• Insulation voltage Ui: 440 V.
• Impulse withstand voltage Uimp: 4 kV.
• Frequency: 50/60 Hz.
• Overvoltage category: III.
• Pollution degree: 3.
• Overload protection: thermal.
• Short-circuit protection: electromagnetic.
• Degree of protection: IP20.
• Mounting: 35 mm DIN rail.
• Width: 4 modules / 70 mm.
• Height: 88 mm.
• Depth: 69 mm.
• Rigid conductor cross-section: 0.75-35 mm².
• Flexible conductor cross-section: 0.75-25 mm².
• Tightening torque: 2.8 Nm.
• Position indicator: red ON / green OFF.
• Operating temperature: -25 to +55 °C.
• Storage temperature: -40 to +70 °C.
• Power losses: 10 W under rated conditions.
• Losses per pole: 2.5 W.
• Electrical durability: up to 20,000 cycles.
• Net weight: approximately 0.45 kg.
• GTIN/EAN: 4016779532471.
• Standards: IEC/EN 60898-1, IEC/EN 60947-2 and UL 1077.

ABB modular protection for three-phase circuits with neutral

The ABB S203-C16NA combines a 3P+N configuration, 16 A rated current and C curve in a compact 4-module device. Its thermal and electromagnetic mechanisms provide protection against overloads and short circuits, while the neutral is switched simultaneously with the three phases.

Its breaking capacity of 6 kA Icn according to IEC/EN 60898-1 and 10 kA Icu at 400 V according to IEC/EN 60947-2, together with energy limiting class 3 and compatibility with System pro M compact accessories, make it suitable for a wide range of distribution boards in residential, commercial and industrial applications.

Important: the 10 kA value commonly indicated for this miniature circuit breaker corresponds to the ultimate breaking capacity Icu at 400 V according to IEC/EN 60947-2. According to IEC/EN 60898-1, ABB specifies a rated breaking capacity Icn of 6 kA at 400 V.