Motor Protector MS116-1.6 1.00-1.60A

The ABB MS116-1.6 motor protection circuit breaker, reference 1SAM250000R1006, is a manual motor protection switch designed to perform switching, isolation, and protection against overloads, short circuits, and phase failure. Its thermal adjustment range of 1 to 1.6 A makes it suitable for motors whose rated current falls within this range, offering a compact solution for electrical panels, automation, and machinery.

This model features 3 poles, trip class 10A, and an instant magnetic trip set at 20 A. At 400 V in AC-3 category, it is suitable for three-phase motors up to 0.55 kW. Its 45 mm width allows protection and manual switching to be integrated in a reduced space on DIN rail.

Main features of the ABB MS116-1.6 motor protection circuit breaker

• Brand: ABB.
• Series: MS116.
• Model: MS116-1.6.
• Reference: 1SAM250000R1006.
• Type: motor protection circuit breaker or manual motor protection switch.
• Number of poles: 3.
• Thermal adjustment range: 1-1.6 A.
• Maximum rated current: 1.6 A.
• Trip class: 10A.
• Instant magnetic trip: 20 A.
• Motor power AC-3 at 400 V: 0.55 kW.
• Rated operational voltage: up to 690 V AC.
• Frequency: 50/60 Hz.
• Service breaking capacity Ics at 400 V: 50 kA.
• Ultimate breaking capacity Icu at 400 V: 100 kA.
• Mechanism: thermal-magnetic.
• Phase failure protection: yes.
• Temperature compensation: yes.
• Isolation function: integrated.
• Actuation: rotary handle.
• Mounting: 35 mm DIN rail.
• Terminals: screw terminals.

Adjustable thermal protection between 1 and 1.6 A

The overload protection of the ABB MS116-1.6 can be adjusted between 1 and 1.6 A. The setting must be made according to the rated current indicated on the nameplate of the protected motor.

When a sustained overload exceeds the selected value, the thermal system trips and disconnects the circuit. In this way, the motor protection circuit breaker helps prevent damage caused by prolonged overcurrent that can lead to excessive heating of the motor windings.

Trip class 10A

The MS116-1.6 belongs to trip class 10A. This classification defines the behavior of the thermal protection under overload conditions and is intended for common applications with motors that have normal starting times.

The combination of adjustable thermal protection and magnetic tripping allows a single device to provide protection against two different types of overcurrent: prolonged overloads and high currents caused by short circuits.

Instant magnetic trip at 20 A

The magnetic protection of the MS116-1.6 is set with an instantaneous trip current of 20 A. When a high short-circuit current occurs, the magnetic mechanism acts quickly to interrupt the circuit and limit the effects of the fault.

This fast response to short circuits allows the motor protection circuit breaker to be used as a fuse-free protection device within the ABB specified breaking capacity limits.

Breaking capacity of 50 kA at 400 V

The ABB MS116-1.6 offers a high level of short-circuit protection. At 400 V AC, ABB specifies a service breaking capacity Ics of 50 kA and an ultimate breaking capacity Icu of 100 kA.

For other voltages, the breaking capacity values vary. The manufacturer specifies for this model:

• 230 V AC: Ics 50 kA / Icu 100 kA.
• 400 V AC: Ics 50 kA / Icu 100 kA.
• 440 V AC: Ics 50 kA / Icu 100 kA.
• 500 V AC: Ics 30 kA / Icu 100 kA.
• 690 V AC: Ics 30 kA / Icu 100 kA.

For three-phase motors up to 0.55 kW at 400 V

The MS116-1.6 is rated for a motor power of 0.55 kW at 400 V in AC-3 category. This makes it suitable for small three-phase motors used in pumps, fans, machinery, auxiliary equipment, and automation systems.

For correct selection, the motor’s actual rated current must fall within the adjustable range of 1 to 1.6 A, and the voltage, starting conditions, and electrical characteristics of the installation must also be verified.

Phase failure protection

The motor protection circuit breaker includes sensitivity to phase failure. Loss of one phase in a three-phase motor can cause a significant current imbalance and excessive heating of the remaining windings.

The thermal protection of the MS116 is designed to react to these conditions, helping protect the motor against the effects of abnormal operation due to phase loss.

Temperature compensation

The ABB MS116 series incorporates ambient temperature compensation between -25 and +55 °C. This feature helps maintain the thermal protection behavior within the expected values even if the ambient temperature where the motor protection circuit breaker is installed changes.

ABB specifies a general open-air operating range of -25 to +70 °C, while the thermally compensated range is between -25 and +55 °C.

Free-trip mechanism

The MS116 features a free-trip mechanism. This means that a protection condition causes the device to open regardless of the position or manual action applied to the handle.

This feature prevents the circuit from being forcibly kept closed when the motor protection circuit breaker detects a condition that requires tripping.

Rotary handle with ON/OFF indication

The device includes a front rotary handle that allows manual switching on and off. The switch position is clearly identified by the ON and OFF markings.

In addition to manual motor switching, the MS116 integrates an isolation function that allows the circuit to be disconnected within the conditions and requirements established by ABB.

Operational voltage up to 690 V

The main circuit is designed for a rated operational voltage of up to 690 V AC at 50/60 Hz. The rated insulation voltage is also 690 V, while the impulse withstand voltage Uimp is 6 kV.

These characteristics allow the motor protection circuit breaker to be used in different low-voltage industrial networks, always respecting the breaking capacities and other parameters corresponding to the specific voltage of the installation.

Compact 45 mm format

One of the features of the MS116 range is its compact 45 mm width. This makes it easier to install multiple devices inside electrical panels and helps reduce the space required for motor protection.

The main dimensions of the motor protection circuit breaker are approximately:

• Width: 45 mm.
• Height: 90 mm.
• Approximate depth: 80.1 mm excluding certain connection dimensions.
• Weight: approximately 0.265 kg.

DIN rail mounting

The ABB MS116-1.6 is designed to be installed on TH35 DIN rail according to IEC 60715. It is compatible with TH35-7.5 and TH35-15 rails, commonly used in industrial and automation electrical panels.

Its modular design allows it to be combined with ABB contactors and with various accessories from the motor protection and control range.

Screw terminals

This reference uses screw terminals for the main circuit. For MS116 versions up to 16 A, ABB specifies connections for rigid and stranded conductors up to 4 mm², as well as flexible conductors with ferrules depending on the configuration used.

The specified tightening torque for the main terminals is 0.8 to 1.2 Nm, with a recommended stripping length of 9 mm.

Degree of protection

The motor protection circuit breaker body has an IP20 protection rating, while the main terminals have IP10 according to ABB’s technical data sheet. The device is intended to be installed inside panels, enclosures, and electrical systems that provide the additional protection level required by the application.

Compatibility with ABB contactors and accessories

The MS116 is part of ABB’s modular motor protection and switching system. It can be combined with contactors, auxiliary blocks, signaling contacts, undervoltage releases, shunt trips, and other compatible accessories from the range.

This modularity makes it easy to create direct-on-line starters and other motor control configurations adapted to the needs of each installation.

Applications of the ABB MS116-1.6

• Three-phase motor protection.
• Industrial electrical panels.
• Small power pumps.
• Fans and extractors.
• Compressors compatible with its current range.
• Automation machines and equipment.
• HVAC systems.
• Motor control installations.
• Direct-on-line starters combined with contactors.

Technical data of the ABB MS116-1.6

• Manufacturer: ABB.
• Series: MS116.
• Reference: 1SAM250000R1006.
• Model: MS116-1.6.
• Type: manual motor protection switch.
• Poles: 3.
• Protected poles: 3.
• Rated operational current: 1.6 A.
• Thermal adjustment range: 1-1.6 A.
• Trip class: 10A.
• Instantaneous trip Ii: 20 A.
• AC-3 power at 400 V: 0.55 kW.
• Rated operational voltage: 690 V AC.
• Rated insulation voltage Ui: 690 V.
• Impulse withstand voltage Uimp: 6 kV.
• Frequency: 50/60 Hz.
• Ics at 230/400/440 V: 50 kA.
• Ics at 500/690 V: 30 kA.
• Icu at 230/400/440/500/690 V: 100 kA.
• Thermal protection: yes.
• Magnetic protection: yes.
• Phase failure sensitive: yes.
• Thermal compensation: -25 to +55 °C.
• Open-air operating temperature: -25 to +70 °C.
• Storage temperature: -50 to +80 °C.
• Maximum operating altitude: 2,000 m.
• Enclosure protection rating: IP20.
• Terminal protection rating: IP10.
• Actuation type: rotary handle.
• Position indication: ON/OFF.
• Terminal type: screw.
• Mounting: TH35 DIN rail.
• Width: 45 mm.
• Height: 90 mm.
• Main depth: approximately 80.1 mm.
• Weight: approximately 0.265 kg.
• Standards: IEC/EN 60947-1, IEC/EN 60947-2 and IEC/EN 60947-4-1.

Compact protection for motors up to 1.6 A

The ABB MS116-1.6 combines adjustable thermal protection, magnetic tripping, phase failure sensitivity, isolation, and manual switching in a single device. Its 1 to 1.6 A range allows the protection to be set to the motor’s rated current, while its class 10A and high breaking capacity provide a solution specifically designed for low-voltage motor protection.

With a width of only 45 mm and DIN rail mounting, it can be easily integrated into automation panels and combined with ABB contactors and accessories to form complete starting and protection systems. Selection and adjustment must be made according to the motor’s rated current, the supply voltage, and the actual electrical conditions of the installation.