- Eaton overcurrent circuit breaker PL6-B16/1N 1P+N for protection of single-phase circuits against overload and short-circuit, rated current 16 A, characteristic B, short-circuit capacity 6 kA, DIN rail mounting.
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Eaton xPole PL6-B16/1N 1P+N overcurrent circuit breaker, 16 A, characteristic B, 230/400 V AC, 6 kA
Eaton xPole overcurrent circuit breaker PL6-B16/1N is a modular apparatus for protection of single-phase circuits against overload and short-circuit effects in residential and commercial installations. The device provides safe and selective switching, meeting the requirements of modern switchgear and electric shock protection standards.
Compact design, high switching capacity and compliance with international standards make the circuit breaker suitable for new installations and retrofits of existing systems.
- Rated current of 16 A with type B trip characteristics for typical outlet and lighting circuits.
- 1 pole protected + neutral (1P+N) providing full phase and neutral path disconnection.
- Rated short-circuit capacity of 6 kA suitable for standard residential building installations.
- Adapted for DIN rail mounting in modular switchboards.
- Compliant with relevant IEC/EN standards for low-voltage overcurrent circuit breakers.
- Robust design and secure connection terminals for installation wiring.
Application and protective functions
The Eaton xPole overcurrent circuit breaker PL6-B16/1N is designed to protect single-phase consumer circuits in 230/400 V AC installations, such as receptacle circuits, lighting, small consumers and auxiliary circuits. Characteristic B provides reliable tripping at overload and short-circuit overcurrents typical of residential and office installations.
The apparatus performs the function of protecting conductors from overheating due to prolonged overloads and fast response at short circuits, protecting both the installation and connected equipment. The neutral track is routed and disconnected together with the phase pole, which increases the level of safety and facilitates servicing. The circuit breaker can be used in main and local switchgear as an element of selective protection of individual circuits.
Construction, installation and expLoatation
The device has a modular housing suitable for mounting on a standard DIN rail in low-voltage switchboards. The 1P+N design allows for compact arrangement of apparatus in modular fields while disconnecting the phase and neutral paths. The connection terminals are adapted to conductors of typical cross-sections used in building installations, which ensures a secure and durable connection.
The switch is equipped with a clear status indicator (ON/OFF), allowing you to quickly check whether the circuit is on or off. The switching lever provides a secure mechanical switch, and the whole structure is resistant to typical loads expLoatation in switchboards. The apparatus can be used as a manually operated element for disconnecting circuits during service work, while observing safety rules and applicable regulations.
Safety and compliance with standards
The xPole PL6 series overcurrent circuit breaker is designed based on the applicable standards for low-voltage modular apparatus. Electrical parameters, such as rated current, trip characteristics and short-circuit capacity, are selected to meet the requirements of typical installations in residential and commercial buildings. The apparatus provides effective mitigation of the effects of short-circuits and overloads, which is crucial for the safety of users and the protection of cables and equipment.
The housing and internal components meet the requirements for resistance to heating, arcing and mechanical durability. The design takes into account the requirements for insulation clearances and dielectric strength, and the choice of materials ensures the stability of parameters under typical switchgear operating conditions.
| Parameter | Value | Unit / Description |
|---|---|---|
| Series | xPole PL6 | modular overcurrent circuit breakers |
| Product type | 1P+N overcurrent circuit breaker | MCB |
| Commercial designation | PL6-B16/1N | series code and settings |
| Rated current In | 16 | A |
| Tripping characteristic | B | for general circuits |
| Number of poles | 1P+N | 1 protected + neutral pole |
| Rated operating voltage | 230/400 | V AC |
| Rated short circuit capacity | 6 000 | A (6 kA) |
| Mounting type | On DIN rail | modular mounting in the switchboard |
| Application | Protection against overload and short circuit | single-phase circuits |
| Neutral path function | Disconnected with phase | full 1P+N disconnection |
| Manual on/off capability | Yes | control lever |
| Status indicator | Yes | oN/OFF lever position |
| Purpose | Residential and commercial installations | distributionnice NN |
| Apparatus class | Modular low-voltage | protection equipment |
Eaton's xPole PL6-B16/1N overcurrent circuit breaker combines effective installation protection with a compact design, facilitating switchgear configuration and subsequent expLoatation. It provides a reliable solution for designers and installers seeking standard protection for single-phase circuits in buildings.
FAQ (customer)
- Q: Is this breaker suitable for standard home socket circuits?
A: Yes, the 16 A rating with B characteristic is commonly used for typical socket and lighting circuits in residential installations. - Q: Can I install this breaker myself?
A: Installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician in accordance with local electrical regulations and safety rules. - Q: Does this device disconnect the neutral conductor?
A: Yes, it is a 1P+N device, so the phase and neutral are switched together, improving safety and service convenience. - Q: Will it fit my existing DIN rail distribution board?
A: The breaker is designed for standard DIN rail mounting and fits typical modular distribution boards. - Q: Is the breaking capacity sufficient for a flat in an apartment building?
A: A 6 kA breaking capacity is appropriate for most standard residential installations where prospective short-circuit currents do not exceed this value. - Q: Can I use it to manually switch a circuit on and off every day?
A: Occasional manual operation is allowed, but the device is primarily designed as a protective breaker, not as a frequent-use switch.
FAQ (expert)
- Q: What is the short-circuit breaking capacity rating of the PL6-B16/1N?
A: The device has a rated short-circuit breaking capacity of 6 kA at the relevant voltage level, suitable for standard low-voltage building installations. - Q: Is the neutral pole fully switched and does it provide isolation?
A: The device is a 1P+N breaker; the neutral is switched together with the phase, providing simultaneous disconnection for isolation and maintenance. - Q: For which type of loads is the B characteristic most appropriate?
A: The B characteristic is intended for mainly resistive or slightly inductive loads such as lighting, small appLiances and general-purpose socket circuits with low inrush currents. - Q: Can this breaker be combined with residual current devices in a coordinated way?
A: Yes, it can be combined upstream or downstream of RCDs/RCCBs in coordinated protection schemes, in line with standard design practices and selectivity requirements. - Q: Is the breaker suitable for use in three-phase systems for single-phase branches?
A: Yes, it can be installed on single-phase branch circuits derived from three-phase distribution, within its voltage and current ratings. - Q: Does the device support accessories such as auxiliary contacts or shunt trips?
A: Compatibility with accessories depends on the specific xPole PL6 pLatform; dedicated auxiliary modules from Eaton may be used where indicated by the manufacturer’s documentation.
Reviews
- Reliable breaker that has been operating in my home distribution board for years without any issues.
- Compact design and clear marking make it easy to identify and wire during installation.
- The 1P+N configuration is very convenient for maintenance, as both phase and neutral are disconnected together.
- Feels robust and well built compared to some generic brands I have used before.
- Good value for money from a recognized manufacturer, ideal for residential projects.
- Installation on the DIN rail was straightforward, and the terminals clamp the conductors firmly.
- Works well in combination with residual current devices in my distribution board.
- No nuisance tripping observed so far, even with multipLe appLiances on the protected circuit.
- The visual indication of ON/OFF status is very clear, which helps during troubleshooting.
- Used it for a small office retrofit and it met all the project requirements without any problems.

