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Live CA316C Triple Pole MCB 6kA C Curve 16A | 3P Circuit Breaker

Live CA316C Triple Pole MCB 6kA C Curve 16A | 3P Circuit Breaker

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AvailabilityLow stock: 80 left

Vendor: LIVE ELECTRIC
Category: Circuit Breaker

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Installation & Safety

Installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Ensure power is switched off before installation.
Suitable for indoor use.

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The Live CA316C Triple Pole MCB is a high-performance miniature circuit breaker engineered to meet the demands of modern industrial and commercial electrical systems. Rated at 16 Amps with a C-Curve characteristic, this 3-pole breaker is designed for AC networks operating at 50/60Hz with voltages up to 400V. It delivers reliable protection against overloads and short circuits, specifically catering to circuits with inductive loads that generate moderate inrush currents. With a robust 6kA breaking capacity and precision-engineered thermo-magnetic release, the CA316C ensures operational continuity and equipment safety in workshops, small factories, and HVAC systems.

Key Features of Live CA316C 16A MCB

  • Industrial-Grade C-Curve Characteristic: Trips instantaneously at 5-10 times the rated current (80A to 160A), perfectly calibrated to handle the start-up surges of inductive loads without nuisance tripping.

  • Optimized for Inductive Load Protection: Specifically designed for 3-phase motors, compressors, pumps, welding machines, and fluorescent lighting circuits with ballasts.

  • High Fault Current Interruption: Certified 6kA breaking capacity ensures safe and reliable disconnection under severe short-circuit conditions, protecting valuable downstream equipment.

  • Precision Thermo-Magnetic Mechanism: Features a bimetallic strip for accurate time-delayed overload protection and a solenoid coil for instantaneous short-circuit response.

  • Superior Dielectric Strength: Withstands impulse voltages up to 4000V and test voltages of 2kV, ensuring safety during voltage spikes and lightning surges.

  • Durable Construction: Rated for 8,000 electrical operations, providing long-term reliability in frequently switched industrial environments.

  • Universal Mounting: Compact DIN-rail design with IP20 finger-safe terminals and 16mm² wiring capacity for easy integration into existing panels.

Technical Specifications



Specification Details
Brand Live
Model CA316C
Product Type Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB)
Pole Configuration 3 Pole (3P)
Rated Current (In) 16 Amps
Tripping Curve Type C (5-10 x In)
Rated Voltage (Ue) 230/400V AC
Rated Frequency 50/60 Hz
Ultimate Breaking Capacity 6kA (6000A)
Insulation Voltage (Ui) 500V
Rated Impulse Voltage (Uimp) 4000V (1.2/50µs)
Dielectric Test Voltage 2kV for 1 minute
Release Type Thermo-magnetic
Operating Temperature -5°C to +40°C (Daily avg ≤35°C)
Calibration Temperature 30°C
Storage Temperature -25°C to +70°C
Electrical Endurance 8,000 cycles
Protection Class IP20 (Finger-safe)
Terminal Capacity 16 mm² (Max)
Mounting Style DIN Rail (35mm)
Compliance IEC 60898-1


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What types of loads are best protected by the Live CA316C 16A C-Curve MCB?
The CA316C is specifically designed for inductive loads. The ideal applications include small 3-phase induction motors (up to ~7.5HP depending on starting current), exhaust fans, centrifugal pumps, air conditioning units, refrigeration compressors, and industrial lighting with electromagnetic ballasts.

2. Why is the C-Curve preferred over a B-Curve for motor circuits?
Motors draw a high inrush current (starting current) that can be 6 to 8 times their full load current for a few milliseconds. A B-Curve breaker (which trips at 3-5x In) might interpret this startup surge as a fault and trip unnecessarily. The C-Curve (5-10x In) has a wider magnetic trip tolerance, allowing the motor to start normally while still providing full protection against actual short circuits.

3. Can I use this 16A 3P MCB to protect a single-phase 230V circuit?
While technically possible by using only one pole, it is not cost-effective or standard practice. This triple pole MCB is designed to simultaneously disconnect all three phases in a 3-phase system. For a single-phase 230V circuit, a 1P or 2P (Double Pole) MCB is the recommended and economical choice.

4. What does the "16A" rating mean for a 3-phase motor's power output?
The 16A rating refers to the current-carrying capacity per phase. For a 400V 3-phase motor, a 16A breaker typically supports motors with a power output of approximately 7.5kW to 9kW, depending on the motor's efficiency and power factor. Always refer to the motor nameplate and local wiring regulations for exact sizing.

5. How do I know if the Live CA316C has tripped due to overload vs. short circuit?
While the breaker handle moves to the "OFF" position in both cases, experienced electricians can often identify the cause by the trip force. However, functionally, you can deduce the cause by the circuit condition:

  • Overload: The circuit was drawing slightly too much current for an extended period (e.g., a stalled motor or too many machines running). The breaker will trip after a delay.

  • Short Circuit: There is a direct fault (L-L or L-N). The trip is instantaneous and often accompanied by a loud magnetic thump.