Noark’s MCCB’s Achieve Freeze Test to –40°C

October 11, 2023

Noark Electric manufactures top-quality low-voltage electrical components including molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs) for many applications. In heavy commercial applications and industrial facilities, MCCBs are relied upon to protect against electrical damage caused by short circuits or overload conditions. Since they have a high interrupting capacity, they can handle larger loads than these processes require. Because of their importance in buildings and infrastructure, it is critical that they undergo and pass stringent testing to ensure they function properly when needed the most. In this blog, Noark looks at why their MCCBs are tested to –40°C ambient condition.

Who needs a wider operating temperature range for MCCBs?

Noark Electric is a global manufacturer of low-voltage electrical components for industrial applications who specializes in motor controls and protection for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Noark’s mission is to provide their customers with the highest quality products at an exceptional value – backed by world-class service and support. Every Noark product is tested and certified to the highest industry standards and is covered by their five-year limited warranty. With a customer base in Canada and the USA, these products need to be tough enough to stand up to the harshest of conditions.

Average temperatures during winter months are often within the normal operating ranges of much electrical equipment. However, there can be prolonged periods of extreme cold that fall outside of the standard temperature ranges of commonly used electrical equipment not specifically designed for low temperature environments. In some areas, temperatures as low as –50°C can occur on a regular basis, with temperatures lower than –50°C occurring on occasion, but usually for short periods of time. Temperatures can also fluctuate quickly and vary from 10°C to 30°C in a single day.

With these challenging environments in mind, Noark responds to numerous customer requests for a wider operating temperature range for their MCCBs. Requests come from an Electric Motor Corporation in Saskatchewan, for example, where winter temperatures often fall below –30°C and have recorded as low as –45°C or –50°C in mid-winter. They also receive numerous requests for a wider operating temperature range for Noark’s MCCBs from the USA where temperatures drop below the standard temperature ranges of commonly used electrical equipment.

What Is the Operating Temperature Range of Noark’s MCCBs?

OEMs often ask Noark’s experts about the limits of their operating temperature ranges. In cold climate regions across North America, many electrical power distribution products are applied in un-heated structures and outdoor applications, such as lighting kiosks, compact substations and more. When ambient temperatures dip below –20°C , the standard lubricant used in most breakers begins to solidify, or freeze. This causes the breaker mechanism to operate more slowly, which in turn affects its safe interruption of a fault.

Noark Electric’s Molded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCBs) come standard with design suitable for extreme cold conditions. To achieve this, they use special lubrication in their breakers that have a wide temperature range where it meets viscosity specifications for use at temperatures below standard ranges for commonly used electrical equipment. More specifically, they have completed testing in a cold-temperature chamber which qualifies that their M1 to M6 series of Molded Case Breakers, Molded Case Switches, and Motor Circuit Protectors are safe to operate at temperatures down to –40°C.

It is important to note that the overall temperature rating of a control panel or power distribution assembly will be equal to that  of its lowest rated device. For example, a NEMA 3R enclosure with protection against ingress of water, ice formation or snow and suitable for outdoor use may contain circuit breakers, switches, relays, and other electrical devices. If these devices are only rated to –25°C, then the overall equipment would only be suitable for –25°C ambient. Adding insulation and separately powered heaters to the enclosure can be an expensive solution to keep components warm during extreme cold weather in this type of outdoor application.

Noark Has Completed Testing Down to –40°C for these Products and Accessories:

• M1 to M6 series of Molded Case Breakers.
• M1 to M6 series Molded Case Switches.
• M1 to M6 series Motor Circuit Protectors.

Rely on Noark Electric for Molded Case Circuit Breakers Freeze Tested to –40°C

Electrical equipment used in cold weather regions is subjected to different environmental conditions than covered by most general standards. There are two main areas of concern for products used in cold weather – safety and function. That’s why they ensure that their MCCBs are tested in a cold-temperature chamber to simulate their functionality in cold weather applications. Moreover, they also test MCCB accessories such as Molded Case Breakers, Molded Case Switches, and Motor Circuit Protectors to ensure the safe operation of these devices and the entire electrical distribution system.

Solve Your Electrical Needs with Noark Electric

As a global manufacturer of low-voltage electrical components, Noark specializes in motor control and OEM protection. The products they manufacture and test meet or exceed the highest performance standards in the industry due to their world-class manufacturing. Designed for manufacturing and assembly, Noark’s product portfolio meets the strictest standards and is backed by a five-year limited warranty.

For more information, contact Noark’s team HERE.