| CATALOG NUMBER | 279157 |
| Manufacturer | Eaton Moeller |
| Product Name | Eaton Moeller series xEffect - FAZ-PN MCB |
| Catalog Number | 279157 |
| Model Code | FAZ-PN-C10/1N |
| EAN | 4015082791575 |
| Product Length/Depth | 80 mm |
| Product Height | 75.5 mm |
| Product Width | 17.5 mm |
| Product Weight | 0.112 kg |
| Compliances | RoHS conform |
| Certifications | IEC/EN 60898 |
Eaton 279157 FAZ-PN-C10-1N Circuit Breaker
Product Name
Eaton 279157 FAZ-PN-C10-1N Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) – 1 Pole, 10A, C Tripping Curve, with Neutral Protection
Product Introduction
The Eaton 279157 FAZ-PN-C10-1N is a high-performance miniature circuit breaker (MCB) from Eaton's renowned FAZ series. It is designed to protect electrical circuits against overloads and short circuits in industrial control panels, commercial distribution boards, and residential applications. This specific model is a 1+N (single pole with protected neutral) device with a rated current of 10 Amperes and a C-type tripping characteristic. It combines a compact, modular design with high breaking capacity, making it an ideal choice for protecting circuits feeding sensitive equipment, motors, and lighting systems. The integrated neutral switching ensures complete galvanic isolation of the circuit, enhancing safety for both personnel and connected devices.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 279157 |
| Series | FAZ (Eaton) |
| Type | FAZ-PN-C10-1N |
| Number of Poles | 1 Pole + N (Switched Neutral) |
| Rated Current (In) | 10 A |
| Tripping Characteristic | Type C |
| Rated Voltage (Ue) | 240/415 V AC |
| Rated Insulation Voltage (Ui) | 440 V AC |
| Rated Impulse Withstand Voltage (Uimp) | 4 kV |
| Rated Breaking Capacity (Icn) | 10 kA (per IEC/EN 60898-1) |
| Service Breaking Capacity (Ics) | 7.5 kA (100% of Icn) |
| Rated Frequency | 50/60 Hz |
| Protection Function | Overload and short-circuit protection on phase; neutral switching |
| Terminal Capacity | 25 mm² (rigid / flexible) |
| Terminal Tightening Torque | 2.0 – 2.5 Nm |
| Mounting | DIN rail (35 mm) |
| Degree of Protection | IP20 (device itself), IP40 (in enclosure) |
| Contact Position Indicator | Red / Green (ON / OFF / TRIPPED) |
| Standards | IEC/EN 60898-1, UL 1077 (as supplementary protector) |
| Certifications | CE, CB, UL (recognized), CCC |
| Ambient Temperature | -5°C to +40°C (operating) |
| Dimensions (mm) | 18 mm width (1 module) |
| Mechanical Life | > 20,000 operations |
Product Description
The Eaton 279157 FAZ-PN-C10-1N is a state-of-the-art miniature circuit breaker that belongs to the globally trusted FAZ series. This series is known for its reliability, robust construction, and wide acceptance in the industrial automation and electrical distribution markets. The primary function of this MCB is to provide automatic protection against two common and dangerous electrical faults: overload and short-circuit. An overload is a sustained overcurrent condition, usually caused by connecting too many devices to a circuit or a mechanical overload on a motor. A short-circuit is a sudden, extremely high current flow caused by a direct fault between live conductors or from live to ground. The FAZ-PN-C10-1N detects these abnormal conditions and interrupts the circuit within milliseconds, preventing damage to wiring, connected equipment, and mitigating the risk of electrical fires.
The FAZ-PN-C10-1N operates using a dual, proven tripping mechanism. For overload protection, it uses a thermal bimetallic strip. When current exceeds the rated 10A for an extended period, the heating effect bends the bimetallic strip. This bending releases a mechanical latch, which opens the contacts. The tripping time is inversely proportional to the overload magnitude (higher current = faster trip). This provides a time delay that allows harmless, temporary current surges (like motor starting currents) to pass without tripping. For short-circuit protection, it uses an electromagnetic solenoid. A short-circuit generates a massive current surge. This current energizes a solenoid, which instantly pulls a plunger, directly striking the latch mechanism and tripping the contacts open without intentional time delay, typically in less than 10 milliseconds.
The "C" tripping characteristic of the 279157 is specifically designed for circuits with moderate inrush currents. It trips magnetically between 5 and 10 times the rated current (In), i.e., between 50A and 100A for this 10A device. This makes it ideal for protecting circuits that supply inductive loads such as small motors, fans, pumps, transformers, solenoids, and fluorescent or HID lighting. These loads draw a momentary high inrush current when starting due to the magnetization of their cores. The Type C characteristic strikes an excellent balance, being high enough to avoid nuisance tripping from these inrush currents, yet low enough to provide fast protection for sensitive electronic components that may be downstream.
A standout feature of the FAZ-PN-C10-1N model is its "1+N" configuration. Unlike a standard single-pole MCB that only switches and protects the phase (live) conductor, the 1+N version switches and provides overcurrent protection on the phase conductor AND also switches the neutral conductor. However, the neutral conductor is not provided with thermal or magnetic trip elements; it is designed to be switched mechanically in tandem with the phase. When the phase trips due to a fault, or when the manual toggle lever is moved to the OFF position, the neutral contact is also opened simultaneously. This ensures complete galvanic isolation of the entire circuit (both live and neutral conductors) when the breaker is in the OFF or TRIPPED state. This is a significant safety feature for maintenance personnel, as it disconnects the neutral return path, which could otherwise be dangerous in certain wiring configurations (e.g., in IT systems or where neutrals are shared among multiple circuits).
The mechanical construction of the FAZ-PN-C10-1N is robust and user-friendly. The housing is made of high-temperature-resistant, self-extinguishing thermoplastic, providing excellent insulation and arc extinguishing properties. The breaker features a toggle lever with a clear red/green visual indication of the contact position (red = ON, green = OFF/TRIPPED). A distinct "T" stamped on the device indicates the tripped position, which is located between OFF and ON for easy identification. The terminals are of the tunnel type, designed to hold both rigid and flexible copper conductors up to 25 mm² securely. Installation is straightforward: the breaker simply snaps onto a standard 35mm DIN rail via a patented clip mechanism that grips the rail firmly. Its single-module width (18mm) allows for high-density installation, saving precious space in distribution boards and control cabinets. Compliant with IEC/EN 60898-1 and recognized under UL 1077 as a supplementary protector, the FAZ-PN-C10-1N is suitable for use in residential, commercial, and light industrial applications worldwide.
Product Advantages
The Eaton 279157 FAZ-PN-C10-1N offers a compelling set of advantages that make it a superior choice for circuit protection in the 10A range. The primary advantage is its 1+N design with neutral switching. Unlike a standard 1-pole MCB that only disconnects the live conductor, this unit opens both the live and neutral circuits when tripped or manually switched off. This provides complete galvanic isolation, eliminating any potential voltage return path through the neutral. This is a critical safety feature for maintenance electricians working on what they believe to be a de-energized circuit, and for sensitive electronic equipment that could be damaged by a floating neutral or back-fed voltage.
A second major advantage is its high breaking capacity of 10 kA (Icn) per IEC 60898-1. The prospective short-circuit current (PSCC) in many industrial and commercial locations can exceed the 6 kA rating of standard residential breakers. The FAZ-PN-C10-1N's 10 kA rating ensures it can safely interrupt even severe short-circuit faults at the panel or branch level without welding contacts or causing an arc flash hazard that could damage the panel or injure personnel. The 100% Ics rating (7.5 kA service capacity) means the breaker can be reset and reused after clearing a fault within that range, reducing downtime and replacement costs.
The Type C tripping curve (5-10 x In) is specifically selected for optimal performance with a wide range of industrial loads. It withstands the high inrush currents of contactor coils, small motors (e.g., fans, pumps), and control power transformers without nuisance tripping, yet trips quickly enough to protect the circuit wiring and components during genuine overload or short-circuit faults. This balance reduces unnecessary downtime and misdiagnosis. The device also features a compact, 18mm modular width, the standard for 1+N devices, allowing for a high number of protected circuits in a standard distribution board. This space efficiency is critical in crowded control cabinets and consumer units where every millimeter counts.
The FAZ series is globally approved, including IEC, UL 1077 (recognized), CCC, CB, and CE certifications. This means the same device can be used in equipment destined for almost any market worldwide, simplifying logistics, reducing inventory costs, and easing the compliance process for OEMs and panel builders. The clear mechanical status indication (red/green toggle lever) allows for instant visual verification of the circuit state from a distance, speeding up maintenance and troubleshooting. Finally, the device is built for longevity, with a mechanical life exceeding 20,000 operations and robust, cage-clamp style terminals that accept a wide range of wire sizes up to 25 mm². The combination of neutral switching, high breaking capacity, and a space-saving design makes the Eaton FAZ-PN-C10-1N an exceptionally safe, reliable, and practical choice for modern electrical protection.
Use Scenarios
The Eaton 279157 FAZ-PN-C10-1N is a versatile 10A circuit breaker suitable for a variety of applications where protection of a 10A circuit and the safety of neutral disconnection are required or desired.
Industrial Control Panels: In control cabinets for machinery such as conveyor systems, packaging machines, and CNC equipment, the FAZ-PN-C10-1N is used as a feeder breaker for 10A supply circuits. Common loads include 24V DC power supplies (100-240W range), PLC power inputs, control transformers (e.g., 230V/24V 100VA), small fan motors, and branch circuits for contactors and relays. The neutral switching feature ensures the entire control circuit is fully de-energized when the breaker is off, a key safety requirement for many machine safety standards (e.g., for lockout/tagout procedures). The C-curve handles the inrush of transformer and power supplies without tripping.
Commercial Lighting Distribution: For lighting circuits in office buildings, retail stores, and warehouses that use fluorescent troffers with electronic ballasts, or LED drivers with capacitive input, inrush currents can be significant on a 10A circuit. This 10A, C-curve breaker is well-matched to these loads. The 1+N design allows for safe maintenance: turning off the breaker disconnects both live and neutral, preventing a shock hazard from a "back-fed" neutral that can occur in multi-circuit runs with shared neutrals, a common issue for electricians servicing lighting panels.
Residential and Light Commercial Consumer Units: In apartment or small business distribution boards, this device can be used for dedicated 10A circuits feeding general purpose socket outlets in a small room, lighting circuits for a floor of an apartment (especially with LED/CFL loads), or a dedicated circuit for a small appliance like a refrigerator or dishwasher (typically less than 10A). The neutral protection is particularly useful in regions where TN-C (PEN) wiring might be encountered, ensuring the neutral is also disconnected for complete isolation.
IT and Data Center Equipment: For distribution panels feeding server racks or telecom equipment (PDUs), a 10A, C-curve breaker is common. These loads often have power supplies with high inrush currents. The C-curve prevents nuisance tripping during startup. The switched neutral ensures that when a PDU is powered down via the breaker, there is absolutely no voltage potential on the neutral conductor, protecting sensitive electronics during maintenance.
HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration): For small rooftop units, condensing fans, or refrigeration condensing units, the FAZ-PN-C10-1N can protect the 10A control circuit or a small fan motor branch circuit. These units contain contactor coils and small motors with significant inrush currents, which the C-curve handles adeptly. The neutral switching ensures the control transformer is fully isolated during service calls, improving technician safety. From a factory control panel to a commercial lighting distribution board, the Eaton 279157 FAZ-PN-C10-1N provides safe, reliable, and space-efficient circuit protection.
FAQ
Q1: What is the main difference between this FAZ-PN-C10-1N and a standard 1-pole 10A MCB?
A1: A standard 1-pole MCB only switches and protects the live (phase) conductor. The FAZ-PN-C10-1N switches and protects the live conductor AND also switches the neutral conductor. When tripped or turned off, both live and neutral are disconnected, providing complete galvanic isolation of the circuit.
Q2: What does the "C" in C10 stand for?
A2: The "C" refers to the C-type tripping characteristic. This means the breaker will trip magnetically (instantaneously) for short-circuit currents between 5 and 10 times its rated current (50A to 100A for this 10A device). It is designed for inductive loads that have moderate inrush currents, like motors, pumps, transformers, and electronic power supplies.
Q3: Can I use this Eaton 279157 to protect a 10A lighting circuit in my home?
A3: Yes, absolutely. It is well-suited for residential and commercial lighting circuits. The 10A rating is common for lighting, and the C-curve is appropriate for modern LED drivers and fluorescent ballasts. The neutral switching feature adds an extra safety margin for maintenance.
Q4: Is the neutral conductor on this device protected against overload or short-circuit?
A4: No. The neutral conductor is switched (mechanically disconnected) but it is not provided with thermal or magnetic trip elements. Overcurrent protection is only provided on the phase (live) conductor. The neutral internal wiring is sized to safely carry the full 10A rated current of the circuit.
Q5: What is the breaking capacity of this model?
A5: The rated breaking capacity (Icn) per IEC/EN 60898-1 is 10,000 Amps (10 kA). This is higher than many standard residential breakers (which are often 6 kA). The 10 kA rating makes it suitable for industrial and commercial locations where the potential short-circuit current may be higher. Its service breaking capacity (Ics) is 7.5 kA.
