RECOMMENDED AC INPUT BREAKER FLATPACK 2 XX/2000 Page: 1 of 4

Project manager Project no. Project name

Flatpack 2 systems
Prepared by Date Issue Document no.
Knut Ramns 4-Oct-06 1 T-2020432

1. Introduction:
Internally in each rectifier module there are two input fuses. Main purpose for these is to limit short
circuit currents and disconnect the module from input AC if failure occurs inside the module.
Depending of chosen system configuration, the power supply system can be pre-wired for different
AC input feedings from upstream AC switch board:
1. Separate single phase AC feeding to each individual rectifier module
2. Single phase AC feeding several modules
3. 3-phase AC feeding several modules, IT network, (3-phase, 4 wire delta network)
4. 3-phase AC feeding several modules, TN network (3-phase, 5 wire, star)

When dimensioning the upstream feeding mains breaker, one or several of the following parameters
have to be met:
A. Discrimination between module input fuse and upstream feeding AC breaker
B. Full load with a fully populated system at nominal voltage (i.e. @ 230V AC)
C. Full load with a fully populated system at normally lowest nominal voltage from local
distributor (i.e. @ 205V AC)
D. Full load with a fully populated system at lowest input voltage specification for the rectifiers
(i.e. @ 185V AC)

Obviously A have to be fulfilled, (unless individual feeding of each rectifier module). As a minimum
B have to be fulfilled but having in mind that distributors normally can guarantee nominal AC
voltage +/-10% comply to B is recommended. If the power system is installed in an area with weak
mains and there is a chance of variation below -10%, comply according to D should be considered.

Below you will find Elteks recommendation for upstream AC feeding breaker which is based up on
number of rectifier modules connected to each phase and worst case short circuit current which can
occur inside the module.

IMPORTANT! The installation company connecting the system to input mains do have the final
responsibility to investigate local conditions when it comes to mains voltage, and the input mains
short circuit capacity. This company or person has the responsibility to choose mains breaker and
verify upstream discrimination and full load capability.
 RECOMMENDED AC INPUT BREAKER FLATPACK 2 XX/2000 Page: 2 of 4
Project manager Project no. Project name
Flatpack 2 systems
Prepared by Date Issue Document no.
Knut Ramns 4-Oct-06 1 T-2020432

2. Input breaker recommendation

1.1 Input: 230V AC single phase

185V AC 205V AC
Number of Full load Recommended breaker per Full load Recommended breaker per
Rectifier current per input current per input
subracks input (A) input (A)
Th/Mag Hy/Mag Th/Mag Hy/Mag

1 *) 24,0 25A D-char. 25A C2-char 21,5 25A D-char. 25A C2-char
2 *) 36,0 40A C-char. 40A C2-char 32,2 40A C-char. 40A C2-char

*) NOTE! Calculation is based up on Eltek standard configurable mains input connection with 3
separate single phase inputs feeding up to 2 subracks (see Schematic/connection drawing FP2 DC
Power System included in the user documentation)

1.2 Input: 230/400V AC 3-phase, TN network (5 wire system)

185V AC 205V AC
Number of Full load Recommended input Full load Recommended input breaker
Rectifier input breaker input
subracks current per current (A)
Th/Mag Hy/Mag Th/Mag Hy/Mag
phase (A)
1 24,0 25A D-char. 25A C2-char 21,5 25A D-char. 25A C2-char
2 36,0 40A C-char. 40A C2-char 32,2 40A C-char. 40A C2-char
3 47,9 50A C-char. 50A C2-char 43,0 50A C-char. 50A C2-char

1.3 Input: 230V AC 3-phase, IT network (4 wire system)

185V AC 205V AC
Number of Full load Recommended input Full load Recommended input breaker
Rectifiers input breaker input
subracks current per current (A)
Th/Mag Hy/Mag Th/Mag Hy/Mag
phase (A)
1 31,7 32A D-char. 32A C2-char 28,4 32A D-char. 32A C2-char
2 62,3 63A C-char. 63A C2-char 55,8 63A C-char. 63A C2-char
3 83,0 100A C-char. 100A C2-char 74,4 80A C-char. 80A C2-char
 RECOMMENDED AC INPUT BREAKER FLATPACK 2 XX/2000 Page: 3 of 4
Project manager Project no. Project name
Flatpack 2 systems
Prepared by Date Issue Document no.
Knut Ramns 4-Oct-06 1 T-2020432

3. Rectifier module input fuse characteristic

Fuse type used at the input in Flatpack 2-xx/2000 module: SB 3AB 15A Littlefuse or equivalent.

Fuse characteristic:
 RECOMMENDED AC INPUT BREAKER FLATPACK 2 XX/2000 Page: 4 of 4
Project manager Project no. Project name
Flatpack 2 systems
Prepared by Date Issue Document no.
Knut Ramns 4-Oct-06 1 T-2020432

4. Breaker types
The above recommendation is based up on use of two alternative types of feeding breakers:
Th/Mag Thermal magnetic circuit breaker, type Siemens 5SX or 5SY series, MG C60H
series or similar.
Note! This breaker technology has normally a thermal de-rating at
temperatures above +30oC. See manufacturers data
Hy/Mag Hydraulic magnetic breaker, type CBI QF frame or QY frame, Airpax, or
similar (http://www.cbi.co.za/)

Main difference between the two alternatives, besides thermal de-rating, is that Th/Mag breakers has
undefined tripping at very short spikes (below 10 milliseconds) and are sensitive for high and short
currents. The Hy/Mag technology are mechanically slower the first few milliseconds and are able to
withstand short spikes

As a rule of thumb, a breaker should not have continuously load of more than 80% of rated current.
In other words, input mains breaker should have a rating of Full load input current per phase
mentioned in the table above, divided by 0,8 to take care of max load. In addition it needs to have a
rating at least equal or higher than lowest recommended rating mentioned in the tables above.