What the K-curve means for fit
The K-curve sits between the C-curve (5–10× In) and the D-curve (10–20× In) in magnetic trip threshold. At 20 A, the S281U-K20 will hold through the startup surge of a small motor or a control transformer but still trip fast on a hard short. For pure resistive loads or long cable runs, a B- or C-curve breaker would be a better selectivity match; the K-curve is the right call when the load has a known inrush profile that exceeds C-curve tolerance.
