The Schneider Electric C162160S is a ComPacT NSX160NA switch disconnector, 2 poles, rated 160 A operational current across AC-22A, AC-23A, DC-22A, and DC-23A utilisation categories. It handles 690 V AC 50/60 Hz or up to 750 V DC (3 poles in series) and is certified for isolation per EN/IEC 60947-3 — meaning it provides a visible, verifiable disconnection point for safe maintenance lockout on distribution circuits. Rated 160 A at 50 °C conventional free air thermal current (Ith), with a short-time withstand of 2.5 kA for 1 s and a making capacity of 3.6 kA standalone (330 kA with upstream protection). That SCCR headroom lets it coordinate downstream of a larger breaker without requiring a separate fuse. Fixed-mount on a backplate, 105 mm wide × 161 mm high × 86 mm deep, with front-front connections at 35 mm pitch. Toggle control, no visible break window — the contact position indicator confirms open/closed state. Pollution degree 3 and Class II shock protection suit it for industrial panel environments where conductive dust or transient overvoltages are present.
Duty and electrical durability
The utilisation categories tell you what loads this disconnector can switch, not just carry. AC-23A covers motor loads with high inrush (conveyors, pumps) — same cycle count at half current, but only 15 000 cycles at full 160 A. DC-22A/DC-23A follow the same pattern at 250 V per pole or 500 V with two poles in series. Mechanical durability is 40 000 cycles, so the electrical wear is the limiting factor for motor-duty applications.
Fixed mount on a backplate with front-front wiring — both line and load connections terminate on the front face at 35 mm pitch. The 105 mm width occupies two standard 9 mm module positions on a DIN rail if used with an adapter, but the native mounting support is a backplate.