The Schneider Electric C16BH3FM is a ComPacT NS1600bH new generation basic frame — a 1600 A, 3-pole, fixed-mount air circuit breaker frame rated 85 kA Icu at 415 V AC (125 kA at 240 V AC). It is a manually operated distribution device without an integral control unit, so the buyer sources the protection relay (Micrologic trip unit) separately to match the coordination study.
Rated current 1600 A at 50 °C ambient — no derating needed at typical 40 °C panel ambient, but if the switchboard lives in a 55 °C boiler room or outdoor enclosure, expect a downward adjustment per the manufacturer's thermal curve. Short-time withstand Icw is 32 kA for 3 seconds — enough for downstream selectivity with feeder breakers that clear in under a second. Mechanical durability is 5000 cycles; electrical durability at full rated current is 1000 cycles at 690 V AC. For a main breaker cycled once a day that is roughly 13 years of electrical life — fine for most distribution roles, but if the application requires frequent switching (e.g., capacitor bank or furnace control), consider a dedicated switching device instead. IP40 front face, IK07 impact resistance. The front face is Class II shock-protected, so no additional finger-safe shrouding is needed for the operator. Suitability for isolation is marked — the breaker can serve as a visible-break disconnect when the control unit is fitted and the mechanism is padlocked off.
Because it is a basic frame without a trip unit, the buyer must order the Micrologic control unit separately (e.g., Micrologic 5.0 A, 6.0 A, or 7.0 A depending on protection profile). The frame and trip unit are keyed together; verify the correct interface before committing the BOM line.
Fixed mounting on a backplate with 70 mm connection pitch. Dimensions: 420 mm wide, 350 mm high, 160 mm deep. The fixed version is bolted directly to the switchboard structure — no chassis or cradle required. Power losses are 84 W at rated current, so factor that into the enclosure thermal budget. For a 1600 A main breaker, forced ventilation or a derated enclosure is typical.
Designed and tested to IEC 60947-2. The frame carries a CE mark for the European market; UL/CSA listing depends on the specific trip unit configuration and is not stated for the bare frame alone. Storage temperature range -50 to 85 °C, operating -25 to 70 °C. The manufacturer provides a declaration of conformity and test certificates on request — standard for switchgear destined for IEC 61439-1/-2 low-voltage switchgear assemblies.