Schneider Electric C40N31M320 is a ComPacT NSX400N molded-case circuit breaker, 3-pole, rated 320 A at 65 °C with a MicroLogic 1.3 M electronic trip unit. It's built for motor protection — the 'M' in the trip unit designation means it carries motor-specific curves for starting inrush and overload. Backplate-mounted, front-connected, and toggle-operated, it fits a standard panel layout with 140 mm width and 255 mm height.
At 480 V AC it still holds 50 kA Icu, so it coordinates cleanly with downstream 18 kA or 25 kA rated feeders. The 85 kA at 240 V AC is the high side for 208/240 V distribution. Utilisation category A means it's not intended for frequent switching under load — that's the contactor's job. It's a protection device first.
Trip unit and motor protection
The S curve lets you set a deliberate delay for selectivity with downstream breakers — you can let a branch fault clear before the main trips. The I curve handles the short-circuit instant. Because it's electronic, it holds its calibration over temperature better than a thermal-magnetic unit. Power dissipation is 12.29 W per pole — factor that into your enclosure cooling calculation.
Physical integration
Mounts on a backplate — no DIN rail. Front connections top and bottom, 45 mm connection pitch. Six accessory slots for shunt trips, aux contacts, or communication modules. IP40 enclosure protection, IK07 impact resistance. Horizontal or vertical mounting allowed, flat on the back.
