Why the iC60N 2P C40 Belongs on Your Replacement Shortlist
Downtime in a distribution panel rarely announces itself. A nuisance trip or a failed breaker can halt a production line, and sourcing the exact replacement fast becomes the priority. The iC60N 2P C40 from Schneider Electric gives maintenance teams a direct-fit answer: a 40 A, two-pole miniature circuit breaker from the Acti9 iC60 series, still active in production.
This buyer’s guide walks through the specifications that matter, where the breaker fits, and what to confirm before you order.
What Is the Schneider iC60N 2P C40?
The iC60N 2P C40 is a miniature circuit breaker in Schneider Electric’s Acti9 iC60 range. It carries a 40 A rated current across two poles and uses a C trip curve, meaning the thermal-magnetic element tolerates brief inrush currents before tripping. The magnetic trip threshold sits at 8×In ±20%, so it ignores most motor and transformer start-up surges while still clearing genuine short circuits.
With a 6 kA breaking capacity at 230/400 V under IEC 60898-1, this breaker suits final distribution circuits rather than main incomers. It mounts on standard 35 mm DIN rail, so it drops into existing enclosures without adapters.
Key Specifications That Drive the Buying Decision
Rated current and trip curve
The 40 A rating defines the maximum continuous load each pole carries. The C curve is the practical differentiator: it handles inductive loads that would trip a B-curve device. If your circuit feeds small motors, pumps, or control transformers, the C curve prevents nuisance tripping during start-up.
Breaking capacity
At 6 kA at 230/400 V, the breaker safely interrupts fault currents up to that level. Verify your installation’s prospective short-circuit current stays at or below this figure before selecting the device.
Voltage range
The iC60N 2P C40 accepts 400 V AC and 125 V DC. That dual rating makes it useful in mixed AC/DC panels, though you should confirm your system voltage against these limits.
Physical footprint
At 85 × 36 × 78.5 mm and 0.25 kg, the two-pole unit occupies two standard DIN rail modules. The 36 mm width matters when you are matching an existing panel layout.
Operating temperature
The -35 to 70 °C range covers most industrial enclosures, including unheated cabinets and outdoor kiosks in temperate climates.
Where This Breaker Fits: Three Application Scenarios
1. Control panel replacement
A failed 40 A two-pole breaker in a machine control panel is a common trigger for this purchase. Because the iC60N 2P C40 is active in the Acti9 range, you can replace like-for-like without redesigning the circuit or changing the rail layout.
2. Motor and pump circuits
The C curve and 40 A rating pair well with small three-phase or single-phase motor branches. The 8×In magnetic threshold absorbs start-up inrush, reducing callouts for nuisance trips.
3. Mixed AC/DC distribution
The 400 V AC and 125 V DC ratings let the same part number serve DC control circuits and AC distribution, which simplifies spares stocking across a site.
Installation and Setup Notes
Mounting is straightforward: clip the breaker onto 35 mm DIN rail and torque terminations per the manufacturer’s instructions. Confirm conductor size suits the 40 A rating and that upstream protection coordinates with the 6 kA breaking capacity. Check the operating temperature range against your enclosure’s internal conditions. Because this is a protection device, follow Schneider Electric’s published installation guidance rather than improvising.
Reliability, Lifecycle, and Maintenance Planning
Schneider rates the iC60N 2P C40 for 20,000 mechanical cycles and 10,000 electrical cycles. In a typical panel, that electrical life covers years of normal switching. For maintenance planning, inspect periodically for signs of overheating, discoloration, or loose terminations, and replace the device if it has interrupted a major fault.
Lifecycle status is active, last verified 2026-09, so this is not an end-of-life part. That matters for buyers building long-term spares strategies: you are not stocking a component that will disappear from the catalog next quarter.
Compatibility and Integration
The breaker integrates with standard 35 mm DIN rail systems and coordinates with upstream and downstream protection in Acti9 and comparable panels. It conforms to EN/IEC 60898-1 and EN/IEC 60947-2, so it fits installations designed to those standards. If your panel uses a different rail system or non-standard busbar arrangement, verify fit before ordering.
What to Verify Before You Buy
Before purchasing the iC60N 2P C40, confirm four things: your circuit’s continuous current does not exceed 40 A, your prospective fault current stays within 6 kA, your system voltage matches 400 V AC or 125 V DC, and your rail is 35 mm DIN. Also check whether you need a C curve specifically, since B and D curves serve different load profiles.
SpareTechPLC supplies this breaker as part of its industrial automation parts catalog. If you are matching an existing installation, have your panel photos and existing part numbers ready to speed up verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iC60N 2P C40 still in production?
Yes. Schneider Electric lists it as active in the Acti9 range, last verified 2026-09.
Can I use it for motor starting circuits?
The C curve with an 8×In ±20% magnetic trip suits many small motor circuits, but confirm your inrush current stays within the trip threshold.
What is the difference between this and a B-curve breaker?
The C curve tolerates higher inrush currents, making it better for inductive loads. B-curve devices trip at lower multiples of rated current.
Does it work on DC circuits?
Yes, it carries a 125 V DC rating in addition to 400 V AC. Verify your DC system voltage against that limit.
How many DIN rail modules does it occupy?
At 36 mm wide, it takes two standard 35 mm DIN rail modules.
