Panelboard fully rated

[binwork91]

I understand that when we talk about a fully rated system, the lowest-rated component determines the overall rating.

My question is: If I have a cutsheet showing 10 kAIC fully rated with a 35 kAIC breaker, but the equipment catalog states that this panelboard has interrupting ratings up to 200 kA symmetrical—can I say this panelboard is 35 kAIC fully rated instead of 10 kAIC?

Please see the picture below. It shows 10 kAIC fully rated with a PDD23F breaker (rated 35 kAIC). This is a PRL1X panelboard, and the Eaton catalog states, "Interrupting ratings up to 200 kA symmetrical." Can I consider this panelboard 35 kAIC fully rated?

I know the best practice is to request an updated cutsheet from the supplier showing 35 kAIC fully rated, but that takes time.

If this PRL1X panelboard is limited to 10 kAIC due to any component (other than the breaker), then I will need to have the cutsheet updated to reflect a 35 kAIC fully rated panel.

However, if all PRL1X panelboards are identical regardless of whether they are labeled 10 kAIC or 200 kAIC fully rated—or if the panelboard itself is rated for 200 kA symmetrical—then I can assume the rating is determined by the breaker. In that case, I would not need to request an updated cutsheet from the supplier, and I can confirm it is 35 kAIC fully rated, not 10 kAIC fully rated.

 

[augie47]

It appears the subfeed breakers are 10k so that would limit the system to 10k unless they series rate

 

[binwork91]

It appears the subfeed breakers are 10k so that would limit the system to 10k unless they series rate

it is 35kAic at 240Vac

SEE PICTURE BELOW.

 

[tjdilly]

AIC = Amps INTERRUPTING capacity. Key word is interrupting. The panelboard itself does not have an aic rating because it does not interrupt the load. What you're looking for is a withstand rating.

Looking at the PRL1X cuts, there does not appear to be a different bus selection for higher or lower withstand ratings, it's likely that all of the panels have a withstand rating of 200k, and then the breaker defines the AIC rating.

Ultimately, call the person at eaton that put together the submittal and ask.

 

[binwork91]

Looking at the PRL1X cuts, there does not appear to be a different bus selection for higher or lower withstand ratings, it's likely that all of the panels have a withstand rating of 200k, and then the breaker defines the AIC rating.

That makes sense. When there is a series rating, it can be higher than a fully rated system.

I'm just not sure if that is correct—there might be something I don't know. I'm trying to find out if anyone has more information about this.

Ultimately, call the person at eaton that put together the submittal and ask.

I get cutsheet from contractor, and we don't contact supply house directly.
That is one reason I try to avoid asking for a revised cutsheet, as some contractors may get annoyed.

 

[Jraef]

When there is a series rating, it can be higher than a fully rated system.

You CANNOT assume ANYTHING about series ratings, it has to be 100% documented in writing to be valid. No document, no series rating, no further discussion.

A "Series Rating" can ONLY be determined through a process involving destructive testing at a cost of about $50k per shot at a high power test lab. So in SOME CASES, the panel / breaker manufacturer WILL have undergone this series rating process, and when they do, they typically proudly display that information, because they want you to know and buy that product to help offset that cost. So it's a safer bet to assume that if they do NOT prominently display a series rating on a panel, it's because they do not have it.

You can always ask an Eaton rep or distributor to check for you though. In some cases, that information is also published on-line.

By the way, that catalog cut saying "up to 200kA" just means that SOME VERSION of what its in that catalog can be ordered in a format that is rated at 200kA. I can almost guarantee though that it will only have that if protected by 200kA current limiting fuses ahead of it, no breaker is rated for 200kA. But again, that is a "series rating" issue, and that catalog page is NOT the documentation you need...