Phoenix CB E1 & CB PT-BE/UT-BE Series: Industrial Miniature Circuit Breakers - Comprehensive Application & Selection Guide

Product Positioning & Core Value

The Phoenix CB E1 Series and CB PT-BE/UT-BE Series represent industrial-grade miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) and bridging modules designed exclusively for 24V DC industrial control systems. As critical protection components for low-voltage circuits, these products deliver precise overcurrent and short-circuit protection, preventing damage to sensitive electronics, sensors, actuators, and control modules in automation environments. With multiple current ratings (1A~10A), versatile contact configurations (NO/NC/S-R/S-C), and plug-in mounting design, the series ensures reliable circuit protection while simplifying installation and maintenance. Compliant with IEC 60947-2 and UL 508 standards, the CB E1 Series features IP20 protection, flame-retardant housing, and -25°C~60°C operating temperature range—ideal for control cabinets, automation cells, mobile equipment, and industrial IoT systems where space-saving and robust performance are paramount.

Product Family Overview

The product family consists of two core lines, tailored to circuit protection and connection expansion needs:

1. CB E1 Series (Miniature Circuit Breakers)

• Function: Overcurrent, short-circuit, and overload protection for 24V DC circuits.
• Current Ratings: 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 6A, 8A, 10A (covers most low-voltage industrial loads).
• Contact Configurations:
  • NO: Normally Open (closes when tripped, for fault signaling).
  • NC: Normally Closed (opens when tripped, for circuit interruption).
  • S-R: Signal-Return (integrated signal feedback for remote monitoring).
  • S-C: Signal-Common (common signal path for multi-circuit coordination).
• Key Features: Plug-in mounting (P suffix), compact design (12.5mm width), manual reset, and visual trip indication.
• Typical Models: CB E1 24DC/8A NO P, CB E1 24DC/4A S-R P, CB E1 24DC/6A NC P.

2. CB PT-BE/UT-BE Series (Bridging Modules)

• Function: Expand connection points for CB E1 breakers, enabling parallel circuit protection and simplified wiring.
• Terminal Compatibility:
  • PT-BE: Push-in terminal bridging (tool-free, fast installation).
  • UT-BE: Universal screw terminal bridging (secure connection for vibration environments).
• Current Capacity: Matches CB E1 series (up to 10A per channel).
• Typical Models: CB 1/6-2/4 PT-BE, CB 1/10-1/10 UT-BE.

Technical Specifications (Universal Parameters)

Detailed Function Module Introduction

1. CB E1 Series (By Current Rating)

1.1 Low-Current Models (1A~3A)

1.2 Medium-Current Models (4A~6A)

1.3 High-Current Models (8A~10A)

2. CB PT-BE/UT-BE Series (Bridging Modules)

Application Scenario Analysis

1. Industrial Automation Control Cabinets

Recommended Configuration:

• Sensitive Electronics: CB E1 24DC/1A NO P (2800901) + CB 1/6-2/4 PT-BE (2800929)
• Actuator Control: CB E1 24DC/4A NC P (2800918) + CB E1 24DC/6A S-R P (2800912)
• Main Power Branches: CB E1 24DC/10A S-R P (2800914)

Implementation Advantages:

• Compact 12.5mm width saves 40% cabinet space vs. traditional breakers.
• Signal feedback (S-R/S-C) enables remote fault monitoring, reducing downtime.
• Bridging modules simplify wiring for multi-circuit protection.

2. Sensor & Actuator Networks

Recommended Configuration:

• Low-Power Sensors: CB E1 24DC/2A NO P (2800902)
• Medium-Power Actuators: CB E1 24DC/3A S-C P (2800924)
• High-Power Valves: CB E1 24DC/8A NO P (2800906)

Implementation Advantages:

• B curve trip characteristic protects electronic loads from inrush current damage.
• NO/NC contact options adapt to different circuit control logic (on/off signaling).
• Plug-in design allows quick replacement during maintenance.

3. Mobile Industrial Equipment (AGVs, Robotics)

Recommended Configuration:

• Onboard Electronics: CB E1 24DC/1A S-R P (2800908)
• Drive Motors: CB E1 24DC/10A NO P (2800907)
• Wiring Expansion: CB 1/10-1/10 UT-BE (2801305)

Implementation Advantages:

• Vibration-resistant plug-in mounting ensures reliability in mobile applications.
• Wide operating temperature range (-25°C~60°C) adapts to outdoor/harsh environments.
• High breaking capacity (1kA) protects against short-circuits in compact spaces.

4. IoT & Remote Monitoring Systems

Recommended Configuration:

• IoT Devices: CB E1 24DC/3A S-R P (2800910)
• Data Loggers: CB E1 24DC/2A S-C P (2800923)
• Signal Coordination: CB 1/6-2/4 PT-BE (2800929)

Implementation Advantages:

• S-R/S-C signal feedback integrates with IoT platforms for real-time fault alerts.
• Compact design fits in small IoT gateways and remote control boxes.
• UL 508 certification ensures compliance with global IoT device standards.

Selection Guide

Step 1: Determine Current Rating

• 1A~2A: For low-power devices (sensors, HMIs, IoT modules).
• 3A~4A: For medium-power loads (actuators, small valves, distributed I/O).
• 6A~8A: For heavy-duty components (DC motors, large valves, power supplies).
• 10A: For main power branches and high-load circuits (control cabinets, mobile equipment).

Step 2: Choose Contact Configuration

Step 3: Select Bridging Module (If Needed)

• Tool-Free Installation: CB 1/6-2/4 PT-BE (compatible with push-in terminals).
• Vibration-Prone Environments: CB 1/10-1/10 UT-BE (screw terminal bridging).
• Channel Expansion: Match bridging module to number of CB E1 breakers (e.g., 6-breaker bank → 1/6 PT-BE).

Step 4: Confirm Environmental & Installation Requirements

• Space Constraints: All CB E1 models (12.5mm width) are space-saving.
• Vibration: Choose UT-BE bridging modules and ensure secure plug-in mounting.
• Remote Monitoring: Prioritize S-R/S-C models for integration with control systems.

Installation & Maintenance Guide

Installation Steps:

1. Mounting: Plug CB E1 breakers into compatible base modules (Phoenix CB E1 bases) on a 35mm DIN rail.
2. Bridging: For multi-circuit protection, attach PT-BE/UT-BE bridging modules to the top/bottom of CB E1 banks.
3. Wiring: Connect line/load conductors to terminals (0.2~2.5mm² for CB E1; 0.2~4mm² for BE modules) per polarity markings.
4. Torque: Tighten screw terminals (if applicable) to 0.5~0.8Nm; push-in terminals require no tools (strip conductors to 8mm).
5. Testing: Manually trip the breaker to verify indicator and contact operation.

Maintenance Points:

• Fault Localization: Red trip indicator = overcurrent/short-circuit; resolve fault before resetting.
• Reset Procedure: Push the breaker lever back to the "ON" position after clearing the fault.
• Replacement: Pull faulty breakers straight out for tool-free replacement (no wiring removal needed).
• Inspection: Conduct quarterly checks for loose connections, damaged housing, and terminal corrosion.
• Service Life: Replace breakers after 100+ trip events or every 8~10 years (industrial use).

CB E1 & BE Series vs. Traditional Miniature Circuit Breakers

Summary & Next Steps

The Phoenix CB E1 Series and CB PT-BE/UT-BE Series deliver specialized, industrial-grade circuit protection for 24V DC control systems, combining compact design, versatile contact configurations, and easy installation. Whether protecting sensitive electronics, actuators, or mobile equipment, these products ensure reliable fault prevention while enabling remote monitoring and simplified maintenance. By selecting the appropriate current rating, contact type, and bridging module, you can optimize circuit protection, save control cabinet space, and reduce downtime in automation environments.