| Applicable product standard | Whether the DC molded case circuit breaker is designed and tested under the applicable low-voltage circuit-breaker standard. | Complete type-test report, standard edition, test laboratory details, product-model cross-reference, and certificate scope. | For industrial low-voltage circuit breakers, the technical file normally references IEC 60947-2 and, where applicable, regional requirements such as UL 489. | Only a generic “CE certificate” is supplied without test scope or model identification. |
| DC voltage and pole configuration | Rated operational voltage, number of poles, polarity requirements, series or parallel pole connection, and suitable DC system architecture. | Nameplate drawing, wiring diagram, polarity diagram, product datasheet, and application instructions. | The manufacturer clearly states the permitted DC voltage for each pole arrangement and provides connection instructions for correct arc interruption. | AC ratings are presented as if they automatically apply to DC service. |
| Current rating range | Continuous current rating, frame size, adjustable or fixed trip settings, and compatibility with the intended conductor size. | Published rating table, thermal-magnetic or electronic trip-unit data, terminal capacity, and derating information. | Ratings are stated consistently on the datasheet, label, test report, and quotation, with ambient-temperature and enclosure derating disclosed. | The quoted current rating has no defined test conditions or trip-setting tolerance. |
| DC short-circuit interruption | Ultimate short-circuit breaking capacity, service breaking capacity where declared, test voltage, time constant, and polarity. | Short-circuit test report with test current, voltage, circuit time constant, number of operations, and pass criteria. | The interrupting rating is specified for the exact DC voltage and pole connection required by the project, not only as an AC value. | A high interrupting-current figure is advertised without DC test conditions. |
| Trip characteristics | Thermal, magnetic, electronic, or instantaneous protection behavior; overload curve; short-circuit pickup; and tolerance. | Time-current curves, calibration procedure, trip-unit manual, and sample test records. | Curves are available for the selected frame and trip unit, with clearly defined reference temperature and tolerances. | Only a nominal ampere value is provided without a time-current curve. |
| Electrical endurance | Operating-cycle performance under current-carrying and no-load conditions, including suitability for the expected switching duty. | Endurance test report based on the applicable product standard and the declared utilization category. | The supplier distinguishes electrical endurance from mechanical endurance and states the test conditions. | A single “cycle life” number is quoted without separating mechanical and electrical operation. |
| Insulation and dielectric performance | Rated insulation voltage, impulse withstand voltage, power-frequency withstand, and insulation resistance where applicable. | Routine test records, type-test results, insulation diagrams, and declared clearances and creepage distances. | Values are stated according to the applicable standard and are consistent with the intended DC installation category. | Insulation data is omitted or supplied only for an unrelated AC model. |
| Environmental suitability | Ambient-temperature range, altitude, humidity, pollution degree, vibration, shock, and enclosure installation conditions. | Environmental test records, installation manual, derating curves, and storage and transport specifications. | The manufacturer identifies operating limits and explains any derating above the reference ambient temperature or altitude. | “Outdoor use” is claimed without an ingress-protection or environmental test basis. |
| Ingress protection and enclosure interface | Protection against solid objects and water for the complete assembly, including the breaker, cover, terminals, and enclosure. | IP test report according to IEC 60529, enclosure drawings, gasket details, and installation limitations. | The IP rating applies to the tested configuration and is not incorrectly attributed to the open breaker alone. | The supplier lists an IP rating without identifying the tested enclosure configuration. |
| Terminal and connection design | Terminal type, conductor material, tightening torque, cable range, busbar compatibility, and required creepage and clearance. | Mechanical drawings, torque specifications, terminal temperature-rise results, and approved accessory list. | Connection dimensions and torque values are controlled documents and match the production version. | Terminal dimensions change between samples and production drawings. |
| Accessories and system integration | Auxiliary contacts, alarm contacts, shunt trip, undervoltage release, motor operator, interlock, and communication options. | Accessory compatibility matrix, wiring diagrams, rated-control-voltage table, and functional test records. | Every accessory is identified by a controlled part number and verified for the exact breaker frame and DC control voltage. | Accessories are described as universal without voltage, polarity, or frame-size limitations. |
| Quality-management system | Control of design changes, incoming materials, process inspection, calibration, nonconforming products, and corrective actions. | Current ISO 9001 certificate, scope statement, process flow, inspection plan, and sample control records. | The certificate is valid, covers the relevant manufacturing activity, and can be checked through the issuing certification body. | A certificate is shown without scope, validity, or certification-body verification. |
| Production and testing capability | Molding, assembly, calibration, dielectric testing, contact-resistance testing, mechanical operation testing, and traceability. | Factory audit checklist, equipment list, calibration certificates, inspection records, and batch traceability example. | Routine tests are defined before shipment, and test instruments have identifiable calibration status. | Final inspection is limited to visual checks and packaging confirmation. |
| Customization and engineering support | Ability to adapt labels, terminals, trip settings, accessories, mounting, documentation, and packaging without weakening certification control. | Design-change procedure, sample approval process, revised drawings, engineering review records, and validation plan. | Custom changes receive documented technical review, prototype approval, and revalidation when safety-related features are affected. | The supplier promises customization but cannot provide controlled drawings or change records. |
| Supply continuity and spare parts | Availability of replacement trip units, accessories, operating handles, terminals, and technical support throughout the planned service life. | Parts list, obsolescence policy, change-notification procedure, lead-time statement, and service process. | Critical spare parts and product-change notifications are documented, with model compatibility clearly defined. | No written policy exists for product discontinuation or engineering changes. |
| Pre-production validation | Whether samples represent the intended mass-production configuration and satisfy the project’s electrical, mechanical, and documentation requirements. | Approved sample, inspection report, third-party test evidence, production-part approval, and signed technical specification. | The sample is evaluated against a written acceptance checklist before purchase-order release or mass production. | The supplier requests a bulk order before providing a representative sample and complete technical file. |