THED136100WL 100A 600V 3-Pole Molded Case Circuit Breaker

Description

Product Introduction

The GE THED136100WL is a three-pole, 100 A molded case circuit breaker from the E150 family of thermal-magnetic breakers. ABB’s current catalog identifies the exact catalog number as a THED breaker with a non-interchangeable trip, fixed long-time and instantaneous functions, and copper/aluminum line and load lugs. The E150 family covers thermal-magnetic breakers, magnetic breakers, and molded-case switches up to 150 A and 600 VAC.

The ABB THED136100WL uses thermal and magnetic protection rather than an electronic adjustable trip unit. The thermal element responds to sustained overcurrent while the instantaneous magnetic element responds to high fault current. ABB classifies the breaker as LI, meaning long-time and instantaneous protection. The complete WL catalog configuration includes line and load lugs, making the suffix important when matching a replacement against an installed breaker.

For plant maintenance, the ABB THED136100WL should be specified by its complete catalog number rather than simply as a “100 A THED breaker.” Interrupting capability varies with system voltage: ABB’s catalog gives 65 kA at 120/240 VAC, 25 kA at 480 VAC, and 18 kA at 600 VAC. A breaker with the same 100 A rating is therefore not automatically equivalent at every system voltage. The available ABB documentation also states that the E150 THED family is suitable for reverse feed and carries HACR listing except for the 10 A models.

Technical Specifications

The voltage-dependent interrupting ratings above come from ABB’s catalog. Distributor listings sometimes advertise the same breaker simply as “25 kAIC,” generally referencing the 480 VAC rating. For a 600 VAC application, ABB’s catalog specifies 18 kA, so the actual system voltage must be part of the replacement review.

THED136100WL

Main Features and Engineering Considerations

Thermal-magnetic protection

The THED136100WL combines thermal overload protection with instantaneous magnetic short-circuit protection. This is a conventional MCCB protection arrangement and does not provide the electronic adjustability found on many newer electronic-trip breakers.

100 A, three-pole configuration

The breaker is rated at 100 A and has three poles. The complete catalog number should be maintained because adjacent catalog numbers include different ampere ratings and related THED configurations. ABB’s catalog, for example, lists THED136070WL, THED136090WL, , THED136110WL, THED136125WL, and THED136150WL as different current ratings.

Voltage-dependent interrupting capability

This is one of the most important engineering details. The breaker does not have one universal interrupting rating independent of voltage. ABB lists 25 kA at 480 VAC but 18 kA at 600 VAC. Selecting the breaker solely from the 100 A current rating can therefore produce an inadequate fault-duty specification.

Fixed trip characteristics

The trip is non-interchangeable, with fixed long-time and instantaneous characteristics. This differs from MCCBs using interchangeable rating plugs or adjustable electronic trip units.

Cu/Al lugs included

The WL suffix identifies the catalog configuration with copper/aluminum line and load lugs. ABB specifically states that the WL versions include these lugs. Verify the actual lug markings and conductor requirements on the installed breaker before terminating replacement conductors.

Reverse-feed capability

ABB identifies the THED family as suitable for reverse feed. The actual installation must still follow the applicable equipment, listing, and electrical-code requirements.

Application Scenarios

• Industrial power distribution
• Motor feeder protection
• MCC feeder circuits
• Control-panel distribution
• Drilling and heavy industrial equipment
• Industrial auxiliary power
• 480 VAC three-phase distribution
• 600 VAC industrial systems
• Legacy GE/ABB installations
• Replacement of installed THED-series breakers

Engineer’s Guide: Field Pitfalls

Do not specify it simply as a 100 A breaker. The exact THED configuration, three-pole arrangement, voltage, trip characteristics, interrupting rating, and lug configuration all matter.

Check the actual system voltage. At 480 VAC, ABB lists a 25 kA interrupting rating; at 600 VAC, the catalog lists 18 kA. This distinction should appear in the engineering review.

Do not confuse the breaker with a current-limiting device. The is a thermal-magnetic MCCB. If the application requires higher available-fault-current withstand capability, the accessory/current-limiter arrangements need to be evaluated separately.

Verify the available fault current. The breaker interrupting rating must be adequate for the actual installation, not merely equal to a value copied from a supplier listing.

Check the WL suffix. It identifies the catalog configuration with Cu/Al line and load lugs. A breaker without the same terminal arrangement may require different field hardware.

Check conductor compatibility. Confirm conductor material, size, lug markings, torque, and installation temperature requirements before energizing.

Do not assume a neighboring THED rating is interchangeable. THED136060WL, , and THED136150WL have different current ratings even though their housings and family names may look similar.

Inspect the mounting arrangement. Verify bolt pattern, enclosure clearance, line/load orientation, handle position, and any operating mechanism before replacing the breaker.

Check accessories separately. ABB lists accessories such as shunt trips, undervoltage releases, auxiliary switches, mechanical interlocks, and operating mechanisms for the family. The basic should not be assumed to include these accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ABB ?

It is a 100 A, three-pole, thermal-magnetic molded case circuit breaker in ABB’s family. The complete WL configuration includes copper/aluminum line and load lugs.

Is rated for 600 VAC?

Yes. The catalog includes the in the 600 VAC class. Its interrupting rating at 600 VAC is 18 kA according to ABB’s catalog.

What is its current rating?

The continuous current rating is 100 A.

How many poles does it have?

It is a three-pole breaker.

What type of trip does it use?

It uses a non-interchangeable thermal-magnetic trip with fixed long-time and instantaneous functions.

Is the trip adjustable?

No adjustable electronic trip unit is specified. ABB identifies the trip style as non-interchangeable with fixed long-time and instantaneous characteristics.

Does include lugs?

Yes. The WL configuration is cataloged with copper/aluminum line and load lugs.

Does it have Ethernet, Modbus, or another communication interface?

No. This is an electromechanical/thermal-magnetic circuit breaker rather than a communicating protection device.

Is it suitable for reverse feed?

ABB identifies the THED family as suitable for reverse feed. The complete installation still needs to comply with the applicable electrical requirements.

Procurement Note

Specify the item as:

ABB — Series — 100 A — 3-Pole — Thermal-Magnetic MCCB — 600 VAC — Cu/Al Line and Load Lugs

Before approving a replacement, verify:

• Complete catalog number:
• Three-pole configuration
• 100 A continuous rating
• Actual system voltage
• Available fault current
• Required interrupting rating
• Thermal-magnetic LI trip
• Non-interchangeable trip configuration
• Cu/Al line and load lugs
• Mounting and enclosure arrangement
• Handle/operator arrangement
• Auxiliary or shunt accessories, if installed
• Conductor material and size
• Existing breaker nameplate and markings

The critical procurement point is fault-duty verification. Do not copy a generic “25 kAIC” description into an engineering specification without checking the operating voltage. ABB’s own catalog gives different interrupting ratings by voltage, including 25 kA at 480 VAC and 18 kA at 600 VAC for this family.