Comparison of Low Voltage Circuit Breaker Standards – IEC 60898-1, IEC 60947-2 and ANSI/NEMA AB3

IEC 60898-1
- Title: Circuit breakers for overcurrent protection for household and similar installations.
- Scope: Primarily focused on low-voltage circuit breakers used in residential, commercial, and light industrial applications.
- Voltage Rating: Up to 440V AC.
- Current Rating: Up to 125A.
- Breaking Capacity: Typically 6kA to 10kA.
IEC 60947-2
- Title: Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 2: Circuit breakers.
- Scope: Designed for circuit breakers in industrial and heavy-duty applications.
- Voltage Rating: Up to 1000V AC and 1500V DC.
- Current Rating: Typically exceeds 125A, often used up to 6300A.
- Breaking Capacity: Typically 15kA to 150kA.
ANSI/NEMA AB3
- Title: Molded Case Circuit Breakers and Molded Case Switches.
- Scope: U.S.-based standard for molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs) across various applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial uses.
- Voltage Rating: Typically up to 600V AC.
- Current Rating: Varies, with a focus on both low and high-current applications.
- Breaking Capacity: Designed for a wide range, depending on specific use cases.

Aspect	IEC 60898-1	IEC 60947-2	ANSI/NEMA AB3
Application	Residential and light commercial.	Industrial and heavy-duty.	Broad applications in the U.S.
Voltage Rating	Up to 440V AC.	Up to 1000V AC, 1500V DC.	Typically up to 600V AC.
Current Rating	Up to 125A.	125A to 6300A and higher.	Varies, including high-current.
Breaking Capacity	6kA to 10kA.	15kA to 150kA.	Varies widely.
Thermal/Magnetic Trip	Standard for overcurrent protection.	Customizable, including electronic.	Includes thermal and magnetic types.
Environment	Normal household conditions.	Harsh and industrial environments.	Broad spectrum of environments.
Test Procedures	Simpler, for household systems.	More rigorous, for industrial use.	Similar to IEC 60947-2 in scope.
Cost	Generally lower-cost.	Higher due to advanced features.	Variable, depending on grade.

Aspect	IEC 60898-1	IEC 60947-2	ANSI/NEMA AB3
Advantages	Cost-effective for residential use. Simplified specifications for standard household systems. Compact and easy to install.	High breaking capacity for industrial safety. Flexible options, including electronic trip units. Suitable for harsh environments and high-demand applications.	U.S.-standardized with a wide range of applications. Flexibility in design and performance specifications. Established compatibility with North American systems.
Disavantages	Limited current and voltage ratings. Not suitable for industrial environments with higher demands.	Higher cost. Larger physical size.	May not align with IEC standards directly. Limited availability outside North America.
Applications	Residential homes, small offices, and light commercial settings.	Industrial plants, data centers, and large commercial facilities.	Residential, commercial, and industrial sectors in North America.

IEC 60898-1 is ideal for residential or light-duty settings due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
IEC 60947-2 excels in industrial environments, where high reliability and robust performance are required.
ANSI/NEMA AB3 bridges a wide range of U.S.-specific applications but may face compatibility challenges outside its typical regions.

The choice of standard depends on application requirements, budget, and regional preferences.