Market demand for circuit breakers is predicted to grow 3% per year and morph into a $36 billion industry by 2011, with molded case circuit breakers, otherwise known as an insulated case circuit breaker, leading the demand. Predictions cite demand being driven by growth in the non-residential construction industry.

Molded case circuit breakers are assembled as one piece and enclosed in a hard shell casing. Characterized as a low voltage circuit breaker, molded case circuit breakers are typically rated up to 1000A.

1. Work with manufacturers for custom design of molded case circuit breaker systems suited to an operation's unique circuit design.

2. Use suppliers with in-house inventories of molded circuit breakers from multiple manufacturers for immediate availability.

3. Keep a list of reliable molded circuit breaker parts dealers with large inventories for emergency repairs and equipment backup.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy molded case circuit breakers directly from manufacturers for custom configuration

Manufacturers websites are a great source of molded case circuit breaker information because they want you to know just how cutting edge their technology is and how they back their claims of product safety and reliability. Check on these well-known manufacturers for top of the line, cutting edge molded case circuit breakers.

I recommend: Siemens VL molded circuit breakers are compact and configurable for ratings from 50A to 1600A. This line of molded case breakers is designed to operate to global standards and displays all major international standards, such as CE, IEC, NOM, CSA and UL. Buy direct from the online catalog or become a Siemens distribution partner. ABB has a long history in the circuit breaker manufacturing business and guarantees its breakers are some of the safest on the market. They also sell interchangeable parts, including electronic trip circuit breaker devices.

Use suppliers of molded case breakers for in-stock, immediate shipping

Well-stocked suppliers have immediate access to a wide range of molded case breakers and electronic trip circuit breakers, as well as a direct line to their manufacturers, which saves you time and money in an emergency.

I recommend: Gainesville Industrial Electric Co. supplies molded case circuit breakers by such names as Cutler-Hammer, ABB and GE Industrial Systems. GIE's inventory includes molded case breakers in thermal-magnetic 10A to 400A current ratings. Cerus Undustrial supplies molded case circuit breakers with fixed magnetic and thermal overcurrent devices.

Find a reliable supply of new and reconditioned parts for repair and backup

Few know more about the operation of molded case circuit breakers and electronic trip circuit breakers than an experienced parts dealer. These individuals spend their days helping business people solve all sorts of equipment breakdown and malfunctions with the right parts and information. Try these sources for molded circuit breaker information and reliable parts.

I recommend: Best Circuit Breakers maintains an in-house inventory of more than one million parts from multiple manufacturers for all types of breakers. All inventory is available for online search by part number. Best is also a national supplier of surplus and reconditioned Siemens breakers, all of which are sold with a one year warranty and are available for immediate shipping. Circuit Breaker Sales Company, Inc. stocks both reconditioned and new molded case circuit breakers of such major manufacturers as Westinghouse, Cutler Hammer, Square D, GE, Siemens, ABB, Federal Pacific and ITE. They also maintain a full staff of in-house repair technicians available to repair your breakers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When working around circuit breakers, transformers and especially in locations with both systems present, wear fire retardant clothing with long sleeves and long pants, safety glasses and rubber soled shoes to minimize the possibility of electric shock.