Overview
The Allen-Bradley 140M-C2E-B40 is a frame-size C motor protection circuit breaker designed for manual motor disconnect, overload protection, and short-circuit safeguarding in industrial motor control applications. Part of the trusted 140M series, this UL/CSA-listed unit combines rotary manual operation, adjustable thermal trip calibration, and fixed magnetic protection in a compact DIN-rail-mount package. It provides the core protection functions required by NEC/CEC electrical codes for individual motor branch circuits without additional protective devices when listed as a self-protected combination motor controller.
Key Features
- Adjustable Thermal Protection: Thermal trip range of 2.5–4.0 A for precise overload matching to motor full-load current.
- Fixed Magnetic Trip: Standard magnetic trip set at 13× the maximum thermal range for dependable short-circuit protection (class 10 trip action: ≤10 seconds).
- Manual Operation: Rotary handle with visible trip and test indication for operator feedback during overload conditions.
- DIN-Rail Mounting: Compact C-frame design integrates easily into control panels and starter enclosures.
- 600V AC Rating: Suitable for motors up to 600 VAC, 50/60 Hz operation across industrial facilities.
- Dual UL/CSA Listing: Approved as manual self-protected combination motor controller or manual motor controller with optional motor disconnect and group-installation approvals.
Technical Specifications
- Frame Size: C
- Poles: 3-pole
- Thermal Trip Range: 2.5–4.0 A (adjustable)
- Magnetic Trip Setting: 13× thermal maximum (fixed at 52 A nominal)
- Maximum Voltage: 600V AC
- Frequency: 50/60 Hz
- Breaking Capacity: Standard
- Trip Class: 10 (≤10 seconds)
- Mounting: DIN rail
- Operation: Rotary manual handle
- Terminals: Screw terminals
- Certifications: UL508 (Manual Motor Controller and Manual Self-Protected Combination Motor Controller); CSA certified
- Compatible Models: 140M-C series (replaces equivalent current-rated models)
Typical Applications
The 140M-C2E-B40 suits applications including:
- Individual motor branch-circuit protection in packaged machine tools and conveyor systems.
- Manual disconnect switches with integral overload/short-circuit protection in OEM control panels.
- Group motor installations where a single main circuit breaker provides short-circuit protection for multiple 140M units on individual motor feeders.
- Combination with 100-C series contactors to create NEMA Type F combination motor controllers with full short-circuit capacity.
- Low-voltage DC motor starter applications in 50/60 Hz industrial and utility settings.
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- Rockwell Automation 100-C series contactors (for Type F combination motor controller assembly).
- DIN-rail mounted control enclosures and starter cabinets.
- NEC/CEC-compliant motor feeder branch circuits up to 600V AC.
- Group motor installations with shared short-circuit protection.
- Manual motor starters for NEMA applications in industrial plants.
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
- Equivalent 140M-C2E-B40 units across manufacturing batches and inventory sources (same part number, direct swap).
- Note: The 140M-C2E-B40 is listed as obsolete by some suppliers; the engineered replacement is 140MT-C3E-B40 (verify compatibility and new control requirements before switching to next-generation units).
Works With
- Control Systems: Manual motor control circuits; integration with PLC-based motor management requires separate supervisory monitoring.
- Protective Schemes: Single-device protection (overload + short-circuit) or group-motor installations with upstream mains protection.
- Communication: No integrated communication; typically wired as a standalone protective element in hardwired control logic.
- Auxiliary Contacts: Optional front- and side-mounted auxiliary contacts available for status indication and control interlocking (order separately).
- Operating Mechanisms: Standard rotary handle; optional through-door-operated handles available for panel-door integration.
