Overview
The Westinghouse FA3050 is a three-pole molded case circuit breaker rated at 50 amperes and 600 volts with AB de-ionization arc suppression technology. This thermal-magnetic breaker features bolt-on connection and long-time plus instantaneous (LI) trip functions. Originally manufactured by Westinghouse (now owned by Eaton/Cutler-Hammer), the FA3050 remains in demand for industrial facilities, commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and retrofit applications where legacy equipment compatibility is required. The de-ionization (de-ion) arc chamber enables fast arc extinction and reliable fault protection.
Key Features
- 50A rating at 600V AC — Suitable for medium-load industrial circuits and branch protection
- 3-pole three-phase — Protects three-phase power distribution systems
- AB de-ionization technology — Enhanced arc suppression for increased safety and faster contact recovery
- Thermal-magnetic trip — Dual protection against overloads and short circuits
- Bolt-on mounting — Direct connection to compatible FA-frame panelboards and loadcenters
- Load side lug terminals — Simplifies downstream wiring connections
Technical Specifications
| Part Number | FA3050 |
| Manufacturer | Westinghouse (Eaton/Cutler-Hammer) |
| Rated Voltage | 600V AC |
| Amperage | 50A |
| Poles | 3 (Three-phase) |
| Trip Function | Long-Time (LI) and Instantaneous |
| Arc Technology | AB De-ionization |
| Connection Type | Bolt-on |
| Frame Type | FA |
| Operating Temperature | 40°C ambient |
| Terminal Type | Load side lug terminals |
| Interrupting Capacity | Standard (per UL 489) |
Typical Applications
The FA3050 is widely used in retrofit and legacy system maintenance for:
- Industrial manufacturing facilities and machine tool circuits
- Commercial office buildings and multi-tenant facilities
- Educational institutions and university campus electrical systems
- Hospital and healthcare facility branch protection
- HVAC, motor control, and large load circuit protection
- Existing FA-frame panelboards where OEM compatibility is critical
The de-ionization arc suppression technology is particularly valued in older facilities where equipment uptime and system continuity are essential.
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- Westinghouse FA-frame panelboards and loadcenters
- Eaton/Cutler-Hammer FA-series equipment (post-acquisition)
- 600V three-phase power distribution systems
- Industrial control circuits and branch protection installations
- Load side lugs compatible with standard UL 489 configurations
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
- Original Westinghouse FA3050 units in existing installations
- Earlier generation FA3050 breakers (same part number, verified compatibility)
Note: For non-standard panel configurations or custom applications, verify compatibility with your system integrator or electrical engineer before ordering.
Works With
- FA-series molded case circuit breaker ecosystem
- Standard bolt-on panelboard connections
- Thermal-magnetic trip curve aligned with UL 489 standard overload and short-circuit protection
- Manual on-off control with visible disconnect status
- Accessory modules designed for FA-frame breakers (shunt trips, under-voltage releases, etc.)
