Description
1. Unboxing & Physical Snapshot
- Model & Brand: General Electric (GE Tri-Break / TB8 Series) Molded Case Circuit Breaker — Part Number: TB83800BK22 (Alternate:
TB83800-BK22) - Physical Dimensions: Heavy-duty industrial molded case frame format (Approx. 410 mm H × 210 mm W × 150 mm D / 16.1 in × 8.3 in × 5.9 in)
- Estimated Shipping Weight: Approximately 15 kg to 22 kg net (32 lbs to 48 lbs) (Packaged in heavy custom-molded high-density foam containment and double-walled industrial corrugated export container)
- What’s in the Box: GE TB83800BK22 circuit breaker assembly, terminal mounting hardware, phase barriers, and manufacturer compliance/test data sheet.
2. Product Introduction
Structure B (Architecture hook): Engineered for heavy industrial distribution switchgear, motor control centers, and commercial power substations, the General Electric TB83800BK22 is an 800-ampere, three-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) belonging to the robust Tri-Break product family. Designed to protect critical electrical feeders against severe overloads and short-circuit faults, this breaker provides high-capacity interruption capabilities to safeguard transformer outputs and primary bus systems.
Housed in a high-dielectric strength, impact-resistant molded composite casing, the internal trip mechanism and arc-extinguishing chambers are engineered to handle high fault currents safely. Its compact physical footprint allows straightforward integration into standard dead-front switchboards while delivering reliable thermal-magnetic or electronic trip protection across demanding electrical distribution environments.
3. Core Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Component Type | Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) |
| Product Family | General Electric Tri-Break Series (TB8 Frame) |
| Part Number Designation | TB83800BK22 |
| Continuous Amperage Rating | 800 A |
| Number of Poles | 3-Pole (3-Phase configuration) |
| Maximum Voltage Rating | 600V AC nominal |
| Interrupting Capacity (AIC) | 200kA @ 240VAC / 200kA @ 480VAC / 100kA @ 600VAC |
| Mounting Style | Bolt-on / Panel-mount switchboard configuration |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +60°C industrial threshold |
| Storage Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C |
| Physical Net Weight | Approximately 14.5 kg to 20 kg (32 lbs – 44 lbs) |
4. Global Compliance & Industry Certifications
Type-test verification and rigid electrical standards compliance are mandatory for high-amperage circuit protection assets deployed within commercial and industrial power networks.
- Expected Certifications: UL Listed (UL 489 Molded-Case Circuit Breakers), CSA Certified, CE Mark, and NEMA AB 1 standards compliance.
- Safety Relevance: High short-circuit interrupting ratings (AIC) ensure that the breaker can clear massive fault currents safely without catastrophic enclosure rupture, protecting personnel and downstream plant infrastructure.
- Audit Note: Verify that the breaker’s interrupting rating (AIC) matches or exceeds the available short-circuit current calculations at the switchgear installation point prior to energization.
5. Long-Term Storage & Asset Preservation Guide
Veteran Maintenance Note: Storing heavy high-amperage circuit breakers requires climate control to prevent internal mechanism corrosion, contact oxidation, and moisture absorption inside the molded housing.
- Climate Baseline: Store the circuit breaker in a clean, dry warehouse environment maintaining relative humidity strictly below 60% non-condensing and ambient temperatures between -10°C and +40°C.
- Corrosion Protection: Keep the breaker dry and protected from dust accumulation; ensure copper/aluminum contact pads are treated with anti-oxidation compound if stored unsealed.
- Physical Preservation: Store the heavy unit flat on reinforced industrial shelving or dedicated pallets; never stack secondary equipment on top of the toggle handle or trip unit faceplate.
6. Physical Installation Prerequisites
- Ensure that the upstream main electrical switchgear bus is completely locked out (LOTO), tagged, and verified dead with a calibrated multimeter before installation.
- Verify that mounting busbars or cable lugs are clean, free of burrs, and torqued strictly to manufacturer specifications using a calibrated torque wrench.
- Install all required phase barriers and terminal shields securely to prevent phase-to-phase arcing under high fault stress conditions.
7. Buyer’s FAQ (Logistics & Compliance Focus)
- What Harmonized System (HS) code governs international customs clearance?The standard global export classification for this electrical circuit breaker is 8536.20.0020 (Automatic circuit breakers for a voltage exceeding 60 volts but not exceeding 1,000 volts).
- How does Country of Origin (COO) verification impact switchgear projects?Accurate origin tagging on commercial shipping documentation ensures alignment with international trade frameworks and regional infrastructure sourcing regulations (typically United States manufacturing origin).
- Does this breaker require initial calibration before commissioning?Factory-calibrated trip units are set prior to shipment; however, high-current primary injection testing is frequently mandated by site electrical safety protocols during initial switchgear commissioning.
- What level of transit insurance should be specified?Always mandate fully declared-value, tracked heavy freight transport insurance to safeguard this heavy (approx. 15-20 kg) switching asset against drop impacts or mechanical shock during transit.
