Product Overview

The ABB SACE Emax 2 is a family of low voltage air circuit breakers developed for electrical distribution systems that require circuit protection, operational monitoring, and coordinated power management. The series combines switching functions with electronic protection and measurement capabilities, allowing it to serve as part of an integrated electrical distribution installation.

Unlike a basic switching device, an air circuit breaker can be configured with protection functions designed to detect abnormal electrical conditions and initiate a trip when the applicable settings and operating conditions require it. Within the Emax 2 platform, electronic trip units and optional communication equipment support the integration of circuit protection with switchboard monitoring and energy management systems.

The Emax 2 family includes different frame sizes, electrical ratings, installation arrangements, and accessory configurations. The correct selection depends on the system voltage, rated current, prospective short-circuit current, protection requirements, and the design of the associated switchgear.

Frame Sizes and Product Configuration

The IEC version of the ABB SACE Emax 2 range includes four principal frame sizes: E1.2, E2.2, E4.2, and E6.2. These frames accommodate different current ratings and electrical performance requirements.

• E1.2: A compact frame for installations requiring current ratings up to 1600 A, subject to the selected configuration.
• E2.2: A frame designed for distribution applications with ratings up to 2500 A.
• E4.2: A larger frame supporting ratings up to 4000 A.
• E6.2: The largest principal IEC frame in the standard range, supporting ratings up to 6300 A.

These figures describe the general frame range rather than the rating of every individual breaker. Breaking capacity, short-time withstand current, pole arrangement, operating voltage, and other characteristics vary according to the selected product. The IEC and UL versions also follow different standards and may have different rating combinations.

When identifying an Emax 2 circuit breaker, engineers should record the complete type designation and product identification information from the nameplate. The frame designation alone is not sufficient to determine all electrical characteristics or accessory compatibility.

Protection and Electronic Trip Units

The Emax 2 platform supports electronic protection through compatible Ekip trip units. Depending on the selected trip unit and its configuration, the breaker can provide protection functions for overloads, short circuits, and other electrical fault conditions. Additional functions may be available for specialized power distribution applications.

Protection settings must be coordinated with the characteristics of the electrical network, downstream devices, conductors, transformers, and connected loads. Incorrect settings can affect selectivity, equipment protection, and continuity of supply. Commissioning personnel should therefore verify the installed trip unit, its settings, and the approved protection study before placing the breaker into service.

Different Ekip trip unit variants provide different combinations of protection, measurement, display, and communication functions. The functions available in a particular installation must be confirmed from the trip unit model, firmware or configuration information where applicable, and the relevant ABB documentation.

Measurement and Power Management

In addition to circuit protection, selected Emax 2 configurations support electrical measurement and power management. Depending on the installed equipment, available information may include current, voltage, power, energy, and other operating values. These measurements can help operators understand electrical loading and evaluate the performance of a distribution system.

Selected configurations also support functions intended to coordinate loads and manage power demand. For example, a power management arrangement may use measured consumption and configured priorities to control nonessential loads when a defined power limit is reached. The precise functions and operating logic depend on the trip unit, enabled features, system design, and associated control equipment.

Measurement and power management features should not be assumed to be present in every Emax 2 breaker. Before selecting a device for an energy monitoring or load management project, confirm the required functions and the hardware or software configuration necessary to implement them.

Communication and System Integration

Communication options allow compatible Emax 2 configurations to exchange information with supervisory control systems, switchboard monitoring platforms, and energy management applications. Depending on the installed communication modules and supported configuration, integration options may include industrial communication protocols such as Modbus, PROFIBUS, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, or IEC 61850.

The availability of an individual protocol depends on the selected communication equipment and product version. Network engineers should verify the applicable module, connection method, supported protocol, addressing requirements, and system integration instructions before designing the communication interface.

When the breaker is connected to a supervisory system, available information can support remote status monitoring, event analysis, and maintenance planning. Communication does not replace the need for correctly configured electrical protection or safe operating procedures.

Typical Applications

ABB SACE Emax 2 air circuit breakers are intended for low voltage electrical distribution applications in which current ratings, fault protection, and switching performance must be matched to the installation. Typical environments include industrial facilities, commercial buildings, data centers, power generation installations, marine systems, and complex distribution networks.

In an industrial switchboard, an Emax 2 breaker may be used as an incoming circuit breaker, a bus-coupler breaker, or a feeder breaker, depending on the electrical design. Its role is determined by the single-line diagram, protection coordination, rated operating conditions, and the configuration of the switchgear assembly.

For applications involving generators, transformers, parallel power sources, or critical loads, selection requires particular attention to fault levels, selectivity, interlocking, and operating sequences. The suitability of a specific breaker must be established against the project requirements rather than inferred from the series name alone.

Installation and Accessory Considerations

Emax 2 breakers are available in different installation arrangements, including fixed and withdrawable versions where supported by the selected model. Terminal arrangements, pole configurations, operating mechanisms, auxiliary contacts, releases, communication modules, and other accessories depend on the complete ordering configuration.

Before installation or replacement, verify the frame size, rated current, rated voltage, breaking capacity, number of poles, mounting arrangement, terminal orientation, and accessory requirements. A breaker that shares the same general series or frame designation is not automatically interchangeable with another unit.

Electrical installation, adjustment, and commissioning must be performed by qualified personnel following the applicable ABB instructions and local electrical safety requirements. The circuit must be isolated and verified safe before work is carried out. Required clearances, connection torque values, interlocks, and commissioning checks should be taken from the documentation applicable to the exact device.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Maintenance requirements depend on the installed breaker, its operating environment, switching duty, and the conditions specified by ABB. Inspection may include checking the mechanical operating mechanism, electrical connections, auxiliary circuits, trip unit indications, and the condition of the switchgear assembly.

If a breaker trips unexpectedly, the cause should be investigated before the circuit is re-energized. Relevant checks may include trip indications, recorded fault information where available, protection settings, load conditions, and the condition of connected equipment. Repeatedly resetting a breaker without identifying the underlying fault can expose the installation to additional risk.

Replacement of electronic trip units or accessories requires confirmation of compatibility and compliance with the applicable installation procedure. Any internal inspection, testing, or repair should follow the specific manufacturer instructions and be carried out by personnel with the appropriate qualifications.

How to Identify the Correct ABB SACE Emax 2 Model

The name SACE Emax 2 identifies a product family, not one universal part number. For technical selection or replacement, record the full model designation and available nameplate information. Important details include the frame size, rated current, rated voltage, breaking capacity, pole count, fixed or withdrawable execution, trip unit type, and relevant accessory codes.

Also confirm whether the existing breaker belongs to the IEC or UL product range. Standards, ratings, switchgear requirements, and accessory compatibility must be checked against the applicable version. Where an existing unit is being replaced, compare the complete configuration with the installed equipment and the switchgear manufacturer’s requirements.

Technical Information Summary

• Manufacturer: ABB
• Product family: SACE Emax 2
• Product type: Low voltage air circuit breaker
• IEC frame sizes: E1.2, E2.2, E4.2, and E6.2
• General IEC current range: 400 A to 6300 A, depending on configuration
• Protection platform: Compatible Ekip electronic trip units, depending on model
• Functional options: Protection, measurement, monitoring, power management, and communication functions according to configuration
• Typical use: Low voltage power distribution and switchgear applications

The information above describes the product family. It should not be used as a substitute for the technical data of a specific breaker. Confirm all electrical ratings, dimensions, accessories, and installation requirements against the complete model designation and applicable ABB documentation.

Conclusion

The ABB SACE Emax 2 is a configurable low voltage air circuit breaker platform that combines electrical protection with optional measurement, monitoring, communication, and power management capabilities. Its range of frame sizes supports applications with different current and system requirements.

For accurate product identification, engineering selection, and replacement planning, the complete breaker designation and nameplate data are essential. Matching the electrical ratings, trip unit, installation arrangement, and accessories helps ensure that the selected device is appropriate for the intended distribution system.