Choosing the right Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) goes beyond picking something within your budget. It directly affects the long-term safety and reliability of your electrical installation. Schneider Electric offers four main MCCB series: the Compact NSX, Compact NSXm, EasyPact CVS, and EasyPact EZC. Each one is built with a specific application in mind.
This article breaks down the key differences across all four series, covering everything from frame size and breaking capacity to certifications and accessories. By the end, you should have a clear picture of which product fits your project best.
1. Frame Size Differences
What Frame Sizes Are Available Across Each Series?
Frame size tells you the current range an MCCB can handle. The Compact NSX and EasyPact CVS both come in two frame sizes covering 16-250A and 400-630A, making them suitable for higher-power installations. The NSXm offers a single frame size from 16-160A and mounts directly onto a DIN rail, which works well in compact panels. The EZC covers three frame options: 100A, 250A, and 400-630A.
2. Customer Segment Differences
Who Is Each Series Designed For?
The NSX targets large buildings, heavy industries, infrastructure projects, and major energy applications including large-scale OEMs. The NSXm is geared toward mid-sized buildings and non-process OEMs that need a more compact setup. The CVS fits commercial buildings, light non-process industries, small OEMs, and retail environments. The EZC is aimed at diffuse retail segments and small OEMs with standard protection requirements.
3. Breaking Capacity (Icu) at 415V AC
How Much Fault Current Can Each Series Handle?
The Icu rating shows the maximum fault current a breaker can interrupt. The NSX leads the pack with a range from 36kA all the way up to 200kA, making it the go-to for high-risk, high-demand environments. The NSXm covers 16 to 70kA, well-suited for medium-scale applications. The CVS handles 25, 36, and 50kA for typical commercial use. The EZC starts at 7.5kA and goes up to 50kA, enough for light-duty and retail settings.
4. Breaking Capacity (Ics) at 415V AC
Do All Series Have the Same Service Breaking Capacity?
The NSX, NSXm, and CVS all deliver an Ics equal to 100% of their Icu rating. That means the breaker performs at full breaking capacity during normal service conditions without any reduction. The EZC, however, provides an Ics of 50% of its Icu value, which is still sufficient for systems that do not require continuous high-performance operation.
5. Operational Voltage Differences
What Voltage Can Each Series Operate At?
The NSX and NSXm both support operational voltages up to 690V AC, giving them a wide range of compatibility across different power distribution systems. The CVS and EZC operate at 220/415/440V AC, which covers the majority of commercial and light industrial electrical installations across most markets.
6. Trip Unit Options for 100-250A Range
What Trip Unit Choices Are Available in the 100-250A Range?
The NSX offers the widest selection of trip units: TMD, TMG, MA, Mic2/5/6, and AorE, all with adjustable settings. The NSXm uses a TMD trip unit that includes an integrated ELCB for earth leakage protection, which is a useful built-in safety feature. The CVS provides TMD and MA options, both adjustable. The EZC keeps it simple with a fixed-setting TMD, which is easy to operate but leaves little room for customization.
7. Trip Unit Options for 400-630A Range
How Do the Trip Units Compare in the Higher Current Range?
For the 400-630A range, the NSX uses Mic2/5/6A or type E trip units, all configurable to suit different load profiles. The NSXm does not cover this range since its frame size tops out at 160A. The CVS supports TMD, MA, and ETS2.3 trip units, all with adjustable settings. The EZC again relies on a fixed-setting TMD, which keeps operation straightforward without requiring manual adjustment.
8. Communication Option Differences
Which Series Supports Remote Monitoring?
In smart building and industrial automation contexts, connectivity is a real advantage. The NSX supports communication via IFM modules for Modbus and IFE modules for Ethernet, enabling real-time remote monitoring and control. The NSXm connects through Smart Link. Both the CVS and EZC do not offer communication options, making them a better fit for conventional installations where digital monitoring is not required.
9. Installation Version Differences
What Mounting Configurations Are Available?
The NSX offers three installation versions: fixed, plug-in, and withdrawable, giving engineers maximum flexibility when designing switchgear panels. The NSXm and CVS are only available in fixed versions. The EZC comes in fixed and plug-in configurations, though the plug-in version is limited to up to 250A. Knowing your required installation type upfront can simplify maintenance and component replacement later on.
10. Accessory Options
What Accessories Can Be Added to Each Series?
The NSX supports the broadest range of accessories including a rotary handle, motor mechanism, earth-leakage protection, and plug-in terminals. The NSXm can be fitted with a side-mounted rotary handle and EverLink terminals for a more secure connection. The CVS accommodates a rotary handle and earth-leakage protection. The EZC supports both a rotary handle and earth-leakage accessories in a more streamlined configuration.
11. Certification Differences
What Certifications Does Each Series Hold?
The NSX carries the most comprehensive certification portfolio: IEC, CE, CCC, UL508, Marine, local certifications, Total Discrimination, and Cascading. The NSXm holds IEC, CE, CCC, Total Discrimination, and Cascading certifications. The CVS is certified under IEC, CE, CCC, and other local standards. The EZC holds IEC, CE, CCC, UL508, and Marine certifications, though the UL508 and Marine approvals apply only up to 250A.
Each Schneider Electric MCCB series is engineered for a different job. The NSX is built for large-scale, high-demand projects where performance and flexibility are non-negotiable. The NSXm is a compact solution for mid-sized buildings and panel boards with limited space. The CVS covers commercial and light industrial installations reliably. The EZC is a practical, cost-effective option for retail and small OEM applications.
| Parameter | Compact NSX | Compact NSXm | EasyPact CVS | EasyPact EZC |
| Frame size | Two (16-250A and 400-630A) | One (16-160A) DIN rail mounted | Two (16-250A and 400-630A) | Three (100A, 250A and 400-630A) |
| Customer Segment | All Buildings, Industrial, Infrastructure, Energy/OEMs | Mid-size Buildings, OEMs, Industrial (non-process) | Commercial Buildings, Industrial Buildings (non-process), small OEMs, Retail | Diffuse Retail, small OEMs |
| Breaking capacity (Icu at 415V AC) | 36/50/70/100/150/200kA | 16/25/36/50/70kA | 25/36/50kA | 7.5kA to 50kA |
| Breaking capacity (Ics at 415V AC) | Ics = 100% x Icu | Ics = 100% x Icu | Ics = 100% x Icu | Ics = 50% x Icu |
| Operational voltage | Up to 690V AC | Up to 690V AC | 220/415/440V AC | 220/415/440V AC |
| Trip units 100-250A | TMD/TMG/MA/Mic2/5/6 AorE (all with adjustable settings) | TMD (with adjustable settings) ELCB (integral earth leakage) | TMD/MA (all with adjustable settings) | TMD (all with fixed settings) |
| Trip units 400-630A | Mic2/5/6A or E (all with adjustable settings) | Not applicable | TMD/MA/ETS2.3 (all with adjustable settings) | TMD (all with fixed settings) |
| Communication option | Yes (with IFM – Modbus or IFE – Ethernet module) | Yes (with Smart Link) | No | No |
| Versions | Fixed, Plug-in, Withdrawable | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed, Plug-in (up to 250A) |
| Accessory | Rotary handle/Motor Mechanism/earth-leakage/plug-in | Rotary handle (also side mounted), with EverLink terminals | Rotary handle/earth-leakage | Rotary handle/earth-leakage |
| Certification | IEC, CE, CCC, UL508, Marine, other local, Total Discrimination, Cascading | IEC, CE, CCC, Total Discrimination, Cascading | IEC, CE, CCC, other local | IEC, CE, CCC, UL508, Marine, Cascading |
Looking for genuine, warranty-backed Schneider Electric MCCBs? Head over to Listrik Kita to find the full range of NSX, NSXm, CVS, and EZC series. Their team can also help you match the right product to your specific project requirements.
