Product Overview

The Schneider Electric MTE06N Circuit Breaker is listed as an industrial electrical protection component intended for use in power distribution and electrical control systems. Circuit breakers are essential components in industrial facilities because they help protect electrical circuits and connected equipment from excessive current caused by overloads or short circuits.

In industrial power distribution systems, circuit breakers provide a means of interrupting current when operating conditions exceed defined protection limits. Correctly selected protection devices help limit equipment damage, support safe maintenance procedures, and improve the reliability of electrical installations.

The MTE06N designation should be verified against the manufacturer’s complete catalog number and product nameplate before procurement. The supplied dimensions and weight—301 × 346 × 196 mm and 18 kg—are consistent with the physical size of certain Schneider Electric Masterpact NT06 circuit-breaker configurations. However, these dimensions alone do not establish the exact electrical ratings, pole configuration, trip-unit type, or accessory arrangement of the listed MTE06N.

For industrial buyers, maintenance engineers, and electrical panel builders, accurate model identification is especially important when replacing an installed breaker. Devices that share similar frame dimensions may differ in rated current, short-circuit breaking capacity, protection functions, mounting arrangement, and control accessories.

When evaluating this product, confirm its complete ordering code, rated voltage, rated current, number of poles, trip-unit configuration, and installation requirements. These details determine whether the breaker is suitable for the intended electrical system.

Technical Specifications

Important: The table distinguishes supplied listing information from specifications that require confirmation. Do not assume that every MTE06N listing has the same configuration as a Masterpact NT06 circuit-breaker frame.

Function and Working Principle

A circuit breaker is designed to interrupt an electrical circuit when a fault or abnormal current condition is detected. Its protective function helps prevent excessive current from continuing to flow through conductors and connected equipment.

The precise operating mechanism and protection functions depend on the breaker design and installed trip unit.

1. Overload Protection

An overload occurs when a circuit carries more current than intended for an extended period. This may result from excessive equipment demand, an incorrectly sized load, or an abnormal operating condition.

A suitably configured circuit breaker can detect overload conditions and disconnect the affected circuit according to its protection characteristics. Correct settings and coordination are important to avoid unnecessary trips while maintaining adequate protection.

2. Short-Circuit Protection

A short circuit can produce a very high current over a short period. If the current is not interrupted, it can cause severe thermal and mechanical stress on electrical equipment.

Circuit breakers are selected according to their rated short-circuit breaking capacity and the prospective fault current at the installation point. The breaker must be capable of safely interrupting the fault current under the applicable system conditions.

3. Circuit Isolation

Circuit breakers can provide a means of disconnecting electrical equipment for maintenance, depending on the product’s design and applicable standards.

However, switching a breaker to the open position should not be treated as a substitute for a complete safe-isolation procedure. Maintenance personnel must follow the applicable lockout procedures and verify that the circuit is de-energized before working on it.

4. Protection Coordination

In a large electrical installation, multiple protective devices may be installed at different distribution levels. Their settings and characteristics should be coordinated so that a fault is isolated as close as practical to the affected circuit.

Proper coordination can help limit unnecessary interruptions to other parts of the facility. The selected trip unit, current settings, fault levels, and upstream and downstream devices must all be considered during system design.

5. Fault Interruption and System Reliability

A circuit breaker contributes to electrical system reliability by interrupting current when its protection mechanism identifies a qualifying fault.

It cannot prevent every type of electrical failure, and it does not replace other protective measures such as grounding, insulation coordination, arc-flash risk controls, and appropriate equipment maintenance.

Role in Industrial Power Distribution Systems

Circuit breakers are used at multiple levels of industrial electrical networks. Depending on its verified rating and configuration, the MTE06N may be considered for an appropriate distribution application.

Main and Sub-Distribution Panels

Industrial facilities often use main switchboards and downstream distribution panels to supply production equipment, motor-control centers, and auxiliary systems.

A correctly rated breaker can protect a distribution circuit and allow the affected section to be disconnected when required. Its suitability depends on the circuit’s load, fault-current level, operating voltage, and protection requirements.

Motor-Control Systems

Motors and their associated equipment may require coordinated protection against overloads and short circuits. A circuit breaker can form part of the overall protection arrangement, but it should not automatically be treated as a complete substitute for dedicated motor-overload protection.

The protection design must account for motor starting current, operating duty, conductor ratings, and the characteristics of any downstream contactors or drives.

Industrial Automation Equipment

Automation facilities contain PLC cabinets, control panels, drives, power supplies, and field equipment. Circuit breakers may protect the incoming supply or individual distribution branches serving these systems.

The appropriate breaker depends on the electrical supply and the fault protection requirements of the connected circuit. Sensitive electronic equipment may also require additional protection measures.

Electrical Maintenance and Equipment Replacement

In existing facilities, a replacement breaker must match the installed equipment’s electrical and mechanical requirements. Differences in frame size, pole arrangement, connection terminals, trip-unit type, or accessory configuration may prevent direct substitution.

Confirming the complete model number before procurement can reduce installation delays and avoid compatibility problems.

Industrial Applications

The following applications describe common industrial uses of appropriately rated circuit breakers. They are not confirmation that every configuration identified as MTE06N is suitable for each application.

1. Industrial Power Distribution

Manufacturing plants rely on distribution equipment to supply production lines, machinery, lighting, ventilation, and auxiliary systems.

Circuit breakers protect individual circuits and help operators isolate electrical sections when maintenance or fault investigation is necessary. Selection must consider rated current, prospective short-circuit current, operating voltage, and applicable electrical standards.

2. Manufacturing Facilities

Manufacturing plants contain a variety of electrical loads, including motors, conveyors, heaters, pumps, and process machinery.

Protective devices help manage abnormal current conditions and support electrical safety. The breaker must be selected according to the characteristics of the protected circuit rather than the physical size of the equipment alone.

3. Motor-Control Centers

Motor-control centers distribute power to motor feeders and associated control equipment. Circuit breakers may be used as part of a coordinated protection arrangement for these feeders.

Engineers should evaluate motor starting characteristics, downstream overload protection, cable sizing, and fault-current requirements before selecting a breaker.

4. Process Industries

Chemical processing, water treatment, utilities, and other process facilities rely on stable electrical distribution to support continuous operations.

Circuit breakers help protect distribution circuits supplying pumps, compressors, instrumentation systems, and auxiliary equipment. Protection coordination is particularly important where an unnecessary interruption could affect several connected process units.

5. Commercial and Infrastructure Electrical Systems

Large buildings and infrastructure facilities may use industrial circuit breakers in switchboards and distribution assemblies. Their function is to provide circuit protection and controlled disconnection within the designed electrical system.

The exact suitability of this product for a particular installation must be determined from its verified electrical ratings, certifications, and mounting requirements.

Installation and System Integration

Correct installation is essential for safe operation and reliable circuit protection.

1. Verify the Complete Catalog Number

Before installing or purchasing the MTE06N, compare the listed model with the physical nameplate and the manufacturer’s ordering documentation.

Confirm the full catalog number, frame designation, pole count, rated current, voltage rating, trip-unit type, and any installed accessories. If the product is intended to replace a Masterpact NT06 device, verify the precise NT06 variant rather than relying on frame dimensions alone.

2. Confirm Electrical Ratings

The breaker must be suitable for the installation’s operating voltage, load current, and prospective fault current.

Check the rated ultimate short-circuit breaking capacity and any applicable service breaking capacity requirements. The selected device must meet the relevant system design criteria and applicable electrical codes.

3. Check Mounting and Connection Dimensions

The supplied dimensions are 301 × 346 × 196 mm. Before designing or modifying a switchboard, verify the actual product drawing and mounting arrangement.

Confirm connection orientation, terminal spacing, cable or busbar requirements, required working clearances, and any support or mounting hardware. Similar external dimensions do not guarantee mechanical interchangeability.

4. Verify Trip-Unit Settings

Where an adjustable trip unit is installed, protection settings must be configured according to the circuit design and coordination study.

Settings should reflect conductor ampacity, equipment requirements, fault-current conditions, and the characteristics of downstream protective devices. Incorrect settings can compromise protection or cause unnecessary trips.

Only qualified personnel should make changes to protection settings, following the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable safety procedures.

5. Inspect Auxiliary Accessories

Depending on the breaker configuration, an installation may use auxiliary contacts, shunt-trip devices, undervoltage releases, or remote operating accessories.

These components are not necessarily included with every breaker. Verify the installed accessories and their control-voltage requirements before connecting them to a PLC, alarm system, or supervisory control system.

6. Commission the Installation

Before energizing the equipment, qualified personnel should inspect the mounting arrangement, connections, protective grounding, and relevant control wiring.

Testing should follow the manufacturer’s procedures and the applicable commissioning requirements. Record the installed configuration and protection settings so that future maintenance can be performed against an accurate baseline.

Compatible System Components

The MTE06N should be integrated only with components that are compatible with its verified electrical and mechanical configuration.

The components listed above are examples of items that may be used in a complete electrical installation. They should not be assumed to be supplied with the breaker.

Alternative Models and Replacement Considerations

If the MTE06N is unavailable or its exact configuration cannot be confirmed, a replacement should be selected according to the original installation’s electrical and mechanical requirements.

Before replacing the device, review the following:

• Complete catalog number and manufacturer nameplate.
• Rated operational voltage and rated current.
• Number of poles and connection arrangement.
• Rated short-circuit breaking capacity.
• Trip-unit type and protection settings.
• Fixed or drawout mounting arrangement.
• Auxiliary contacts and remote-trip accessories.
• Switchboard compatibility and required clearances.
• Upstream and downstream protection coordination.
• Applicable certification and installation standards.

A replacement should not be approved solely because it has similar dimensions or a similar product-family designation. The complete electrical protection function must be maintained.

Key Advantages of Industrial Circuit Breakers

Overload and Short-Circuit Protection

A correctly selected circuit breaker can interrupt current under specified overload and fault conditions, helping protect conductors and connected equipment.

Controlled Circuit Disconnection

Circuit breakers provide a practical means of switching and isolating electrical circuits when the product is designed for that purpose and the required safety procedures are followed.

Integration with Distribution Systems

Suitable breakers can be incorporated into industrial switchboards, power distribution panels, and coordinated electrical protection systems.

Configurable Protection

Where supported by the installed trip unit, protection settings can be selected to match the characteristics of the protected circuit and the system coordination requirements.

Maintenance and Monitoring Support

Compatible auxiliary contacts and accessories may provide breaker-status signals for monitoring systems, control panels, and maintenance procedures.

Support for Electrical System Reliability

Correctly specified and maintained protective devices help limit the impact of electrical faults. Overall system reliability still depends on proper design, installation, testing, and coordination.

Technical FAQs

1. What is the Schneider Electric MTE06N?

It is the model designation supplied for this industrial circuit-breaker listing. Its exact manufacturer configuration should be confirmed against the complete catalog number and product nameplate before purchase.

2. What are the dimensions of the MTE06N?

The supplied listing dimensions are 301 × 346 × 196 mm. Verify the actual manufacturer’s drawing before using these measurements for switchboard design or replacement planning.

3. What is the weight of this circuit breaker?

The supplied listing weight is 18 kg. Confirm whether this represents the device itself or a packaged shipment before using it for freight calculations.

4. Is the MTE06N part of the Masterpact NT06 family?

The supplied dimensions match those published for certain Masterpact NT06 configurations. However, dimensions alone are not enough to establish the exact product identity. Check the complete catalog number and nameplate.

5. What is the rated current of the MTE06N?

The rated current cannot be confirmed reliably from the supplied designation alone. Verify the breaker nameplate and manufacturer’s documentation before selecting it for a circuit.

6. Does it provide overload and short-circuit protection?

Circuit breakers are designed to provide protection against specified abnormal current conditions, but the exact protection functions depend on the installed breaker and trip-unit configuration. Confirm the product documentation before assigning protection settings.

7. Can this breaker be installed in an existing switchboard?

Potentially, but compatibility must be established first. Check the mounting arrangement, pole configuration, connection dimensions, busbar system, electrical ratings, and any required accessories.

8. Can it replace another Schneider Electric breaker of similar size?

Not automatically. Similar dimensions do not establish equivalent ratings or protection performance. Compare the full catalog numbers and all electrical and mechanical requirements.

9. What should be checked when buying a used unit?

Inspect the nameplate, housing, terminals, operating mechanism, and available test records. Verify the exact configuration, service history where available, and supplier warranty or return conditions. Critical electrical equipment should be evaluated and tested by qualified personnel before being returned to service.

10. Why is complete model verification important?

Industrial breakers with similar external dimensions may have different rated currents, short-circuit capacities, trip units, pole counts, and accessory arrangements. Accurate identification helps prevent unsuitable replacements and supports the integrity of the electrical protection system.

Procurement and Maintenance Recommendations

When sourcing the Schneider Electric MTE06N Circuit Breaker, begin by confirming the exact manufacturer designation and complete catalog number. The physical dimensions and weight are useful for logistics and panel planning, but they cannot establish electrical compatibility on their own.

For procurement, request a clear photograph of the nameplate, the complete product code, the rated current and voltage, the pole configuration, and the trip-unit details. If the item is being offered as a Masterpact NT06 device, confirm whether it is a complete configured breaker or a basic frame without a trip unit.

For used or refurbished equipment, request information about condition, inspection, testing, and any warranty provided by the supplier. Confirm whether auxiliary contacts, trip accessories, and other required components are included.

During maintenance, qualified personnel should inspect the breaker and its associated switchboard according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the facility’s maintenance program. Relevant checks may include connection condition, signs of overheating, mechanical operation, accessory operation, and the integrity of the protection settings.

Any testing, adjustment, or servicing must follow the applicable safety procedures and electrical standards. Do not return a breaker to service if its identity, ratings, condition, or protection configuration cannot be established.

Conclusion

The Schneider Electric MTE06N Circuit Breaker is listed for industrial electrical protection applications, with supplied dimensions of 301 × 346 × 196 mm and a weight of 18 kg. These physical specifications are consistent with certain Masterpact NT06 circuit-breaker configurations, but the exact identity and electrical characteristics of the MTE06N listing require confirmation.

For safe procurement and reliable operation, verify the complete catalog number, rated voltage and current, pole arrangement, breaking capacity, trip-unit configuration, and mounting compatibility. Accurate identification is essential when sourcing industrial circuit breakers for power distribution, equipment maintenance, and replacement projects.