Designed for high-capacity systems, the Eaton MDL3500 is a 3-pole, 500A MCCB. It belongs to the Series C M-Frame family, offering dependable long-time and instantaneous (LI) protection. This unit-mount breaker integrates into Eaton Series C panelboards and motor control centers. It comes equipped with standard lugs that accept dual 1 AWG to 500 kcmil conductors. Featuring a 65 kAIC interrupt rating at 240V, it ensures safety during severe fault conditions. The breaker is HACR rated.
HACR Rated, UL 489, CSA C22.2 No. 5, IEC 60947-2, NEMA AB-1
Approval
CE, CSA, UL
Temp Rating
40C
Construction Features
HACR Rated, Interchangeable Trip Unit
Product FAQs
8 answers
What equipment is compatible with the MDL3500?
This M-Frame breaker is designed for unit mounting in Eaton Series C panelboards, switchboards, and motor control centers. It is also compatible with many legacy Cutler-Hammer and Westinghouse enclosures that accept M-Frame breakers.
Can the MDL3500 be used in DC power systems?
Yes, this thermal-magnetic breaker is rated for DC applications up to 250VDC, providing an interrupting capacity of 22kAIC. While electronic trip variants of the M-Frame are not suitable for DC circuits, this thermal-magnetic model is fully compatible.
Does the MDL3500 require a separate rating plug?
No, this breaker features a fixed thermal and fixed magnetic trip unit. The 500A rating is factory set and does not require an interchangeable rating plug, unlike Series C breakers equipped with Digitrip electronic trip units.
Can this breaker replace older Westinghouse M-Frame models?
Yes, Eaton manufactures the Series C line as a direct replacement for legacy Cutler-Hammer and Westinghouse M-Frame circuit breakers, maintaining the same physical dimensions and mounting footprint.
What is the difference between the MDL3500 and the HMDL3500?
The MDL3500 is the standard interrupting capacity model, rated at 65kAIC at 240VAC and 50kAIC at 480VAC. The HMDL3500 is the high interrupting capacity version, designed for systems requiring up to 100kAIC at 240VAC or 65kAIC at 480VAC.
Is the MDL3500 suitable for reverse feed applications?
Yes, standard thermal-magnetic Series C M-Frame breakers without electronic trip units can typically be reverse fed. Always verify specific enclosure labeling and local electrical codes before installing in a reverse feed configuration.
How is the MDL3500 mounted in a panel?
This is a unit-mount breaker, meaning it bolts directly to the chassis or mounting pan of compatible switchboards and motor control centers. It uses a feed-thru connection and is not designed for plug-on or draw-out installations.
How should flexible or multi-stranded wire be terminated on this breaker?
The standard lugs accept two 1 AWG to 500 kcmil aluminum or copper conductors per phase. When using multi-stranded or flexible wire, Eaton recommends installing a ferrule on the end of the cable before torquing the lug to ensure a secure connection and reduce fatigue over time.
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