Remote Controllable Circuit Breaker

What is a remotely controlled circuit breaker?

In professional installations, a remote controllable circuit breaker designates not a single technology, but a function: the ability to operate the opening of a circuit breaker without being physically in front of the panel. This function is now common in environments where supervision is necessary: ​​isolated sites, telecoms, server rooms, buildings equipped with a BMS, dispersed technical stations.

Controllable means two things:

• Open the circuit breaker remotely, via a PLC, a command, a signal,
• Receive its status (depending on the installation), by auxiliary contact or supervision.

It is not a “smart circuit breaker”, nor a network analyzer: the control does not modify its protection function or its electrical behavior. A controllable circuit breaker remains first and foremost a classic magnetothermal circuit breaker, to which we add the ability to be operated remotely.

Integrated vs modular: Which is the best remotely controllable circuit breaker?

Manufacturers on the market approach steering in two very different ways. Understanding this distinction allows you to make the best choice for your site, based on the real needs and constraints of the installation.

The “all-in-one” controllable circuit breaker (integrated motorization)

This is the approach adopted by several large international manufacturers and what is generally meant by remote controllable circuit breakers. The control is integrated into the circuit breaker itself: internal motor, integrated status feedback system, dedicated connectors.

This approach is justified in high-end architectures, in intensive automation, or in heavy industrial environments. THE remote controllable circuit breakers “all-in-one” type have advantages, but they are small compared to their cost, and they do not provide anything essential compared to a quality modular solution:

• More reliable? No: The integrated motorization is not more durable than a well-designed coil.
• Faster? No: The control time comes from the motor and electronics, not from the fact that it is integrated.
• More secure? No: Safety depends on the rating, the breaking capacity, the thermal/magnetic mechanism.
• Better communication? No: Communication depends on the BMS, not the circuit breaker itself.

The Teconex modular approach: standard circuit breaker + control module

At Teconex, control is done via ASA (remote triggering) or USA (undervoltage) modules. They are mounted directly on the L9, FL9, MS9 or LH circuit breakers, which makes any of these circuit breakers controllable remotely.

Advantages of this architecture:

• Significantly reduced cost.
• Standardized and interchangeable parts.
• Very simple maintenance: we replace the module, not the circuit breaker.
• Wide compatibility with several Teco families.
• Reduced stock for the installer.
• Suitable for renovation: the module is added without replacing the existing one.
• Easy integration into BMS via dry contacts or impulse commands.

This approach has become the most rational in the tertiary sector, IT, telecom, multi-sites, technical infrastructures, and all environments where we want reliable management without exploding costs.

Why has modularity become the natural choice for installers?

In professional panels, installers want three things: simplicity, availability, maintainability. The modular approach to obtaining a remote controllable circuit breaker exactly meets these needs, without constraints and without unnecessary additional cost.

Simplicity: the same circuit breaker, a function added if necessary

The base remains a standard circuit breaker (L9, FL9, MS9, LH). Control comes from a single module:

• ASA: remote triggering (current emission),
• USA: automatic triggering if voltage drops.

No new range to learn, no exotic variants to stock. A single circuit breaker — two control options.

ASA and USA modules meet EN 60947-5-1 requirements for control and isolation devices, ensuring their use in demanding technical environments.

Availability: a site can evolve, the equipment remains compatible

The tables are always evolving. A GTB may arrive later.

With modularity:

• An ASA/USA module is added to a circuit breaker already in place. Point.
• On an integrated motorized model, impossible: if the reference disappears, everything must be changed.

Maintenance: we replace the coil, not the circuit breaker

In the event of a pilot failure, the circuit breaker remains intact.

• Remove the module,
• Place a new one,
• Here we go again.

Without long interruptions, without rewiring. In server rooms, telecoms, laboratories... this flexibility changes everything.

Adaptability: pilotability becomes an option, not an obligation

Teco circuit breakers only become remotely controllable if the site needs it.

• No imposed integrated motor,
• No unnecessary onboard electronics,
• No additional cost on circuits that do not require ordering.

Each departure can be handled on a case-by-case basis, which avoids paying for an inactive function in 90% of circuits.

When a remotely controllable circuit breaker is really useful… and when it is not

One of the biggest confusions in the market concerns the relevance of steering. Some underuse it; others expect it as a “miracle solution”. The truth is much simpler: a remotely controlled circuit breaker is very useful in certain cases, and perfectly dispensable in others.

Case where the remotely controllable circuit breaker is an added value

Case where a standard circuit breaker is sufficient

Piloting is not an additional protection function: it is a management function. If this tool is not used, it is not necessary.

The two modules that make this possible

ASA — Current Sending Coil (Remote Trigger)

When the ASA circuit receives a voltage, it opens the circuit breaker made remotely controllable instantly. It is the simplest solution for controlling a start from a PLC, a relay, technical equipment, supervision, or a BMS.

Teco references:

• ZP9ASA230 (110–415 V AC or 110–220 V DC)
• ZP9ASA24 (12–110 V AC or 12–60 V DC)

USA — Undervoltage release

The USA automatically opens the remote controllable circuit breaker when the voltage drops below a threshold. Typically used for safety logic, machines that must stop if the voltage becomes unstable, or technical or industrial installations.

Teco references:

• Z7USA230
• Z7USA400

Range of compatible circuit breakers

The ASA and USA modules are compatible with:

• L9 (domestic/tertiary modular circuit breakers)
• FL9 (professional modular circuit breakers)
• MS9 (motor circuit breakers)
• LH (industrial box circuit breakers)

In other words: a single control logic, four families of circuit breakers. This is precisely what makes the solution understandable and sustainable.

Use case: when and how to make a circuit breaker remotely controllable?

This section translates typical situations into material choices:

Why choose Teconex for your remotely controllable circuit breakers?

Teconex is a manufacturer that masters its product chain and offers a coherent vision of modular architectures. This positioning brings several concrete advantages:

• A readable and controlled offer: The controllable function is based on only two modules (ASA / USA) covering all needs, instead of a multitude of motorized circuit breakers.
• Wide compatibility: The same modules drive L9, FL9, MS9, LH — one of the most homogeneous ecosystems on the market.
• An architecture that does not age: A Teco panel can evolve: added GTB, multiplied sites, new requirements. No need to replace everything.
• Clear technical documentation: Each module, each circuit breaker and each accessory has a complete technical sheet, immediately usable by the design offices.
• Expert local support: Teco teams know Belgian practices, DSO constraints, common three-phase architectures, demanding technical environments.

At Teconex, the “remote controllable circuit breaker” function is obtained by adding an ASA or USA module to a standard circuit breaker. This approach is simpler, more durable, more economical and much better suited to Belgian installations than the “integrated motorized circuit breaker” alternative.

Need more advice? Check out our other articles:

• Find out everything about differential circuit breakers
• Single-phase differential circuit breaker
• Two-pole differential circuit breaker
• 16A circuit breaker
• AC type differential