GE - TEC36030 – 30A 3-Pole 600V Magnetic-Only Feed-Thru Circuit Breaker
GE - TEC36030 – 30A 3-Pole 600V Magnetic-Only Feed-Thru Circuit Breaker
Product images are representative only. Actual product may vary.
The GE TEC36030 is a 3-pole, 30-amp magnetic-only (instantaneous trip) molded case circuit breaker rated for 600VAC with an interrupting capacity of 18kA. Designed for Feed-Thru mounting, this motor circuit protector-style breaker delivers instantaneous-only protection — making it the correct choice for motor branch circuits where overload protection is provided separately by a motor starter or overload relay.
Key Specifications
| Part Number | TEC36030 |
| Brand | GE / General Electric |
| Amperage | 30A |
| Poles | 3-Pole |
| Voltage Rating | 600VAC |
| Interrupting Capacity | 18kA @ 600V |
| Trip Type | Magnetic Only (Instantaneous Trip) |
| Mounting Type | Feed-Thru |
| Series / Frame | TEC Series |
| Standard | UL 489, CSA C22.2 |
Features & Benefits
- Magnetic-only (instantaneous) trip — trips only on high-magnitude fault currents, not on motor inrush — eliminating nuisance tripping on motor starts
- 18kA interrupting capacity — suitable for 600V industrial motor circuits
- Feed-Thru mounting — compatible with GE TEC-frame panelboards and switchboards
- UL 489 listed and CSA C22.2 certified for North American motor circuit applications
- Replaces TEC-frame instantaneous trip breakers in existing equipment
The GE TEC Series magnetic-only breaker is specifically engineered for motor branch circuit protection per NEC Article 430. Unlike thermal magnetic breakers, the TEC36030 will not trip during normal motor starting inrush currents, which can reach 6–8× full load amps. Overload protection must be provided by a separate overload relay or motor starter — making this ideal for across-the-line and reduced-voltage motor starter installations.
Typical Applications
- Motor branch circuit protection at 600V per NEC Article 430
- Industrial motor control centers (MCCs) and motor starters
- HVAC equipment, compressors, and pump motor feeds
- Replacement for GE TEC-frame instantaneous trip breakers
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why use a magnetic-only breaker like the TEC36030 instead of a thermal magnetic breaker?
A: For motor circuits, NEC Article 430 allows magnetic-only (instantaneous) breakers when overload protection is provided by a motor overload relay. This prevents nuisance tripping during motor inrush currents, which thermal magnetic breakers may incorrectly interpret as overloads.
Q: What is the interrupting capacity of the TEC36030?
A: The TEC36030 has an interrupting capacity of 18kA at 600V, suitable for most industrial motor branch circuits.
Q: Is the TEC36030 UL listed for motor circuit applications?
A: Yes, it is UL 489 listed and CSA C22.2 certified for use in North American motor branch circuits.