IEEE Std C37.13-2024 PDF

Full title and description

IEEE C37.13-2024 — IEEE Standard for Low‑Voltage AC (1058 V and Below) Power Circuit Breakers Used in Enclosures. The standard specifies ratings, service conditions, functional components, insulating material classifications and temperature limits, insulation (dielectric) withstand voltage requirements, test procedures, application guidance, and preferred ratings for enclosed low‑voltage AC power circuit breakers (stationary or drawout, two‑, three‑ or four‑pole; fused or unfused; manually or power operated; with electromechanical or electronic trip devices).

Abstract

This 2024 revision of IEEE Std C37.13 updates and consolidates requirements and tests for enclosed low‑voltage AC power circuit breakers used on systems up to the specified maximum voltages (including nominal systems of 1000 V, 690 V, 600 V, 480 V, and 240 V). It defines construction types, ratings and preferred ratings, dielectric and mechanical tests, temperature and environmental limits, and application guidance needed for specifying and verifying performance of low‑voltage power circuit breakers in enclosures.

General information

• Status: Active standard (supersedes IEEE C37.13-2015).
• Publication date: Published 20 December 2024 (Board approval 12 November 2024; ANSI approval recorded 5 September 2025).
• Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
• ICS / categories: 29.130.20 — Low‑voltage switchgear and controlgear (switchgear and controlgear).
• Edition / version: 2024 edition (revision of the 2015 edition).
• Number of pages: 91 pages (publication PDFs and reseller listings report 91 pages).

Scope

The standard applies to enclosed low‑voltage AC power circuit breakers of stationary or drawout construction in two‑, three‑, or four‑pole arrangements intended for use on systems with the specified maximum and nominal voltages (examples include 1058 V, 730 V, 635 V (600 V where fuses are used), 508 V, and 254 V maximum ratings, corresponding to nominal systems such as 1000 V, 690 V, 600 V, 480 V, and 240 V). It covers fused and unfused breakers, manually and power‑operated units, trip systems (electromechanical and electronic), service conditions, ratings, insulation classifications, dielectric and mechanical test methods, temperature limitations, and preferred ratings for procurement and design.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions of covered breaker types (stationary and drawout; two‑, three‑, four‑pole) and their intended system voltages and applications.
• Rated maximum and nominal voltages and preferred rating tables for procurement and specification.
• Service conditions, ambient and temperature limits, and insulating‑material classifications.
• Dielectric (insulation) withstand voltage requirements and associated test procedures.
• Electrical performance tests: short‑time current and interrupting capability, making/breaking tests, and coordination considerations for fused and unfused designs.
• Mechanical tests: endurance/operation cycles, mechanical integrity, and mounting/drawout function tests.
• Trip device and protection functions (electromechanical and electronic trip systems), including requirements that affect performance and testing.
• Application guidance and recommended (preferred) ratings to aid purchaser/manufacturer alignment and interchangeability.

Typical use and users

Primary users are manufacturers, testing laboratories, procurement/specification engineers, electrical designers, utility and industrial power system engineers, and standards/quality personnel who specify, test, manufacture, install, or maintain low‑voltage power circuit breakers in enclosures. The standard is used for product specification, type testing, procurement contracts, factory acceptance testing, and ensuring consistent safety and performance across installations.

Related standards

Related IEEE and industry documents include earlier editions and amendments of C37.13 (2015, 2008, 1990) and associated C37 series standards (for example, standards addressing DC power circuit breakers, trip systems, and switchgear requirements). Guidance and application documents such as IEEE recommended practices for circuit breaker application and selection reference and complement this standard. Users commonly consult adjacent product and test standards (IEC/IEEE and regional equivalents) when integrating breakers into assemblies or when harmonizing procurement across regions.

Keywords

low‑voltage circuit breaker, power circuit breaker, drawout breaker, stationary breaker, fused breaker, unfused breaker, dielectric test, interrupting rating, preferred ratings, switchgear, C37.13, IEEE.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEEE C37.13-2024 is the IEEE standard that defines requirements, test procedures, ratings, and application guidance for low‑voltage AC power circuit breakers used in enclosures (up to the specified maximum voltages).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers enclosed stationary and drawout low‑voltage AC power circuit breakers (two‑, three‑, and four‑pole), including fused and unfused designs, manual and power operation, trip systems, insulation and dielectric requirements, electrical and mechanical tests, temperature limits, and preferred ratings for system voltages up to the listed maxima.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, test labs, procurement/specification engineers, utilities, industrial electrical engineers, and installation/maintenance teams—any party responsible for specifying, procuring, testing, or deploying low‑voltage power circuit breakers in enclosures.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: C37.13-2024 is the current active revision (it supersedes IEEE C37.13-2015). The standard was board‑approved in November 2024 and published December 20, 2024.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. C37.13 is part of the IEEE C37 family of switchgear and circuit‑breaker standards; related documents address DC breakers, trip systems, switchgear assemblies and test procedures that are commonly referenced together when specifying and testing switchgear and breakers.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Low‑voltage circuit breaker, power circuit breaker, drawout, stationary, fused/unfused, interrupting rating, dielectric test, preferred ratings, switchgear, IEEE C37.13.