FAL32040 - 40 Amp Circuit Breaker

FAL32040 - 40 Amp Circuit Breaker

When it comes to protecting three-phase electrical systems in commercial or light-industrial settings, you want a performer you can count on. The FAL32040 from Schneider Electric (Square D F-frame) delivers dependable overload and short-circuit protection for a 40-amp, 240-volt (AC) circuit with three poles. Featuring a thermal-magnetic trip unit, this breaker senses sustained overloads and instantaneous fault currents to safeguard your equipment and maintain uptime. With a compact footprint (approximately 6.4″ × 4.5″ × 4.13″) and lug-type line/load terminations, the FAL32040 is engineered for ease of installation and stable long-term performance. Whether you’re upgrading a panel, replacing a failed unit, or specifying for new construction, this circuit breaker gives you reliable protection that meets UL and CSA standards, and is HACR-rated for HVAC and refrigeration applications.

Key Features and Benefits

• Thermal-Magnetic Trip Unit: Integrates overload sensing via a thermal element and fault interruption via a magnetic component, so both slow-burn faults and sudden spikes are managed effectively.
• 3-Pole, 40 A, 240 V Ratings: Precisely engineered for three-phase, 40-amp circuits at 240 VAC, making it ideal for many industrial and commercial loads.
• High Interrupting Capacity: Rated at 10 kA at 240 VAC, giving you broad protection margin for fault events.
• HACR-Rated: Meets Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HACR) requirements, meaning you can use it in HVAC units without jumping through hoops.
• Compact & Easy to Mount: Unit-mount configuration with lugged line and load terminals simplifies installation in standard enclosures.
• Manufacturer Environmental Efforts: While the part may show as discontinued in some catalogs, Schneider Electric’s “Use Better, Use Longer, Use Again” campaign underscores their sustainability commitment and eco-design orientation.

Technical Specifications

• Voltage Rating: 240 VAC (also supports 250 V DC in some listings)
• Current Rating: 40 A
• Number of Poles: 3 Pole (three-phase)
• Interrupting Capacity:
  • 10 kA at 240 VAC
  • 5 kA at 250 V DC
• Mounting Mode: Unit mount
• Terminals: Lugs for both line and load
• Approximate Dimensions:
  • Height 6.4 in (162.6 mm)
  • Width 4.5 in (114.3 mm)
  • Depth 4.13 in (104.9 mm)

Material Compliance and Certifications

• Certifications: This circuit breaker is UL Listed and CSA certified, confirming it meets recognized North American safety and performance standards.
• Compliance: It is designed to comply with hazard-mitigation regulatory requirements and is suitable for use in HACR applications. The manufacturer provides environmental disclosures and life-cycle assessments in line with sustainable product practices.

Where It Works Best

• The FAL32040 is especially well-suited for environments where reliable protection of three-phase circuits is critical — think commercial buildings, industrial facilities, HVAC systems, refrigeration units and other medium-duty power distribution systems. Because of its HACR rating and 3-pole configuration, you can confidently install it in heating, air-conditioning or refrigeration panels, or in main feed applications supporting motor loads or branch circuits. If you are retrofitting an older panel or building a new control enclosure and need a dependable 40-amp, three-phase protective device, this breaker fits the bill.