Schneider Electric LV516303 — 160A EasyPact CVS160B MCCB Guide

By Abdullah Zahid
15 min read
Schneider Electric LV516303 EasyPact CVS160B 160A 25 kA three-pole molded case circuit breaker for three-phase distribution switchboards

Schneider Electric LV516303 EasyPact CVS160B 160A 25 kA Circuit Breaker — Specifications, Selection Guide, and Where to Buy

If you have a part number in hand and need to confirm specs before committing to an order, here is what you need to know about the Schneider Electric LV516303. This is a three-pole, thermal-magnetic molded case circuit breaker rated 160A at 40°C, with a breaking capacity of 25 kA at 415 VAC and 40 kA at 220/240 VAC per IEC 60947-2. It belongs to the EasyPact CVS product family and carries the official descriptor EasyPact CVS - CVS160B TM160D circuit breaker - 3P/3d. The two decisions that matter before ordering are confirming your system voltage is 440 VAC nominal and validating that your three-phase fault level does not exceed 25 kA at that voltage.

If you have already confirmed this is the right part, check current pricing and availability for the LV516303 at LeadTime.ca — we ship worldwide.

Who Should Buy the LV516303 — and Who Should Not

The Schneider Electric LV516303 is the right choice for engineers and procurement specialists specifying a fixed thermal-magnetic circuit breaker for three-phase AC distribution in commercial or light industrial buildings. It is the right fit when all of the following apply:

  • Your system requires a 160A rated current at 40°C ambient temperature
  • Your operating voltage is 440 VAC 50/60 Hz (AC only — this device is not rated for DC)
  • Your three-phase fault level does not exceed 25 kA at 415 VAC (or 40 kA at 220/240 VAC)
  • Your application requires a three-pole (3P) configuration for three-phase circuits — this is not a single-phase or two-pole device
  • A fixed thermal-magnetic TM-D trip unit is acceptable — adjustable magnetic or electronic trip is not required
  • Your switchboard has mounting space for a 105 mm x 161 mm x 86 mm three-pole device and is Class II insulation-rated per IEC 60664-1

If your fault level exceeds 25 kA at 415 VAC, your system voltage is 480 VAC, or you need an electronic or adjustable-magnetic trip unit, this is not the right model. Look instead at higher-capacity variants within the EasyPact CVS range or the Masterpact family for higher breaking duty applications.

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What the LV516303 Actually Does in a Distribution System

The Schneider Electric LV516303 is a fixed molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) installed at the origin of distribution circuits in switchboards. Its job is to provide two distinct layers of protection simultaneously: thermal overload protection, which responds to sustained overcurrents that exceed the rated 160A threshold over time, and fixed magnetic short-circuit protection, which responds instantaneously to high-magnitude fault currents. Both protection functions are delivered by the integrated TM-D (thermal-magnetic) trip unit — no external relay or protection device is required for these basic functions.

The thermal trip side of the TM-D unit is adjustable, which allows the protection setpoint to be tuned to the actual load during commissioning. The magnetic trip side is fixed and non-adjustable in the field, which is entirely appropriate for general-purpose distribution applications where short-circuit current levels are known at the design stage. This fixed-plus-adjustable combination is the defining characteristic of the TM-D trip class and is why this model is positioned as a cost-optimized solution within the EasyPact CVS family.

The EasyPact CVS product family spans the 100A to 250A range, and the LV516303 represents the 160A fixed point in that range. The compact three-pole form factor — 105 mm x 161 mm x 86 mm and 2 kg — makes it practical for switchboard integration in space-constrained environments. IEC 60947-2 compliance ensures the device meets the international standard for molded case circuit breakers, and the dual CCC and EAC certifications extend its valid deployment geographies beyond a single region.

Typical System Architecture for the LV516303

The LV516303 sits between the upstream main distribution board and the downstream feeder or sub-distribution circuit it protects. In a typical three-phase switchboard, it acts as the primary overcurrent protection device at the point where a 160A branch or feeder circuit originates.

  • Utility supply or generator output feeds a main distribution board at 440 VAC three-phase 50/60 Hz
  • A main breaker or fused disconnect provides upstream protection and isolation for the switchboard
  • The LV516303 is installed as a feeder or sub-main circuit breaker on the three-phase busbar, protecting one outgoing 160A distribution circuit
  • Downstream cables rated for 160A continuous load (typically 50–70 mm² copper conductors) run from the LV516303 load terminals to the next distribution point or load group
  • Sub-distribution boards, motor control centers, or large load groups connect at the downstream end of the feeder protected by this breaker

Typical Applications and Deployment Scenarios

In commercial building distribution, the LV516303 is commonly specified as a feeder circuit breaker in main distribution boards for office buildings, retail premises, and light manufacturing facilities where 160A load centers are the standard distribution tier. It protects the feeder running from the main switchboard to a sub-distribution board on a floor or in a production zone.

In manufacturing facilities, it appears in motor control centers as feeder protection for sub-circuits at the 160A level, where the thermal-magnetic trip unit's overload protection is well matched to motor starting loads that are within the thermal trip adjustment range. The fixed magnetic trip provides the necessary instantaneous fault interruption without requiring programmable protection.

Backup generator distribution switchboards are another common deployment context, where the LV516303 provides primary overcurrent protection for generator output feeders in three-phase configurations. Its IEC 60947-2 compliance and dual-frequency 50/60 Hz rating make it suitable for use with both utility-synchronized and island-mode generators.

Modular industrial UPS systems with three-phase DC-to-AC converter outputs also use this type of breaker for output feeder protection, where the compact 105 mm x 161 mm x 86 mm footprint is a real advantage in densely populated switchboard enclosures.

Application Typical Deployment
Commercial building distribution Feeder circuit breaker in main distribution board for 160A sub-distribution circuits
Light industrial manufacturing Sub-circuit protection in motor control centers at 160A feeder level
Backup generator switchboard Primary overcurrent protection on three-phase generator output feeder
Industrial UPS output distribution Three-phase output feeder protection in modular UPS switchboard enclosures
Switchboard OEM integration Cost-optimized fixed MCCB position in modular panel designs for commercial buildings
MRO replacement in existing installations Direct replacement where 160A, 25 kA at 415 VAC, and 440 VAC ratings match the original specification

Key Specifications and Variant Comparison

Parameter Value Notes
Rated Current 160 A at 40°C Maximum continuous load current
Operational Voltage 440 VAC 50/60 Hz AC only — not rated for DC applications
Network Type Three-phase AC 3P 3d fixed configuration
Breaking Capacity (Icu) at 415 VAC 25 kA Per IEC 60947-2
Breaking Capacity (Icu) at 220/240 VAC 40 kA Higher capacity at lower voltage per IEC 60947-2
Trip Unit Type TM-D (Thermal-Magnetic) Adjustable thermal, fixed magnetic
Poles 3 (three-phase) Fixed configuration — not available in single-pole or 2-pole in this SKU
Dimensions (W x H x D) 105 mm x 161 mm x 86 mm Compact three-pole form factor
Shipping Weight 2 kg Single unit approximate weight
Standards and Certifications IEC 60947-2, CCC, EAC, Class II per IEC 60664-1 Multi-regional certification coverage

Full technical specifications are available on the product page at LeadTime.ca.

LV516303 vs. System-Level Alternatives

Product Manufacturer Breaking Capacity Trip Type Typical Application Notes
LV516303 (CVS160B) Schneider Electric 25 kA at 415 VAC / 40 kA at 220/240 VAC Thermal-Magnetic Fixed (TM-D) General-purpose distribution, buildings, light industrial Cost-optimized; modular EasyPact family; IEC 60947-2 and CCC/EAC certified
C440 160A Eaton 25 kA / 42 kA Thermal-Magnetic Industrial distribution Comparable category; different trip unit family and accessories ecosystem
SACE Tmax XT1 160A ABB 36 kA / 50 kA Electronic (adjustable) High-reliability industrial Higher breaking capacity and adjustment options; typically higher cost
3WL 160A Siemens 25 kA / 50 kA Thermal-Magnetic / Electronic Compact switchboard integration IEC-based; different certification pathway; not a direct SKU swap

These are system-level alternatives for specification comparison — they are not direct SKU replacements for the LV516303. If your fault level exceeds 25 kA at 415 VAC or you need electronic trip functionality, the SACE Tmax XT1 or the Masterpact family are the logical step up. Check current availability of the LV516303 at LeadTime.ca or contact us to discuss alternatives if your application requirements point in a different direction.

Expert Verdict: Is the LV516303 the Right Breaker for Your Project?

The Schneider Electric LV516303 performs exactly as intended when it is applied correctly. Electrical contractors and switchboard integrators designing distribution for small-to-medium commercial or light industrial buildings — offices, retail, hospitals, manufacturing plants with 160A load centers — will find this is a clean, cost-optimized choice that does not require justification. Switchboard OEMs integrating a fixed MCCB into modular panel designs benefit from the compact 105 mm x 161 mm x 86 mm footprint and the standardized EasyPact CVS family accessories. MRO procurement teams replacing end-of-life breakers in existing installations where the 160A rating, 25 kA breaking capacity at 415 VAC, and 440 VAC operational voltage are already documented in the original design have very little validation work to do — confirm the numbers match, and order. The IEC 60947-2 compliance and dual CCC/EAC certifications reduce re-certification risk for projects that span multiple regulatory territories, which is a genuine operational advantage for global OEM integrators.

There are real limits here, and they are worth stating plainly. The LV516303 is not the right choice for fault levels exceeding 25 kA at 415 VAC — for higher short-circuit duty, the Masterpact family or a higher-rated EasyPact CVS variant is the correct specification. It is also not appropriate for systems running at 480 VAC, which is common in North American industrial facilities; the operational voltage is 440 VAC nominal, and applying this device at 480 VAC is an application error, not a conservative margin. Applications requiring electronic or adjustable magnetic trip units for precision load monitoring, remote diagnostics, or communications — data centers, mission-critical facilities, or advanced motor protection — should look at CVS variants with electronic trip or move up to the Masterpact NSX series. Single-phase 240 V circuits and dual-pole applications need a different pole configuration entirely from within the EasyPact family.

From a procurement standpoint, the LV516303 is a market-available product with a market-typical lead time of one to three weeks from authorized distributors. For project-critical timelines, confirming in-stock availability before finalizing the switchboard build schedule is always the right move — especially for volume orders where delivery phasing matters. Ordering through a specialist distributor gives you a pre-vetting layer: a knowledgeable team can cross-check your system voltage, fault level, and pole configuration against the LV516303 datasheet before the order ships, catching specification mismatches before they become field problems. View current pricing and availability for the LV516303 at LeadTime.ca — we stock complementary EasyPact and Masterpact models to support spec changes or upgrades from a single source.

For volume pricing or to confirm lead time before committing to a build schedule, contact the LeadTime.ca team directly — we ship worldwide.

What Engineers Need to Know Before Ordering the LV516303

The Schneider Electric LV516303 is a professional-class molded case circuit breaker specified by electrical engineers, switchboard integrators, and plant maintenance supervisors — not a product with a significant footprint on public user forums. That absence of community discussion is itself informative: this device is selected through a technical specification process, not discovered through peer recommendations. Buyers arrive at this part number via switchboard design documentation, project specifications, or MRO replacement records. The questions that matter are engineering questions, not usability questions.

What specialist distributors consistently observe is that the most common ordering errors fall into three categories. First, buyers assume the 25 kA breaking capacity applies universally across all system voltages, when in fact the rating is specifically 25 kA at 415 VAC and 40 kA at 220/240 VAC per IEC 60947-2 — the distinction is material when your fault level study puts you close to the limit. Second, buyers ordering a 160A breaker for a single-phase circuit inadvertently specify the LV516303, which is a three-pole (3P) device only. The 3P designation in the official product descriptor — EasyPact CVS - CVS160B TM160D circuit breaker - 3P/3d — is not a configuration option; it is fixed. Third, buyers working in North American facilities with 480 VAC systems attempt to apply the LV516303, which is rated 440 VAC nominal. These three errors account for the majority of wrong-part returns and emergency re-orders in this product category.

For buyers who are specifying this device for the first time or evaluating it as a replacement for an existing installation, the single most valuable step before ordering is requesting a pre-order specification review from the LeadTime.ca team. The team can cross-check your system voltage, three-phase fault level from your protection coordination study, pole count, and switchboard class rating against the LV516303 datasheet in a single conversation — preventing the delays that come from wrong-part orders in time-sensitive build programs. When community feedback is sparse and manufacturer documentation is the primary source of truth, a specialist distributor with hands-on product knowledge is the practical equivalent of peer experience.

Wiring and Installation Overview

The following covers the key requirements for installing the LV516303 in a three-phase switchboard. For full wiring diagrams and terminal torque specifications, refer to the official Schneider Electric product manual for the LV516303.

  • Incoming three-phase conductors connect to the line terminals (L1, L2, L3); outgoing distribution cables connect to the load terminals (T1, T2, T3) — maintain consistent phase sequence across all terminations
  • Confirm that incoming cable sizing is appropriate for 160A continuous loading at the ambient temperature expected inside the switchboard enclosure (typically 50–70 mm² copper conductors depending on local code and cable routing)
  • The switchboard must be Class II insulation-rated per IEC 60664-1 — the LV516303 is a Class II front face device and is not validated for installation in Class I or open-frame switchboards without appropriate isolation barriers
  • Verify incoming supply voltage at the switchboard main terminals is 440 VAC 50/60 Hz before connecting — do not install in 480 VAC or DC systems
  • All terminal connections must be torqued to the values specified in the LV516303 datasheet; loose terminals cause resistance heating at the connection point and are the primary cause of thermal faults at the breaker terminals — re-verify torque after the first 24 hours of energized operation

Commissioning Overview

The following summarizes the commissioning sequence for the LV516303 after physical installation. Full step-by-step procedures and thermal trip setpoint adjustment instructions are contained in the official Schneider Electric commissioning manual for this model.

  • Before energizing, perform a visual inspection to confirm the breaker is seated correctly, all terminals are torqued, and no foreign material is present in the switchboard enclosure
  • With the circuit de-energized, perform a manual operation test by cycling the handle through ON and OFF positions to confirm smooth mechanical action and firm latch engagement
  • If the unit includes a test button, press it in the de-energized state to confirm the mechanical trip function operates correctly — a breaker that does not trip on the test button should not be energized
  • After energizing under no-load or light-load conditions, monitor for 15–30 minutes for any spontaneous tripping; nuisance trips at this stage indicate a wiring fault, insulation issue, or thermal trip setpoint misalignment requiring investigation before connecting the full design load
  • Under full design load, monitor terminal temperatures using infrared thermography where available and verify the ambient temperature inside the switchboard does not exceed the 40°C rated temperature; log any trip events with timestamps for diagnostics and future reference

Wrong-Part Prevention Checklist — Verify Before Ordering

Before placing an order for the Schneider Electric LV516303, confirm all eight of the following criteria against your project specification or switchboard design documentation:

  1. Confirm operating voltage matches: 440VAC 50/60Hz (operational range stated in datasheet)
  2. Verify breaking capacity at your line voltage: 25 kA at 415VAC vs. 40 kA at 220/240VAC per IEC 60947-2
  3. Check pole count required: this is a 3-pole model only (3P descriptor) — not suitable for single-phase or 2-pole applications
  4. Confirm current rating needed: 160A rated current — verify load does not exceed this at 40°C ambient
  5. Verify trip unit type: LV516303 includes TM-D (thermal-magnetic) trip unit only — not electronic or programmable
  6. Check physical switchboard dimensions: 3-pole version measures 105mm x 161mm x 86mm — confirm mounting space available
  7. Confirm standards compliance: must support IEC 60947, CCC, and EAC certification in your market
  8. Verify Class II front face installation: confirm switchboard class II insulation per IEC 60664-1 if applicable

If any of these eight checks raises a conflict with your application requirements, do not proceed with the LV516303 until you have resolved the discrepancy. Contact the LeadTime.ca team for a pre-order specification review, or visit the product page to review full specifications and confirm availability before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the LV516303 breaking capacity of 25 kA apply to all system voltages, including 480 VAC?

No. The 25 kA breaking capacity (Icu) is specified at 415 VAC per IEC 60947-2. At 220/240 VAC, the breaking capacity increases to 40 kA. At voltages above 415 VAC — such as 480 VAC commonly used in North American industrial facilities — the breaking capacity is lower than 25 kA, and the LV516303 is rated at 440 VAC nominal. Applying this device in a 480 VAC system is an application error. Always obtain the fault level at your specific system voltage from your electrical system design or utility coordination study before specifying this breaker.

Can the thermal trip setpoint be adjusted after the LV516303 is installed in service?

The thermal trip side of the TM-D unit is adjustable, which allows the protection setpoint to be configured during commissioning. However, adjustments should not be performed while the circuit is energized. The exact adjustment range and procedure are provided in the official Schneider Electric product manual for the LV516303 — consult this document before making any field adjustments. The magnetic trip side is fixed and cannot be adjusted in the field.

Is there a 2-pole or single-pole version of the LV516303 for single-phase applications?

The LV516303 is a three-pole (3P) device only and is not suitable for single-phase or 2-pole circuit protection. The EasyPact CVS product family includes other pole configurations — if your application requires a different pole count, specify a different model from the EasyPact CVS range. Contact LeadTime.ca to identify the correct SKU for your specific pole configuration requirement.

Is the LV516303 suitable for installation in an outdoor switchboard or weatherproof enclosure?

The LV516303 is classified as a Class II front face device per IEC 60664-1, which is designed for indoor Class II insulation-rated switchboards. Outdoor installations require the device to be housed in a sealed and weatherproof enclosure rated for the external environment. Confirm the suitability of the enclosure with the switchboard OEM before specifying this breaker for an outdoor application.

What is the typical lead time for the LV516303 shipped to Canada or internationally?

Market-typical lead time from authorized distributors is one to three weeks, though this varies by order size, regional inventory positioning, and current distributor stock. North American inventory is often held in distribution hubs with cross-border fulfillment capability. For a confirmed delivery timeline before committing to a project build schedule, contact LeadTime.ca directly — we provide lead time confirmation before the order is placed.

Does the LV516303 require a separate upstream protection device?

Whether upstream protection is required depends on the system architecture. If the LV516303 is protecting a feeder circuit rather than acting as the main distribution breaker, an upstream main breaker or fused disconnect is typically required to provide isolation and backup protection for the distribution board. Consult your electrical system one-line diagram and the project electrical engineer to confirm the upstream protection requirement for your specific installation.

Why Order the LV516303 From LeadTime.ca

  • Ships worldwide — cross-border fulfillment to Canada and international destinations from North American distribution hubs
  • Pre-order specification review available — our team cross-checks your voltage, fault level, and pole configuration against the LV516303 datasheet before the order ships
  • Multiple EasyPact and Masterpact models stocked — if a spec change or upgrade is needed, we can fulfill from a single source without hunting multiple suppliers
  • Volume pricing available — contact for current pricing on multi-unit or project-volume orders
  • Warranty and return logistics managed through the distributor — faster resolution than end-user direct contact with the manufacturer

At-a-Glance Summary

  • Official product name: EasyPact CVS - CVS160B TM160D circuit breaker - 3P/3d
  • Rated current: 160 A at 40°C ambient temperature
  • Operational voltage: 440 VAC 50/60 Hz — AC only, not rated for DC
  • Breaking capacity: 25 kA at 415 VAC and 40 kA at 220/240 VAC per IEC 60947-2
  • Trip unit: TM-D thermal-magnetic — adjustable thermal setpoint, fixed magnetic protection
  • Configuration: three-pole (3P) only — not suitable for single-phase or 2-pole applications
  • Dimensions: 105 mm x 161 mm x 86 mm; shipping weight 2 kg
  • Certifications: IEC 60947-2, CCC, EAC, Class II front face per IEC 60664-1
  • Product family: EasyPact CVS range, 100A–250A, cost-optimized fixed-installation MCCB segment
  • Market-typical lead time: one to three weeks — confirm with LeadTime.ca before committing to build schedule

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