1. Overview
The Siemens B240H is a 40-Amp Double Pole Circuit Breaker designed for reliable overcurrent protection in electrical systems. This panel board mounted, non-interchangeable trip molded case circuit breaker is suitable for 120/240-Volt applications and features a 22KAIC interrupting rating. It is part of the BL series, known for its robust performance in various electrical panels.
Key Features:
- UL Listed: Ensures compliance with safety standards.
- Panel Board Mounting: Designed for secure installation within electrical panels.
- Double Pole: Provides protection for two electrical phases or a single 240V circuit.
- Type BLH: Specific designation for this series of Siemens circuit breakers.
- 40-Amp Rating: Suitable for circuits requiring 40-amp protection.
- 22KAIC Interrupting Rating: Capable of safely interrupting high fault currents.
2. Safety Information
WARNING: Electrical shock hazard. Can cause serious injury or death. Installation and servicing of this circuit breaker must be performed by qualified personnel only. Always disconnect power at the main service panel before working on electrical circuits or equipment.
- Always turn off the main power supply before attempting any installation, maintenance, or inspection.
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as insulated gloves and safety glasses.
- Ensure all wiring connections are tight and secure to prevent overheating or arcing.
- Do not install a circuit breaker that appears damaged or has been previously used.
- Consult local electrical codes and regulations for proper installation procedures.
3. Setup & Installation
This section outlines the general steps for installing the Siemens B240H circuit breaker. It is crucial that installation is performed by a licensed electrician or qualified individual.
- Disconnect Power: Locate the main service panel and turn off the main circuit breaker to completely de-energize the electrical system. Verify power is off using a voltage tester.
- Open Panel Cover: Carefully remove the cover of the electrical panel to expose the bus bar and wiring area.
- Identify Slot: Select an appropriate double-pole slot on the panel's bus bar for the 40-Amp breaker.
- Connect Wires:
- Connect the two hot wires (typically black and red for 240V) from the circuit to the appropriate terminals on the circuit breaker. Ensure wires are stripped to the correct length and terminals are tightened to the manufacturer's specified torque.
- If applicable, connect the neutral wire to the neutral bus bar and the ground wire to the ground bus bar within the panel.
- Mount Breaker: Align the circuit breaker with the bus bar stabs and firmly push it into place until it is securely seated. The bolt-in design ensures a robust connection.
- Verify Connections: Double-check all wiring connections for tightness and correct polarity.
- Replace Panel Cover: Carefully re-install the electrical panel cover.
- Restore Power: Turn the main circuit breaker back on.
- Test Circuit: Test the circuit controlled by the new breaker to ensure proper operation.
Note: Refer to your specific electrical panel's documentation for detailed instructions on compatible breaker types and installation procedures.
4. Operating Instructions
The Siemens B240H circuit breaker is designed for automatic operation to protect electrical circuits from overcurrents and short circuits. Manual operation is also possible.
Turning a Circuit ON:
To energize a circuit, ensure the circuit breaker handle is in the "ON" position. If the breaker has tripped, it will be in an intermediate or "TRIPPED" position. To reset a tripped breaker, first push the handle firmly to the "OFF" position, then push it to the "ON" position.
Turning a Circuit OFF:
To de-energize a circuit, simply push the circuit breaker handle to the "OFF" position. This will cut power to the connected circuit.
Automatic Tripping:
The circuit breaker will automatically trip to the "TRIPPED" position if an overcurrent or short circuit condition is detected. This is a safety feature designed to prevent damage to wiring and appliances, and to reduce fire hazards.
5. Maintenance
The Siemens B240H circuit breaker is designed for long-term, maintenance-free operation under normal conditions. However, periodic inspection is recommended.
- Visual Inspection: Periodically inspect the circuit breaker and its connections for any signs of damage, discoloration, loose wires, or corrosion. This should be done with the main power off and by qualified personnel.
- Cleaning: Keep the area around the circuit breaker clean and free of dust and debris. Do not use liquids to clean the breaker or inside the electrical panel.
- Testing: While circuit breakers are designed to trip when necessary, routine manual tripping (turning off and on) is generally not recommended as it can wear out the mechanism. Rely on the automatic protection.
- Replacement: If a circuit breaker frequently trips without an apparent cause, or if it shows signs of damage, it should be replaced by a qualified electrician.
DO NOT attempt to repair a damaged circuit breaker. Replace it with an identical Siemens B240H model or an approved equivalent.
6. Troubleshooting
If you experience issues with your Siemens B240H circuit breaker, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps. Always prioritize safety and consult a qualified electrician if you are unsure.
Breaker Trips Frequently:
- Overload: The most common reason for tripping is an overload. Too many appliances or devices are drawing power from the circuit. Unplug some devices and try resetting the breaker.
- Short Circuit: A direct connection between hot and neutral/ground wires can cause a short circuit. This is a serious issue. Disconnect all devices from the circuit and try resetting. If it trips immediately, there is a wiring fault.
- Ground Fault: If the breaker is a GFCI type (this model is not explicitly stated as GFCI, but general troubleshooting applies), a ground fault can cause tripping.
- Faulty Appliance: A defective appliance connected to the circuit can cause it to trip. Unplug all appliances and plug them back in one by one to identify the faulty one.
- Defective Breaker: Rarely, the breaker itself can be faulty. If all other causes are ruled out, the breaker may need replacement by a qualified electrician.
Breaker Will Not Reset:
- Ensure you are pushing the handle fully to the "OFF" position before attempting to push it to "ON".
- If it still won't reset, there is likely a persistent fault (overload or short circuit) on the line. Do not force the breaker. Investigate the circuit for the cause.
If you cannot identify or resolve the issue, contact a qualified electrician for assistance.
7. Specifications
| Brand | SIEMENS |
| Model Number | B240H |
| Current Rating | 40 Amps |
| Voltage | 240 Volts (120/240-Volt compatible) |
| Number Of Poles | 2 |
| Circuit Breaker Type | Standard, Molded Case |
| Mounting Type | Panel Mount (Bolt-in) |
| Interrupting Rating | 22KAIC |
| Product Dimensions | 4 x 3 x 2 inches (approximate) |
| Item Weight | 8 ounces (approximate) |
| UL Listed | Yes |
| UPC | 783643263925 |
8. Warranty & Support
Warranty Information:
Siemens strongly recommends against the use of "used" breakers. The installation of used breakers in a Siemens panel will void the warranty on the panel. Siemens does not sell used breakers and has not approved any 3rd party sellers to do so. For specific warranty details on new products, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or contact Siemens directly.
Customer Support:
For technical assistance, product inquiries, or support, please visit the official Siemens website or contact their customer service department. Always provide your product model number (B240H) when seeking support.
Online Resources: www.siemens.com
