" landing-cards-prop="{"getGk":[{"Title":"Power Monitoring Expert (PME) 2024 Trial License","UrlName":"FAQ000280514","LastModifiedDate":"04/03/2026","score":1.0001794365691727,"firstpublisheddate":"13/02/2026","answer":"

Issue

\n

Does Power Monitoring Expert (PME) 2024 have a trial license? 

\n

 

\n

Product Line 

\n

Power Monitoring Expert 2024 
 

\n

Environment

\n

PME License Configuration Tool 

\n

 

\n

Cause

\n

Changes to the PME 2024 licensing. 

\n

 

\n

Resolution 

\n

The embedded 90 day trial license in PME 2024 or newer versions is valid until December 31, 2025. From January 1, 2026 and on, a fresh installed PME 2024 will not have any trial license. 

\n

Example: 

\n

• If PME 2024 is freshly installed on October 14, 2024, PME 2024 can run under its embedded trial license until January 12, 2025 
• If PME 2024 is freshly installed on January 1, 2026, PME 2024 cannot run on its embedded trial license as it has expired. A full license of PME 2024 will be required
  
  

\n

Recommendation
If you are using an older version of PME, consider upgrading to the latest version for improved protocol support and security. For assistance with integration or upgrades, contact Schneider Electric Technical Support at: pmo-psup@se.com

\n

"},{"Title":"Choosing the Right Level of Protection (SPD)","UrlName":"FAQ000265132","LastModifiedDate":"02/03/2026","score":1.0001794365691727,"firstpublisheddate":"07/01/2026","answer":"

Issue:

\n\n

How to choose the correct SPD?

\n\n

 

\n\n

Product Line:

\n\n

Surge Protection Devices

\n\n

 

\n\n

Answer:

\n\n

Choosing the appropriate Surge Rating for an SPD comes down to two things:

\n\n

1) The location of the SPD within the electrical distribution, and;

\n\n

2) The location of the facility (environmental surroundings)

\n\n

 

\n\n

Schneider Electric recommends the following surge current ratings based on SPD location within the electrical distribution.

\n\n

 

\n\n

Service Entrance Locations 240 kA

\n\n

Distribution Locations 120-160 kA

\n\n

Branch Locations 50-120 kA

\n\n

 

\n\n

 

\n\n

See attached bulletin for reference.

\n\n

 

\n\n

 

"},{"Title":"What does the term \"NEMA Type 1A\" refer to?","UrlName":"FA108545","LastModifiedDate":"19/11/2024","score":0.9893549255338238,"firstpublisheddate":"23/03/2004","answer":"NEMA Standards Publication 250-1997, "Enclosures for Electrical Equipment (1000 Volts Maximum)" no longer lists this enclosure type. This enclosure type is commonly accepted to be referring to a NEMA 1 enclosure with a gasketed cover."},{"Title":"Insulation Resistance Testing and Humidity","UrlName":"FA354645","LastModifiedDate":"06/12/2023","score":0.9663882681108592,"firstpublisheddate":"11/07/2018","answer":"Issue:
How does humidity affect insulation resistance testing results?

Product Line:
Circuit Breakers

Environment:
Molded case and insulated case breakers

Resolution:
High humidity can drastically reduce insulation resistance testing results for circuit breakers.

Some equipment acceptance testing documents suggest values above 100 mega ohms and normally that is okay however high humidity can drastically reduce the results of the insulation resistance values.  Below is a sample of how higher humidity can reduce the IR values, making the 100 mega ohms acceptance testing values invalid.
40% humidity:  breaker IR value above 500 mega ohms, typical 1 G ohm*
75% humidity:  breaker IR value around 10 mega ohms*
95% humidity:  breaker IR value around 4 mega ohms*

*All values above are functional and conforming. Values derived from test data on Powerpact H frame breakers in a Schneider Electric laboratory.

The IEC 60947 standard, section 6.1.3.1 states that IR testing should be done below 50% humidity and states a 1 M ohm minimum IR value for a new breaker.

NEMA AB-4 recommends IR values for breakers, less than one mega ohm (1,000,000 ohm) should be investigated.  The Schneider Electric field testing and maintenance guide also states the same one mega ohm value, as written below.

Severe environmental conditions can reduce the dielectric strength of
molded case circuit breakers. Check insulation resistance during electrical
system testing.
To check the insulation resistance, perform the following steps:
1. De-energize and isolate the circuit breaker.
2. Clean the circuit breaker as described earlier.
3. Using a megohmmeter with a capacity of 500–1000 Vdc, apply voltage
from:
a. Each phase-to-ground with the circuit breaker on (circuit breaker
contacts closed).
b. Phase-to-phase with the circuit breaker on (circuit breaker contacts
closed).
c. Between each line and load terminal with the circuit breaker off
(circuit breaker contacts open).
4. Record resistance values. Resistance values of less than one mega ohm
(1,000,000 ohm) should be investigated.
 "},{"Title":"What is the difference between PNP and NPN when describing 3 wire connection of a sensor?","UrlName":"FA142566","LastModifiedDate":"03/07/2025","products":"","score":0.9048787860670324,"firstpublisheddate":"03/05/2012","answer":"

Most industrial proximity sensors  (inductive, capacitive, ultrasonic and photo electric) are solid state.

The term solid state refers to the type of components used within the sensor. Solid state electronic components such as transistors are used to switch the output of the sensor upon detection of an object.

Two specific types of 3 wire sensors are available; PNP and NPN. The difference is a result of the internal circuit design and type of transistors used. Refer to attached document for simple explanation of the two.

A key point to observe is that PNP and NPN has nothing to do with whether the sensor is normally open (N/O) or normally closed (N/C), i.e. a PNP sensor may be either N/O or N/C as can an NPN be either N/O or N/C.

Please note that the subject of this FAQ is specifically related to wiring PNP/NPN outputs for sensors, not to give a detailed understanding of transistor technology. However, for ease of understanding please see attached a page extracted from our Practical Aspects book, showing (in brief) transistor terminology and circuit diagrams. Further learning material regarding PNP and NPN transistors can be found online from several sources. 

 
Why two types?

The selection of a PNP sensor verses an NPN sensor is determined by the nature of the circuit the device is to be used in. When used in a traditional relay type control circuit, it is normally possible to use either the PNP or the NPN type of sensor as shown below. PNP sensors tend to be more commonly used. 

Wiring

Traditional relay type control circuit;

                      

Use with a programmable logic controller (PLC).

When selecting a sensor to be used with a PLC, it is very important that the sensor matches the type of PLC input card to be used.
Two types of input cards exist, those that 'sink'  current (also known as positive logic) and those that 'source' current (also known as negative logic). It is worth mentioning, that whilst the terms sinking / sourcing and positive / negative logic are well known in some industries, they are not always commonly used terms. It is therefore important to identify the type of sensor to be used with the PLC card based on the PLC manufacturer's documentation and / or wiring diagrams.

Most common in Europe is the 'sinking' type of input, these will be used with the PNP sensor as shown below. Less common nowadays are input cards that 'source', these were popular in Asia and require the NPN type of sensor in order to operate correctly. Many modern PLC input cards can be configured and wired to be either 'sinking' or 'sourcing'  although it will usually necessitate all inputs on a particular input card being configured the same. 

NOTE the dotted line in the following diagram is optional and may or may not be required, depending on your hardware/setup. The key wires to take note of are solid red, black and blue wires. 

  
 

\n

 

"},{"Title":"Who is my local distributor?","UrlName":"FA229871","LastModifiedDate":"05/04/2023","score":0.8521347393961721,"firstpublisheddate":"14/05/2014","answer":"

Issue
Who is my local distributor?

Resolution
For United States distributors:
https://www.se.com/us/en/locate/257-us-distributor-locator/where-to-buy

For distributors in Canada:
https://www.se.com/ca/sites/canada/en/support/partners-locator/partners-locator.page

For distributors in Mexico;
https://www.se.com/mx/es/locate/356-red-de-distribuidores/where-to-buy

"},{"Title":"What is the difference between ERMS and MMS?","UrlName":"FAQ000271748","LastModifiedDate":"02/03/2026","products":"PowerPact P-Frame","score":0.6672049763741851,"firstpublisheddate":"10/07/2025","answer":"

Product Line:

\n

Circuit Breakers

\n

 

\n

Answer: 

\n

Both are methods to meet NEC article 240.87 requiring arc flash mitigation. However, the way each does it is different.

\n

ERMS (Energy Reduction Maintenance Setting): This system works differently depending on what breakers it is used with.

\n

Powerpact P/R frame; Masterpact NT/NW: The ERMS works by using an IO module to communicate with the trip unit and change the instantaneous setting to a preset value (default is 2x) when the switch is on, regardless of what the instantaneous is set to (it will revert to its setting when the switch is turned off). This requires a P or H trip unit with the blue ERMS label in the top right corner.

\n

Masterpact MTZ: The ERMS works through a control unit digital module that, when the switch is turned on, changes all settings on the breaker to preset ERMS values.

\n

 

\n

MMS (Maintenance Mode Switch): This system utilizes the built in ZSI capabilities of A, P, and H trip units (only available on Powerpact P/R frame and Masterpact NT/NW) to eliminate the short time delay when the switch is on. This essentially resets the instantaneous setting to the short time setting. The short time delay is activated again when the switch is turned off.

"},{"Title":"How do I become a supplier for Schneider Electric?","UrlName":"FA326568","LastModifiedDate":"28/09/2021","score":0.6672049763741851,"firstpublisheddate":"27/09/2017","answer":"Issue:
\nHow to become a supplier for Schneider Electric 
\n
\nProduct Line:
\nSource Materials
 \n\nhttps://www.se.com/us/en/about-us/supplier-resource-center/
 "}],"getPv":[{"Title":"Video: How do I program an ATV320 to use the dial of drive as speed and Digital Input 1 (DI1) terminal as start and stop control?","UrlName":"FA308988","LastModifiedDate":"07/10/2024","products":"Altivar 320","score":1.00233676975945,"firstpublisheddate":"15/02/2017","answer":"Issue:
ATV320 to use the dial of drive as speed reference and Digital Input 1 (DI1) terminal as start/stop control

Product Line:
Altivar 320, ATV320

Environment:
All

Cause:
Programming setup

Resolution:



From Main Menu, press enter.
Scroll down to CONF and press enter.
Scroll down to FULL and press enter.
Scroll down to CTL and press enter.
Under CTL, set CHCF to SEP.
Set FR1 to A1U1.
Set CD1 to TER.

From the normal status display, press enter twice to then adjust the speed reference value as a % of the LSP-HSP range."},{"Title":"Video: How do you install a QOB3110VH, QOB3125VH, QOB3150VH breaker into a NQOD, or NQ Panelboard ?","UrlName":"FA240168","LastModifiedDate":"02/03/2026","products":"QO(B) Circuit Breakers, NQ Panelboards","score":1.0010996563573884,"firstpublisheddate":"10/02/2015","answer":"\n"},{"Title":"How do I remotely initiate a transfer to Emergency on a series 300 with Group G controller?","UrlName":"FAQ000102705","LastModifiedDate":"09/06/2025","products":"ASCO SERIES 300 Group G Power Transfer Switch","score":1.0010996563573884,"firstpublisheddate":"22/10/2020","answer":"You can send "remote transfer to emergency" signals via the External Feature 17 contacts.

External Feature 17 contacts are located on the Series 300 Group G controller.  The terminals for the External Feature 17 are TB1-8 and TB1-9.  Refer to the ATS wiring diagram.

Connect a Normally Closed set of contacts across the terminals.  Opening the contact will cause the generator to start and run, and transfer to Emergency side once the ATS controller recognizes the Emergency source as an acceptable source.

Before opening the contacts, make sure to enable the Ext. Feature 17 in the ATS controller first.





Enable the External Feature 17 via the Group G controller.  Make sure there is a CHECK mark on the box corresponding to Ext Feature 17 to ENABLE it.  Refer to the Group G Controllers User Guide.



If unsure, contact Technical Support at 1-800-800-ASCO or send an email to technicalsupport@ascopower.com  

You may also watch the video related to this (please see below).

"},{"Title":"Video: How is automatic restart configured on the ATV21 / ATV212 drive?","UrlName":"FA176961","LastModifiedDate":"20/03/2025","products":"Altivar 212","score":1.0010996563573884,"firstpublisheddate":"12/12/2013","answer":"Issue:
Video: Automatic restart on the ATV21 / ATV212 drives

Product Line:
ATV21 and ATV212

Environment:
All serial numbers for ATV21 and ATV212

Cause:
Certain faults can be automatically reset after the cause has cleared.  The drive will then restart the motor.

Resolution: 
Set F303 to any value, from 1 to 10, indicating the number of attempts to clear the detected fault. 
By factory default F303 is set to 0. A value of 0 disables the feature.
If the fault clears, the drive will restart the motor if the run command is active.
If the fault does not clear after all attempts are made, the drive will require a manual reset.

The first clear is attempted 1 second after the detected fault occurs.  Each subsequent clear attempt adds 1 second to the time interval between attempts.

 




See the ATV212 Programming Manual, page 135 for further details."},{"Title":"Video: How to simulate an analog input with Unity","UrlName":"FA334698","LastModifiedDate":"12/02/2026","products":"Modicon Quantum, Modicon M340, Modicon M580","score":1.0010309278350515,"firstpublisheddate":"24/05/2018","answer":"

Unity Pro offers the Write _Input_Int block which can be used to accomplish either task. The video linked to this FAQ will demonstrate this functionality using an M340. The information is also valid for M580 and Quantum PLC's.

 

\n"},{"Title":"Video: Configuring I/O Scanning on Modicon M580 in Unity Pro","UrlName":"FA277050","LastModifiedDate":"15/11/2022","products":"Modicon X80, Modicon M580","score":1.0009621993127147,"firstpublisheddate":"06/01/2016","answer":"The following video demonstrates the setup of I/O Scanning on the M580 platform in Unity Pro.

 "},{"Title":"Video: How do you upgrade the firmware on a M580 processor with Unity Loader?","UrlName":"FA359917","LastModifiedDate":"15/11/2022","products":"Modicon M580, EcoStruxure™ Control Expert","score":1.000893470790378,"firstpublisheddate":"14/11/2018","answer":"Issue
Upgrading Firmware on Modicon M580 CPU

Product Line
Modicon M580 ePAC

Environment
M580/Unity Loader

Resolution



You can update the CPU firmware by downloading a new firmware version with Unity Loader.
Download the firmware through a connection to one of these:\n

• CPU mini-B USB connector 
• CPU Service port 
• Ethernet network

\n
The firmware file is a *.ldx file.
\n
1. Install Unity Loader software.
2. Connect the PC that is running Unity Loader to the CPU.
3. Launch Unity Loader.
4. Click Firmware tab.
5. In the PC list box, select the .ldx file that contains the firmware file.
6. When connected with Ethernet, check that the MAC address indicated in the PLC box corresponds to the MAC address marked on the CPU.
7. Check that transfer sign is green to allow transfer from PC to CPU.
8. Click Transfer.
9. Click Close."},{"Title":"How can we make a numeric display with an expression also have input in Vijeo Designer?","UrlName":"FA373652","LastModifiedDate":"03/04/2025","products":"Vijeo Designer","score":1.0008247422680412,"firstpublisheddate":"18/04/2019","answer":"

Issue:
Numeric display with an expression also have input

Product Line:
Vijeo Designer

Resolution:
In Vijeo Designer, a numeric display with an expression cannot have input activated. In order to achieve this, you will need to make your own custom object using the following:
1) A numeric display with the expression.
2) An invisible switch.
3) A numeric display with input activated.

This example assumes that the numeric display with the expression only involves one tag.

The idea behind this setup is that we will use visibility animation to show and hide the appropriate numeric display. In a normal mode, we will display the numeric display with the expression. The visibility condition for this numeric display should be assigned to a boolean call "Hide_Display" for example. The expression for the Visibility condition should be "!Hide_Display."

Next, the invisible switch will be used to set to the boolean. Therefore the operation is the Bit Set operation on the boolean "Hide_Display". In addition, the visibility condition is also set to "!Hide_Display".

Finally, the numeric display with the input activated should have Visibility set to "Hide_Display" so that when the boolean is High, it is displayed while the other is hidden. In the Advanced tab of the numeric display, we should also set the "Use Input Trigger" and "Input Status Variable" to "Hide_Display". The status mode should be set to "ON/OFF Reverse Mode". These settings will allow the boolean to be reset after an number is entered.

Please see the attached example for a demo.


 

\n"},{"Title":"Video: What is minimum firmware version required for the ATV71 or ATV61 to use the VW3A3316 Ethernet IP card?","UrlName":"FA171152","LastModifiedDate":"12/12/2024","products":"MRCA/MRWA Mount, AC Drives and Soft Starters","score":1.0008247422680412,"firstpublisheddate":"22/05/2013","answer":"

Issue:
What is minimum firmware version required for the ATV71 or ATV61 to use the VW3A3316 Ethernet IP card?

Product Line:
VW3A3316

Cause:
ATV71 & ATV61 have minimum firmware required to use the VW3A3316 Ethernet IP card

Resolution:
This communication option card is fully supported with the version V1.5 IE 13 and above of the Altivar 61 firmware. This communication option card is only supported with the version V1.6 IE 19 and above of the Altivar 71 firmware. Specific versions of the Altivar 71 firmware are not supported.

\n

 

\n

If this article does not answer your question, check out our FAQ database that has answers to more commonly asked questions:

\n

Frequently Asked Questions - Schneider Electric (se.com)

\n

 

\n

If this FAQ did not solve your issue, you can call us at 1-888-778-2733 Option 2 and then 4 or e-mail us at drive.products.support@se.com to create a case with our Technical Support Team.

\n

 

\n

If you are not located in North America, please contact your local Customer Care Center for assistance:

\n

Support | Schneider Electric Global (se.com)

"}],"getPa":[{"Title":"Can I use a larger HP Variable Speed Drive to run a smaller HP motor?","UrlName":"FA167794","LastModifiedDate":"12/12/2024","products":"Altivar 320, Altivar 32, Altivar 340, Altivar Process ATV900, Altivar 31C, Altivar 61, Altivar Process ATV600, Altivar 212, Altivar 71","score":1.0017833604714275,"firstpublisheddate":"25/02/2013","answer":"Issue:
Motor is smaller than the available drive.

Product Line:
All Altivar (ATV) drives

Environment:
All Environments

Cause:
Motor and drive sizing does not match.  Motor is smaller HP than Drive.

Resolution:
YES.
In most cases a drive can control a motor with lower HP (and current) rating.

The motor nameplate information will have to be entered correctly to ensure proper control of the motor and that the overload protection is enabled.   
In most cases the Overload protection adjustment range is the limiting factor.  If this parameter can not be set down to the motor FLA, an external overload relay will have to be provided.
When using small motors on a larger drive the Sensorless Flux Vector motor control modes may not work well.  Changing the motor control type to linear Voltage/Frequency is usually best.
Consult the programming manual for the drive being used for details on these parameter adjustments.
If working with an enclosed drive that has full voltage bypass, the Overload Relay in the bypass circuit may need to be changed if it's OL settings can not be adjusted down to the motor FLA.

NOTE that this does not pertain to Softstarts.   Softstarts will not work well with motors that are less than 40% of their continuous current rating."},{"Title":"What is the maximum ambient temperature that a transformer can be installed in?","UrlName":"FA120978","LastModifiedDate":"15/12/2025","products":"Low Voltage Transformers","score":1.0009193721685,"firstpublisheddate":"21/11/2007","answer":"

Issue:
Ventilation and cooling is an important issue in the installation and operation of transformers

Product Line:
LV Transformers

Environment:
Applies to all Low Voltage (LV) Transformers by SquareD/Schneider Electric

Cause:
Excessive heat is destructive to transformers

Resolution:
The average ambient temperature for a transformer over a 24 hour period should not exceed 30 degrees Celsius. For instance, if the transformer ambient temperature was 40 deg. C for 12 hours, then the transformer must not exceed 20 deg. C for the remaining 12 hours to average a 30 deg. ambient temperature.

If the average ambient temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, the derating factor is 0.4% reduction of VA for every degree Celsius above 30 degrees Celsius per IEEE C57 12.96. The IEEE formula that is used to derive the 0.4% factor is valid only up to an AVERAGE of 50 degrees Celsius. Also, using transformers above their listed ambient temperature can shorten the life of the transformer. Due to the number of other factors involved, such as loading, frequency of use, and humidity, no data exists on how high ambient temperatures affect the life of a transformer.


 

"},{"Title":"Can a 3-phase QO load center be used on a 240 V \"high leg\" system?","UrlName":"FA123686","LastModifiedDate":"26/07/2022","products":"QO(B) Circuit Breakers, QO Standard Load Centers","score":1.000852911529813,"firstpublisheddate":"23/02/2010","answer":"Issue:
Application

Product Line:
QO Load Center

Resolution:
Yes, but it is important to understand some limitations. This "high leg" delta system referred to is actually a 3 phase, 4 wire, 240/120 V delta system. It has a number of common names, including high leg, wild leg, stinger leg, etc. This system provides 240 V phase-phase power between all 3 phases, plus 120 V phase-neutral power on 2 of the 3 phases. The problem, however, is with the phase-neutral on the 3rd phase: it measures 208 V, which is not a usable downstream voltage since it is too high. This is what gives the system its nickname, high leg. This high leg is commonly the B phase, but could be the A or C phase.
Selecting QO breakers for this system must be done carefully. Here are some guidelines:

1-pole QO Breakers\n

• Standard 1-pole QO breakers have a voltage rating of either 120/240 V (e.g., QO120) or just 120 V (e.g. QO120GFI). These should only be applied on phases measuring 120 V phase to neutral, never on the phase measuring 208 V phase to neutral.

\n
2-pole QO Breakers\n\n

• Standard 2-pole QO breakers have a voltage rating of 120/240V (e.g., QO240). These should only be applied on phases measuring 120 V phase to neutral, never on the phase measuring 208 V phase to neutral.
• Special 2-pole QO breakers with "H" suffix have a voltage rating of 240 V (e.g., QO240H). These may be applied on any of the phases, including the high leg phase.

\n
3-pole QO Breakers\n\n

• Standard 3-pole QO breakers have a voltage rating of 240 V (e.g., QO330). These may be applied on any of the phases, including the high leg phase.

\n
NOTE: The installer should be careful to follow NEC and/or local electrical codes regarding the wiring, marking, and usage of this system."},{"Title":"Is it possible to modify the ratio of a current transformer (CT)?","UrlName":"FA212311","LastModifiedDate":"07/10/2024","products":"3090SCCT063, 3090SCCT124, 3090SCCT083, 3090SCCT022, 3090SCCT204, 3090SCCT032, 3090SCCT084, 3090SCCT164, 3090SCCT043","score":1.0006867599330962,"firstpublisheddate":"14/11/2009","answer":""},{"Title":"Can multiple motors be connected to one solid state soft starter?","UrlName":"FA114924","LastModifiedDate":"12/12/2024","products":"Altistart 48, Altistart 22","score":1.0005981457481807,"firstpublisheddate":"26/01/2006","answer":"Issue:
Can multiple motors be connected to 1 soft starter?

Product Line:
ATS48 ATS22

Environment:
All

Cause:
Application requirement

Resolution:
Yes.
Size the soft starter for the total full load amps of all motors to be connected.
Provide separate overload protection for each motor.

For ATS48: Make sure the CLP parameter in the drC menu is set to OFF.
For ATS22: Make sure SSC parameter in the Adj menu is set to OFF.

Motor connections to the soft starter output should not be made or broken while the soft starter is running.  The resulting sudden change in current will cause problems and possible damage to the soft starter or other equipment.


 "},{"Title":"Is a Line Contactor ahead of the soft start required as referred to in the ATS22 users manual?","UrlName":"FA222188","LastModifiedDate":"16/06/2025","products":"Altistart 22","score":1.0005759922019517,"firstpublisheddate":"18/02/2014","answer":"

Issue:
Is a Line contactor required ahead of the soft start?

Product Line:
Altistart 22, ATS22

Environment:
All models and serial numbers

Cause:
None

Resolution:
The purpose of the line contactor is to provide a means of removing AC line voltage from the softstart.  Due to leakage currents through the solid state switches, hazardous voltages can be present on the load side of the softstarter when power is applied to the line side of the softstarter. 
Also, the line contactor can be controlled to open if the ATS22 faults.  Some faults are the result of SCRs shorting.  If multiple SCRs fail in a shorted condition, full voltage power passes through and will either single phase or continue to run the motor.  The KM1 would interrupt  the power circuit.

A line or isolation contactor such as KM1 shown in wiring diagrams, located in the Annex of the ATS22 Users Manual (BBV51330) is strongly suggested but not required.

"},{"Title":"Is the use of Noalox antioxidant, for termination to Panelboards, prohibited?","UrlName":"FA270790","LastModifiedDate":"02/03/2026","score":1.0005206083363793,"firstpublisheddate":"15/09/2015","answer":"Issue:
Can a Noalox antioxidant, for termination to Panelboards, prohibited?

Product Line:
NQ/ NF/ I Line/ QMB

Environment:
Installation

Cause:
Restrictions

Resolution:
The use of an antioxidant , such as Noalox, on Panelboard Main Lugs is not required.
The lugs are UL listed for use with copper or aluminum conductors without the use of ANY anti-oxidation supplement.  The use of an antioxidant is not prohibited, but assurances must be made that the brand used, is a  NON PETROLEUM  based product.  If a petroleum based product is used and comes in contact with the insulating base, the insulating base material can be degraded.  
 "},{"Title":"Can the branch neutral bars be cut or disconnected in a QO or Homeline load center to form one neutral on one side and one ground bar on the other side?","UrlName":"FA123020","LastModifiedDate":"13/09/2022","products":"Homeline Standard Load Centers, QO Standard Load Centers","score":1.0004984547901505,"firstpublisheddate":"18/12/2007","answer":"Issue:
Application

Product Line:
QO and Homeline Load Center

Resolution:
No, The neutral system in the QO and Homeline load centers are considered a split branch neutral system. Half of the branch neutrals are on the left and half on the right, with both branch neutral bars connected to the main neutral bar at the top of the interior. So it is not acceptable to modify the neutral bar from the way it was designed, tested, and manufactured. The neutral bar was not designed to have the left side separated from the right side. 

Whether or not the neutral bar can be used to terminate equipment ground wires is dependent upon the application of the load center. The neutral bar is rated to accept neutral conductors and ground conductor (in unused neutral spaces) ONLY if the load center is used as service entrance equipment. If the load center is NOT a service entrance load center (installed as a subpanel downstream from the service entrance equipment), then a separate ground bar needs to be purchased and installed for ALL ground conductors. Do NOT cut or separate the existing neutral bar to form a separate neutral and ground bar. This modification is not allowed per UL procedures and would VOID the UL listing and warranty."}]}" translations="{"tabs":{"popularArticles":"Popular Articles","popularVideos":"Popular Videos","generalKnowledge":"General Knowledge","sections":{"popularVideosTitle":"Popular Video FAQs","popularVideosTitleMobile":"Popular Videos","generalKnowledgeTitle":"Learn more through our General Knowledge FAQs","generalKnowledgeTitleMobile":"General Knowledge"}},"searchDocument":{"category":"Product category","publishedDate":"Published on","modifiedDate":"Last Modified on"},"moreButton":{"labelMore":"Show more","labelLess":"Show less"},"Redirection":{"message":"The FAQ you are looking for no longer exists. Use the FAQ search bar above to try another query."}}" env="new" s-id="3417">

Popular ArticlesPopular VideosGeneral Knowledge

Can I use a larger HP Variable Speed Drive to run a smaller HP motor?

Issue: Motor is smaller than the available drive. Product Line: All Altivar (ATV) drives Environment: All Environments Cause: Motor and drive sizing does not match. Motor is smaller HP than Drive....

Published on:2013-02-25Last Modified on:2024-12-12

Product category:Altivar 320, Altivar 32, Altivar 340, Altivar Process ATV900, Altivar 31C,...

What is the maximum ambient temperature that a transformer can be...

Issue: Ventilation and cooling is an important issue in the installation and operation of transformers Product Line: LV Transformers Environment: Applies to all Low Voltage (LV) Transformers by...

Published on:2007-11-21Last Modified on:2025-12-15

Product category:Low Voltage Transformers

Can a 3-phase QO load center be used on a 240 V "high leg" system?

Issue: Application Product Line: QO Load Center Resolution: Yes, but it is important to understand some limitations. This "high leg" delta system referred to is actually a 3 phase, 4 wire,...

Published on:2010-02-23Last Modified on:2022-07-26

Product category:QO(B) Circuit Breakers, QO Standard Load Centers

Is it possible to modify the ratio of a current transformer (CT)?

Product Line 3090SCCT Environment CT Ratio Resolution *Warning: Installation and maintenance of this device should only be performed by qualified, competent personnel that have appropriate training...

Published on:2009-11-14Last Modified on:2024-10-07

Product category:3090SCCT063, 3090SCCT124, 3090SCCT083, 3090SCCT022, 3090SCCT204,...

Can multiple motors be connected to one solid state soft starter?

Issue : Can multiple motors be connected to 1 soft starter? Product Line: ATS48 ATS22 Environment : All Cause : Application requirement Resolution : Yes. Size the soft starter for the total full load...

Published on:2006-01-26Last Modified on:2024-12-12

Product category:Altistart 48, Altistart 22

Is a Line Contactor ahead of the soft start required as referred to in the...

Issue: Is a Line contactor required ahead of the soft start? Product Line: Altistart 22, ATS22 Environment: All models and serial numbers Cause: None Resolution: The purpose of the line contactor is...

Published on:2014-02-18Last Modified on:2025-06-16

Product category:Altistart 22

Is the use of Noalox antioxidant, for termination to Panelboards,...

Issue: Can a Noalox antioxidant, for termination to Panelboards, prohibited? Product Line: NQ/ NF/ I Line/ QMB Environment: Installation Cause: Restrictions Resolution: The use of an antioxidant ,...

Published on:2015-09-15Last Modified on:2026-03-02

Can the branch neutral bars be cut or disconnected in a QO or Homeline...

Issue: Application Product Line: QO and Homeline Load Center Resolution: No, The neutral system in the QO and Homeline load centers are considered a split branch neutral system. Half of the branch...

Published on:2007-12-18Last Modified on:2022-09-13

Product category:Homeline Standard Load Centers, QO Standard Load Centers

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Learn more through our General Knowledge FAQsGeneral Knowledge

Power Monitoring Expert (PME) 2024 Trial License

Issue Does Power Monitoring Expert (PME) 2024 have a trial license? Product Line Power Monitoring Expert 2024 Environment PME License Configuration Tool Cause Changes to the PME 2024 licensing....

Published on:2026-02-13Last Modified on:2026-03-04

Choosing the Right Level of Protection (SPD)

Issue: How to choose the correct SPD? Product Line: Surge Protection Devices Answer: Choosing the appropriate Surge Rating for an SPD comes down to two things: 1) The location of the SPD within the...

Published on:2026-01-07Last Modified on:2026-03-02

What does the term "NEMA Type 1A" refer to?

NEMA Standards Publication 250-1997, "Enclosures for Electrical Equipment (1000 Volts Maximum)" no longer lists this enclosure type. This enclosure type is commonly accepted to be referring...

Published on:2004-03-23Last Modified on:2024-11-19

Insulation Resistance Testing and Humidity

Issue: How does humidity affect insulation resistance testing results? Product Line: Circuit Breakers Environment: Molded case and insulated case breakers Resolution: High humidity can drastically...

Published on:2018-07-11Last Modified on:2023-12-06

What is the difference between PNP and NPN when describing 3 wire...

Most industrial proximity sensors (inductive, capacitive, ultrasonic and photo electric) are solid state. The term solid state refers to the type of components used within the sensor. Solid state...

Published on:2012-05-03Last Modified on:2025-07-03

Who is my local distributor?

Issue Who is my local distributor? Resolution For United States distributors: https://www.se.com/us/en/locate/257-us-distributor-locator/where-to-buy For distributors in Canada:...

Published on:2014-05-14Last Modified on:2023-04-05

What is the difference between ERMS and MMS?

Product Line: Circuit Breakers Answer: Both are methods to meet NEC article 240.87 requiring arc flash mitigation. However, the way each does it is different. ERMS (Energy Reduction Maintenance...

Published on:2025-07-10Last Modified on:2026-03-02

Product category:PowerPact P-Frame

How do I become a supplier for Schneider Electric?

Issue: How to become a supplier for Schneider Electric Product Line: Source Materials Environment: Products sold and used in the United States Resolution: For information and help on becoming a...

Published on:2017-09-27Last Modified on:2021-09-28

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