Efresher ON Ircuit Reakers: by Mir
Efresher ON Ircuit Reakers: by Mir
BY MIR
Terms: Ampere Rating: Maximum current that it can continuously carry without tripping. AIC: The maximum level of fault current they can interrupt.
CB
is an Electrically operated switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from overload and short circuit. Simply put, if the currents exceeds a set value, it will Detect and Isolate. It can be Reset. (unlike a fuse) When current is interrupted, an arc is generated. This arc may interrupt the current interruption process and generate enormous heat. This arc needs to be cooled and extinguished. Most AC circuits imply Low resistance or Current Zero Method.
In
this method, arc resistance is kept low untill current becomes zero in its cycle, in which case, arc temporarily extinguishes. Then the dielectric strength is built up rapidly between the contacts. This can be done in following ways:
1- lengthening of arc 2- High pressure 3- Cooling 4- Blast Effect
Oil- they employ some insulating oil Air - High pressure Air blast is used SF6 - Higly electronegative gas is used Vacuum Vacuum is used
1- Oil CB: Hydrogen gas surrounds the contacts and due to high conductivity cools the arc. Hydrogen gas due to large volume forces oil to come between the contacts, disturbing the arcing path. Used for < 11KV. 2- Air blast: High pressure Air blast cools the arc and sweeps away the arching products. Rapid build up of Dielectric strength, reduced size. Used for systems > 110KV.
Highly Electronegative gas absorbs the free electrons in arc path to form immobile negative ions. Used for voltages up to 50 to 80 KV. 10 to 20 MVA. 4- Vacuum CB: Vacuum.(10-7 to 10-5 torr) offers highest insulating strength. Compact, reliable Can interrupt any fault current. Withstand lighting surges. Used for 22 to 66 KV. 60 to 100 MVA
MINIATURE CB
Rated
current not more than 100 A. Trip characteristics normally not adjustable. Thermal or thermal-magnetic operation. Types: B 3 to 5 times of the In ( domestic) C 5 to 10 times of the In (used in cables) D 10 to 20 times of In (used in motors) K 8 to 12 times of In Z 2 to 3 times of In (protection of measuring circuits using CTs)
MOLDED CASE CB
Rated current up to 630 A. Thermal or thermal-magnetic operation. Trip current may be adjustable in larger ratings.
5 major components: Frame Insulted housing Contacts Straight through or Blow Apart Arc chute assembly Divides &Quenches the arc Operating Mechanism Spring based mechanism Trip Mechanism Overload and Instantaneous protection
circuit breaker provides two types of protection: Thermal Overload - achieved by a bimetallic strip in a CB Instantaneous tripping - achieved by an electromagnetic coil in the CB. An example of the time curve of a CB is:
Overload Tripping
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