Power switches

Power switches

ACBs are a specific type of electrical breaker. They are intended especially for industrial applications, because it is thanks to them that the electrical network can work without any problems. Power switches are used where very high power is turned off. As a result, they protect against overloads and short circuits of devices in the same circuit. Circuit breakers of this type can also be used to control power distribution in a network.

Power switches:

characteristic

The construction and operation of devices whose main role is protection of electrical devices always depends on the intended use of a particular circuit breaker. Therefore, three main types of ACB can be distinguished. They are:

1. low-voltage circuit-breakers up to 1000 V, using the arc breaking mechanism to quench the arc and trip the circuit breaker,
2. medium voltage power circuit-breakers (also called vacuum circuit-breakers), which trip on decay of the arc, whereby the pairs of materials from which the contacts are made to break the circuit are lost
3. high-voltage power circuit-breakers, up to 500 kV, which are complex designs with many technological changes.

The general principle of operation of ACBs is based on the fact that in the connected circuit, the current leads to the formation of an electric arc, and the activation of the switch is related to the extinction of the arc current. The arc extinction mechanisms are different. Power switches are professional devices that minimize the negative effects of overload or short-circuits .

The selection of a circuit breaker to protect specific electrical devices is made on the basis of data obtained about the voltage and rated current of the connected equipment. It is important to sum up all values ​​for a specific circuit. The power switches available on the market have a large power range and impressive adjustment possibilities, so simply comparing the motor power with the power switch rated current is not enough. When choosing low-voltage circuit-breakers, you need to know the inrush currents. Also, care must be taken that the ACB is not one safety device in a particular system.

Power switches: overcurrent detection

Power switches protecting electrical equipment against overloads or short circuits also control the power flow in the network. They are perfect for switching stations and high-voltage systems, where protection of electrical devices is necessary. The low-voltage power circuit breakers available on the market are distinguished by high load capacity and low energy dissipation. In addition, the ACBs operate without problems at high ambient temperatures. Professional devices used industrially detect overloads such as:

1. overloads identified by thermal trigger,
2. short circuits recognizable by an electromagnetic release,
3. overloads and short circuits, which are detected by an electronic trip unit.

Thermal and electromagnetic releases are usually combined in thermal-magnetic circuit breakers, with limited possibilities to change parameter settings, compared to electronic releases.

The selection of individual switches is made taking into account parameters such as: short-circuit capacity, number of modules or rated voltage. Modern electrical devices guarantee the creation of an insulation gap in the electrical circuit or a circuit break in the event of an overload or short circuit. Each circuit breaker, as a so-called short-circuit switch, is suitable for loads that exceed 10 times the rated current. Therefore, it is used to disconnect short circuits in an electrical circuit. By deciding to purchase a specific device with optimal parameters, you get a guarantee that it will work perfectly in industrial conditions. Especially when the equipment supplier is a proven manufacturer.