Circuit Breaker Bases & Accessories
Circuit breaker accessories can significantly enhance the functionality, safety, and efficiency of circuit breakers. These accessories are often added to the basic breaker to offer specialized features. For example, auxiliary contacts can be integrated into the circuit breaker system to provide additional control functions. An auxiliary contact is ideal for signaling the circuit's status to control panels or other equipment.
Shunt trips are another category of accessories. They are used to remotely trip the breaker from a distant location, enabling better control over electrical systems. This can be particularly beneficial in emergency situations where immediate disconnection of the circuit is necessary.
A door interlock can serve as a safety feature, ensuring that the circuit breaker panel door can't be opened unless the breaker is in the 'off' position. This helps to protect individuals from accidental contact with live parts inside the panel.
More Information about Circuit Breaker Accessories
The choice of accessories often depends on the type and series of the circuit breaker. For instance, certain accessories may be designed to fit with specific series like the QO series, G series, or C series. Knowing the frame of your circuit breaker can help determine which accessories are compatible. For example, an F frame accessory is designed to fit with circuit breakers having an F frame.
Installation of these accessories usually requires specialized tools and should ideally be done by professionals to ensure proper fit and function. Once installed, these devices can increase the capabilities of circuit breakers in various applications, making them more versatile and effective in protecting electrical systems. Whether you need to upgrade existing breakers or are installing new circuit breakers, choosing the right accessories can enhance system reliability and operational control.
FAQs
What are auxiliary contacts used for?
Auxiliary contacts are used for a variety of control and signaling functions in a circuit breaker setup. They are separate from the main contacts that carry the load current and are primarily used to provide information about the status of the circuit breaker.
Can miniature circuit breakers utilize signal contacts?
Yes, some miniature circuit breakers can be equipped with signal contacts, which are a type of auxiliary contact designed specifically for signaling purposes. These signal contacts do not carry the main load current but are used for control and monitoring applications.
Breakers vs Fuses
Fuses
Fuses are safety devices that are intended to provide protection to both equipment and people in the event of a power surge or an overcurrent situation. A fuse can provide this protection by using a small piece of wire that is sacrificial, and is intended to burn up when too much current is passed through it. When this happens, the fuse eliminates the flow of electricity in that circuit until it is replaced. The size and type of wire that is used in the fuse will dictate how much current can pass through that individual fuse. So the main thing to remember is, when a fuse blows, it must be replaced and cannot be reused.
Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers are intended to be reused after they are “tripped” during a power surge or an overcurrent situation. Much like fuses, circuit breakers are designed to trip at a certain current level. This is intended to protect both equipment and anyone in the area of that particular circuit. Circuit breakers can be found in just about any variation from single phase, low current applications to three phase, and high current applications.
As a general rule: fuses are more simplistic and reliable. They cost less initially and are better suited for individual circuit protection. However, they can create more cost over time with each use and may create hazards due to the exposed connection points. Whereas circuit breakers offer better branch circuit protection and do not need to be replaced after each use. They are more expensive initially and, because of their complexity, are more prone to failure over time.