How to Select an Industrial Circuit Breaker

Any time work on an electrical system is required, it is very important that the utmost care is taken and all recommended safety precautions and best practices are followed. The same holds true when working with an industrial circuit breaker. It is important, however, to make sure when selecting an industrial circuit breaker, that the right piece of equipment is selected based on the system’s capacity level.

Selecting an Industrial Circuit Breaker

Regardless of the power requirement, a circuit breaker completes the same basic task. A circuit breaker must detect a fault condition and immediately discontinue an electrical flow by interrupting continuity. A circuit breaker can be reset, unlike a fuse that must be replaced after a single operation.

circuit breakers are manufactured in a variety of sizes and voltage levels, which can vary from a small breaker for a household-size appliance to a large industrial circuit breaker.

An industrial circuit breaker for large currents or high voltages are usually arranged with pilot devices to sense a fault current and to operate the trip opening mechanism. The trip solenoid that releases the latch is energized by a separate battery. Some high-voltage Circuit Breakers, however, and are self-contained with current transformers, protection relays and an internal control power source.

It is obvious that there are many different types and capacity levels circuit breakers can provide. It is important, therefore, when selecting an industrial circuit breaker, that the entire needs of the system are taken into consideration.

One of the most important considerations when selecting an industrial circuit breaker is the required voltage level for the specific system under consideration. Just like a basic circuit breaker, an industrial circuit breaker is specifically designed to handle a specific level of power. For example, typically, a low voltage circuit breaker handles less than 1000 VAC. A medium-voltage circuit breaker is usually rated between 1 and 72 kV. A high voltage circuit breaker power level can vary; however, it is usually higher than 72.5 kV, according to the definition by the International Electrotechnical Commission.

There are four industrial circuit breaker manufacturers that are trusted in the industry; they are, Siemens, Eaton: CutlerHammer, General Electric (GE), and Square D. Which industrial circuit breaker manufacturer that makes the most sense for a specific project is a decision that should be made in consultation with an individual or company that specializes in the installation and maintenance of industrial circuit breakers.

Industrial Circuit Breaker

It is obvious that an industrial circuit breaker plays an important role in the function and safety of an facility’s electrical system. It is critical, therefore, that a facility’s management work with a company that is well-versed in the selection, implementation and ongoing maintenance of industrial circuit breakers. This piece of equipment will help to ensure that a facility’s electrical system continues to function properly and avoid potential electrical damage.