CIRCUIT BREAKER PANELS: Keeping Breakers Safe

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Technology )



Circuit breaker panels are also known as distribution boards or panel boards. These are mounting enclosures that contain several circuit breakers. Square D circuit breaker, ITE circuit breaker, and Sylvania circuit breaker are some of the most popular brands of circuit breaker.

Circuit breakers are usually classified according to their voltage levels. Low voltage circuit breakers include the miniature and molded case circuit breakers, which are commonly used for domestic, commercial and light industrial applications.

Miniature circuit breakers are small and normally don’t have adjustable trip characteristics. They protect low amperages and have a rated current of not higher than 100 amperes. Miniature breakers normally contain a toggle operating mechanism to provide for manual disconnection and show the status of the breaker. They are available in 1, 2, or 3 poles system.

Molded case circuit breaker, on the other hand, can protect currents of up to 1000 amperes and comes with a wider selection of breakers. It can be thermal magnetic or have current limiting and electronic trip functions.

The push-to-trip feature of molded case circuit breaker allows it to be checked without using test equipment. Molded case circuit breaker also features permanent trip, trip-free mechanism, and trip indication.

Vacuum circuit breaker and air circuit breaker, in the mean time, are used to break higher currents and voltages.

Vacuum circuit breakers can break up to 3000 amperes and are used for systems of up to 35,000 voltage capacity. Vacuum circuit breakers tend to be more durable than air circuit breakers.

Air circuit breakers however, can break up to 10,000 amperes with fully adjustable trip characteristics. Air circuit breakers are usually controlled either electronically or through a microprocessor. They are often used in large industrial facilities for main power distribution.

Breakers in a circuit breaker panels are usually arranged in two columns. Black and red wires are used for live wires, while white wires are neutral. Green or bare wires are used for ground wires.

Operator of circuit breaker panels cannot come in contact with live electrical parts. Circuit breaker panels have electrically dead fronts or façades for safety purposes.


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