Vacuum circuit breakers offer superior performance over other types of electrical equipment. They are best for capacitor switching and transformer switching as they have a good arc interruption and chopping performance.
Taking digital pictures of your equipment can help our electrical experts identify the correct used or reconditioned generator circuit breaker for your system. We’ll then find a vacuum or molded case circuit breaker that meets your needs quickly and efficiently.
Circuit Breakers for Sale
Vacuum circuit breakers use the power of vacuum to quench dangerous electrical arcs that could otherwise cause fires or injury. They also require less maintenance than other types of circuit breakers, making them a great choice for commercial applications. Read on to learn more about these remarkable devices.
The arc interruption in a vacuum breaker occurs at the first current zero, with the dielectric strength between the contacts building up at a rate thousands of times faster than in other breakers. Moreover, there is no restrike after the arc interruption. Consequently, VCB circuit breakers are ideal for capacitor switching.
There are many different types of arc interrupters available for various voltages and applications. A common type is the single-pole breaker, which protects one live electric wire. Other models are multi-pole and can handle several lines at the same time. Some are made for AC or DC applications, while others are specifically designed for railway or traction current application.
Whether you’re looking for a new or used circuit breaker, it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. Before installing a circuit breaker, make sure you consult the local building codes and acquire any necessary permits. Then, you can install your new equipment safely and efficiently. You can also get in touch with our experienced engineers if you have any questions about choosing the best arc interrupter for your project.
Used Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers are the heart of any electrical system. Without them our houses would be overloaded with electricity and could burn down. They protect the wiring by interrupting current flow when they detect overload or fault. Purchasing used circuit breakers is risky because they can be wet or damaged inside and may not perform as well as new ones. There is no guarantee they have not been reconditioned by someone who does not know what they are doing and may have damaged them further. A quality breaker is made by professionals with precise machinery and can be tested before being sold.
Vacuum circuit breakers use a vacuum to interrupt the arc, and they require very little maintenance over time. They are also very quiet. Most modern medium voltage switch gear is equipped with them, which are rated up to 38,000 volts. They are often combined into metal-enclosed switchgear for indoor installation, although they can be found in other types of equipment as well, such as a substation.
Air circuit breakers are powered by compressed air, which is displaced when the contacts open and close. They are typically used in occasions with frequent operations, such as industrial and mining applications. They also act to protect line and electric apparatus in short-circuit situations. They are not as reliable as vacuum and gas breaker types, but they can still be found in some older systems.
Molded Breakers
Unlike conventional breakers, molded case circuit breakers (MCCB) feature a molded enclosure that protects them from damage and heat. They are often used in industrial applications and are able to handle high currents. MCCBs are designed to protect against motor overload, short circuits, and ground faults.
They use a combination of electromagnetic and thermal-magnetic trip mechanisms to protect against these issues. They are also highly durable and can break large amounts of current. In addition, a molded case circuit breaker can provide adjustable trip settings that are not possible with plug-in type breakers or miniature circuit breakers.
When choosing an MCCB, you should consider its trip curves and ampere rating. The release and tripping curves are important because they tell you how quickly the circuit breaker will trip when an overload occurs. For example, a Type B breaker will usually trip after the current reaches its rated limit thrice, while a Type D will typically trip at five times its rated current for 0.04-4 seconds.
When installing an MCCB, it is essential to carefully check all connections for proper splicing and insulation. This step will lower the risk of injuries from wires that are not properly spliced or insulation that is missing. It is also crucial to follow all local electrical codes and regulations. Coastal Power Systems tests all MCCBs to ensure they meet all of the requirements.
Vacuum Circuit Breakers
When a vacuum interrupter trips off, it pulls the electrical contacts apart. This can cause an arc to form between the contacts, but the arc is unable to ionize the air or provide a path for electricity to pass through. This is one of the reasons that vacuum circuit breakers are often used in high-voltage systems.
Vacuum circuit breaker manufacturers use stainless steel metallic bellows to move the contact points higher and lower during shutting and opening. The bellows can be moved without a bounce, which is important for safe operation. They also have a low pressure inside them that prevents external moisture from entering the breaker.
When the VCB’s contacts are opened, an arc can be generated between them due to the ionization of metal vapors in the contacts. However, this arc is quickly extinguished as the electrons, ions, and metallic vapors produced during the arc condense over the contacts, leading to a rapid improvement in dielectric strength.
