Video

Checking a DB design from practical inputs and 40 years of circuit breaker experience. Getting the basics of DB design right so as to remove the risk of later calamity! Failing to address the basics could mean that later if the circuit breaker is called to do its trip function for cable protection a secondary event could occur esp at high fault levels which could render the complete panel damaged.

It is vitally important for the correct setting of electronic circuit breakers to be done to ensure their correct working in providing the levels of protection to prevent cable and equipment damage Manufacturers send these units into the market more often than not in the maximum settings which are probably not ideal

These should be viewed after looking at the previous video on how to adjust the electronic modules eg the 4 step approach The video should provide actual views of popular modules seen in the market place Whilst it is very important to do it correct it should not be considered difficult!

Contractors faced with finding a DB indicated at being designed to cascading concepts may well find they are at some disadvantage as they do not have adequate training in this regard. Here we try to give enough information as to make him/her confident that whatever is done to the DB or advised to do will not degrade the DB in some way and add any risks to the correct operation thereof

Any deviations from the CU (copper) PVC standard conditions should be done with additional care! Alternative insulations usually mean the conductors will run hotter, which is not optimal for the MCB/MCCB connected. By following these recommendations you can still use the cables by offsetting any heat and following the PVC recommendations. This is best aimed at the DB manufacturer.

When selection of a cable is made from load, volt drop and installation method we could also add what the MCB/MCCB requirement would be. In fact this may override any other source correction for correct MCCB operation! This is not readily known outside of the breaker manufacturing arena. The idea here is to show how this is also factored into the solution keeping in mind the electrical system i...

There is much written on the front label or face of a circuit breaker. It is very important to understand what these symbols or values mean. If you understand these then you are able to correctly determine if the breaker is correctly applied.

A wrongly selected contactor will not perform its duties as required. Although not the hardest device to correctly specify care must be taken to ensure that the selected contactor will do what is required to do for the service life to be met. The load type and size is the basic requirement to start the process.

When contractors are signing off on a COC, certificate of compliance, they need to ensure that the circuit breaker, MCB/MCCB, chosen meets the correct kA. Selection of an above value is acceptable whilst a below value can have disastrous consequences for the operator.