Circuit Breaker Switchgear Application and Maintenance is Important
Circuit breaker switchgear application and maintenance is a subject that is best left to the experts. In general, the term is used in conjunction with the electric power system, or grid. It can also refer to the combination of electrical disconnects, fuses or circuit breakers used to isolate electrical equipment. These particular devices, and there are many types, are used both to de-energize equipment to allow work to be done, and to clear faults downstream once they occur.
Switchgear Application & Maintenance Necessary at Power Source
It is important to understand that circuit breaker switchgear application and maintenance can be conducted anywhere that isolation and protection may be required. For the most part, these locations include substations, motors, generators, and various types of transformers. Circuit breakers are a unique form of switchgear. They basically cut off the current when a fault occurs. One of their most important aspects is that their construction allows them to interrupt fault currents of thousands of amps.
Four Types of Circuit Breaker Switchgear Application
Under the topic of circuit breaker switchgear application and maintenance, there are four common types:
- The oil types use a form of vaporization to blast a jet of oil through the arc, thus extinguishing it.
- Gas (SF6) types stretch the arc using a magnetic field, and then rely upon the dielectric strength of the SF6 to extinguish the arc.
- Vacuum types have minimal arcing, as there is nothing to ionize, other than the contact material itself. Because of this, the arc goes out when it is stretched a tiny amount.
- Lastly, air devices may use compressed air to blow out the arc.
Any of the above may be used in conjunction with circuit breaker switchgear application and maintenance.
Circuit Breakers Terminate Current Flow Between 30 ms and 150 ms
When thinking about circuit breaker switchgear application and maintenance, it is important to keep in mind that circuit breakers are usually able to terminate all current flow very quickly. This is typically between 30 ms and 150 ms, depending upon the age and construction of the circuit breaker that is being used.
Circuit Breaker Switchgear Applications Must Meet National & Global Standards
Ratings, design, specifications and details of circuit breaker switchgear application and maintenance issues are set by a multitude of standards. In North America, the IEEE and ANSI standards are used. In other parts of the world, IEC standards are commonly employed. It should be noted that there can be many local variances to the standards, especially when working outside of North America. For this reason, it is always a good idea to do some research before beginning work.
It is important to keep in mind that the main function of circuit breaker switchgear application and maintenance is protection.