The Circuit breaker is an automatic device capable of making and breaking an electrical circuit under normal and abnormal

conditions such as short circuits.

CB

Tripping coil Auxiliary switch

CT Relay Battery

Poles with interrupter, support porcelain, arc quenching medium etc. Operating mechanism Support structure

Control cabinet The part of the circuit-breaker connected in one phase called the pole. A circuit breaker suitable for three phase system is called a triple pole. Each pole of the CB comprises one or more interrupts or arc extinguishing chambers. The interrupters are mounted on support insulators. The interrupter encloses a pair of fixed and moving contact.

The moving contacts can be drawn apart by means of the operating links or the operating medium. The operating mechanism of a CB gives the necessary energy for opening and closing of contacts of the circuit breakers. The arc produced by the separation of current carrying contacts is interrupted by a suitable medium and by adopting suitable techniques for extinction. Circuit breaker is used for opening and closing circuits for normal switching operations. The command is given by operator from control room or from switch yard. During short circuits or abnormal conditions, relay operates and gives opening command to Circuit breaker and Circuit is opened automatically.

Circuit Breakers are Two types:

1) Below rated voltage of 1000V are called Low voltage AC circuit Breakers. 2) Above rated voltage of 1000V are called High voltage AC circuit Breakers. A.C Circuit breakers cannot be used in DC circuit unless Approved by the manufacturer.

The types of the Circuit breakers based on the medium of arc extinction is as follows.
1) Air Circuit breakers, Miniature Circuit breakers
2) Oil circuit breaker tank type or bulk oil (OCB) 3) Minimum oil circuit breaker (MOCB) 4) Air Blast circuit breakers (ABCB) 5) SF6 (Sulphur hexafluoride) Circuit pressure or Double pressure 6) Vacuum circuit-breaker (VCB) breaker single

1) Air circuit-breakers: Utilize air at atmospheric extinction.

pressure for arc

2) Air-blast Circuit breakers: Utilize high pressure compressed extinction.

Air

for

3) Bulk-oil and minimum oil CBS: Utilize dielectric (transformer oil) for arc extinction. In bulk oil circuit breakers, the contacts are separated inside a steel tank with dielectric oil. In minimum oil circuit breakers the contacts are separated in an insulating housing (interrupter) filled with dielectric oil.

4). SF6 circuit breakers:

sulphur-hexa fluoride gas is used for arc extinction. -Single pressure puffer type SF6 circuit breakers: in which the entire circuit breaker is filled with SF6 gas at single pressure(4 to 6 Kg/Square cm.The pressure and gas flow required for arc extinction is obtained by pressure from piston action.

-Double pressure type SF6 circuit breaker: is which the gas from high pressure system is released into low pressure system over the arc during the arc quenching process.

5) Vacuum circuit breakers:

The fixed and moving contacts are housed inside a permanently sealed vacuum interrupter. The arc is quenched as the contacts are separated in high vacuum.

AIR

Interrupting Medium

AIR BLAST

OIL MAGNET BLAST

IN DOOR

SERVICE OUT DOOR

GRAVITY OPEND
OPERATION GRAVITY CLOSED HORIZONTAL BREAK

BUTT

WEDGE

CONTACTS

LAMINATED FLAT CONTACT BAYONET EXPLOSION CHAMBER DEION GRID

ACTION
A) B) NON - AUTOMATIC AUTOMATIC

METHOD OF CONTROL
ELECTRICAL 1. REMOTE CONTROL PNEUMATIC MOTOR SOLENOID

MANUAL 2. DIRECT CONTROL

TANK CONSTRUCTION
a) SEPARATE TANK FOR EACH POLE b) ONE TANK FOR ALL POLES

MOUNTING
a) PANEL MOUNTED
b) REAR OF PANEL c) REMOTE FROM PANEL

The following Circuit breakers are used for different voltages in industries.
Choice of CBs is now

- Air break for LV ( < 1000V) - SF6 and Vacuum for MV ( < 36KV) - SF6 (3.3KV and 1200KV)

-Maintenance requirements of SF6 & vacuum circuit breakers are very much less due to long contact life and inert operating medium. -These breakers can perform various operating duties satisfactorily with out over voltages. -Cost of the circuit breakers is less if cumulative maintenance cost is also considered. -Vacuum and SF6 CBs are explosion proof. Hence safe SF6 CB does not explode like Oil CBs. Because excessive pressures are not created in the breaker during arcing and breaker failure.

-Advance warning of failure -System voltage withstand in case of leakage

-Residual breaking capacity in case of leakage

-Less frequent occurrence of multiple re-ignitions

-No contact degradation

-No current chopping and over voltages -No contact bounce -Economics of failure

It is equipped with density switch having contacts for low pressure alarm, Normal pressure is 5 to 7 bar. Alarm is sounded at 4.5 to 6.5 bar. lockout of breaker operation occurs at 4 to 6 bar.

Every high voltage Circuit-breaker should have the following. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Rated Rated Rated Rated Rated Rated Rated voltage. insulation level. normal current. frequency. short-time current. breaking current. making current.

Rated voltage: The Rated voltage of a circuit breaker corresponds to the higher system voltage for which the circuit breaker is intended. The rated voltage is expressed in KV (r.m.s) and refers to phase to phase voltage for three phase circuit. Rated insulation level: The rated insulation level of a CB refers to the power frequency withstand voltage and impulse voltage withstand values which characteristic the insulation of the circuit breaker.

Rated current: The Rated normal current of a circuit breaker is the r.m.s value of the current which the circuit breaker can carry continuously and with temperature rise of the various parts within specified limits. Preferred values of Rated currents in A r.m.s
400, 600, 800, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3150, 4000A r.m.s.

Rated frequency: the standard frequency for a 3 pole circuit breaker is the frequency of the power system (50Hz). The characteristics like normal current, breaking capacity, etc. are based on the rated frequency. Rated frequency is assigned by manufacturer to suit system frequency.

Rated short time current: the short time current of a circuit breaker is the r.m.s value of current that the circuit breaker can carry in a fully closed position during a specified time. The value is usually that of rated short circuit breaking current. Rated duration prefers to time for which the short circuit current can flow through closed breaker. It is normally expressed in terms of kA for rated duration is usually 1 sec. or 3 sec. Rated short circuit breaking current: The Rated short circuit breaking current of a circuit breaker is the highest value of short circuit which a circuit breaker is capable of breaking under specified conditions of recovery voltage and power frequency recovery voltage.

Rated making current: rated short circuit making current (peak value). It may so happen that circuit breaker may close on existing fault. In such cases the current increase to the maximum value at the peak of first current loop. The circuit breaker should be able to close with out hesitation as contact touch. the rated short circuit making current should be atleast 2.5 times the r.m.s value of AC component of rated breaking current. Rated making current Im = 1.8 X 2 X rated short circuit breaking current. = 2.5 X rated short circuit breaking current (peak). Making current is expressed in kV peak.

Rated operating sequence (duty cycle). The operating sequence denotes the sequence of opening and closing operations which the circuit breakers can perform under specified conditions.The operating mechanism experiences severe mechanical stress during the autoreclosure duty. As per IEC, the circuit breaker should able to perform operating sequence as per one of the following two alternatives.

I) O t CO T CO * O = Opening operation * C = Closing operation * CO = closing followed by opening * t = 0.3 second for CB to be used for rapid auto reclosure * T = 3 minutes.

Opening time The time internal lapsed from the Energisation of the trip Coil to the instant of contact separation is called the Opening time, it depends on the magnitude of fault current. Arcing time The time from separation of contact to the extinction of the arc is Called the arcing time,it depends on the magnitude of fault current As well as the voltage available to maintain the arc and upon the Mechanism used for extinguishing the arc. The sum of opening time and arcing time is called the Total break Time.

Type tests: * Temperature rise limits * Dielectric tests * Short circuit making & breaking tests * Mechanical endurance tests * Electrical endurance tests * Over load performance. (Type tests are carried out at manufacturer premises at the time of dispatch) Routine tests: * Mechanical operation tests * Calibration of releases dielectric tests

Routine tests are conducted on each circuit breaker before dispatch. A routine test is defined as a test of every Circuit Breaker made to the same specifications. The routine tests are as following. Mechanical operation tests Contact travel characteristics. milli volt drop test, measurement of resistance. Power frequency voltage testing at the manufacturers premises, Voltage tests on auxiliary circuits. Routine tests reveal the defects in the materials and construction of CB. The results of routine tests confirm the quality of the CB operation

Low voltage a.c.circuit breakers are used in control gear for controlling power consuming devices. They are as a rule for indoor applications. They operate more frequently than high voltage circuit breakers. H.V. circuit breakers are used in supply system. They operate less frequently. The specifications, ratings, test requirements of high voltage a.c. circuit breakers are quite different from those of L.V. a.c. circuit breakers. The design and constructional features of low voltage circuit breakers are quite different from H.V. circuit breakers. L.V. breakers are more compact as the phase to phase and phase to ground clearances for low voltage are less.

For load and overload switching L.V. contactors are generally preferred. Most of the low voltage a.c. circuit breakers are used for repeated switching of low currents and overload currents and have capability to breaker short circuit current with current limiting feature. LOW VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKER: The circuit breakers intended for circuits below rated voltage 1000 volts a.c. or 1200 volts d.c. are covered under the group low voltage switchgear. The construction, ratings, design, specifications for low voltage circuit breakers are generally different for those of HV CB

Release is a device mechanically connected to a Circuit Breaker, which release the holding means and permits opening of closing of Circuit Breakers. * * * * Over load release Thermal overload release Shunt release Under voltage release

Over load release: The over load release is intended for protection against over loads Thermal overload release: Responds to overload by means of thermal action of the current flowing in the release. Shunt release: A release energised by the voltage source, i.e. parallel to the load. Under voltage release: A shunt release which permits opening of a CB when the voltage across the terminals of the release pulls below a predetermined value.

-Auxiliary DC supply for trip circuit and closing circuit. (Usually 110v or 220v D.C.) -Auxiliary AC supply for motor in the mechanism. (Usually 230v AC or 440v 3 ph AC) -DC supply for solenoid in case of solenoid operated breakers. (Usually 220v DC and a few KW) -Compressed air supply at 30kg/cm2 for air blast circuit breakers.

Out door CB with long support insulator and long glass fiber rods should be high insulation resistance. > 10,000 M OHMS.

Lower value indicates dirty surface and / or moisture on surface. Using HV test if the insulator fails by permanent tracking the conducting track is left on the failed insulator which cannot be easily wiped out. The subsequent insulation resistance measurements will give a very low values. < 500 M OHMS

Indoor CB in metal clad SWGR will have a high value of insulation resistance only in dry season and when insulators are dry & clean. The value may exceed to 10,000 M ohms. During the rainy season, the insulation value per panel may come down to 1000 Mohms. With 10 panels in a row forming a board the net insulation resistance is further reduced to about 500 M ohms due to several insulator surfaces in parallel.

1) Miniature circuit breaker for lighting

2) Air circuit breaker for LT motors

3) SF6 gas circuit breaker - HT motors and Transformers

1) Latching box assembly: * main shaft * closing & tripping lever * interlock tripping lever 2) Ratchet wheel 3) Motor and reduction gear assembly 4) Closing & opening spring assembly 5) Bearings, spacers, lock washers, washers, nuts & bolts.

There is a facility for charging the breaker with electrical and manual operation. Manual charging operation: when the charging handle is inserted into its socket, and moved up & down with charging strokes, the movement is transferred through the connecting lever via shaft. The shaft is attached to ratchet wheel and gets the spring charged. The charging action continues until the roller of the cam principal gets stopped by the closing latch.

Electrical charging operation: the sequence of electrical spring charging is similar to that for manual spring charging instead of the spring charging handle, socket, charging lever, the motor and reduction gear drive the cam shaft which in turn moves the ratchet wheel and gets the spring charged. The unit switch contacts change over when the spring was fully charged and cut off the supply to the motor.

Breaker closing: the closing action of the breaker is initiated by the rotation of the shaft under the force of the discharge of the closing spring.

The closing command to the breaker is given manually by pushing the close push button or electrically by energising the closing solenoid which pulls the closing lever and in turn rotates the closing crank.

For breaker closing the following four operations are initiated:

The breaker is held in closed position and the spring charging mechanism is reset. The opening spring gets compressed. The electrical spring operating mechanism begins to recharge. The re-closing operation of the breaker gets blocked.

The tripping action of the breaker is initiated by the rotation of the tripping shaft. The trip command is given manually by pushing the trip push button or electrically by energising the tripping solenoid which in turn pushes the trip lever and rotates the tripping shaft. In both electrical & manual tripping the rotation of tripping shaft turns the shaft so that it releases the spring loaded trip latch and thereby breaker gets opened.

All moving components are subject to mechanical wear and tear which ultimately affects the operation of equipment. A satisfactory performance of breakers is greatly ensured by general cleaning, oiling, alignment and adjustment checks during periodical maintenance. Recommended maintenance schedule for breakers: General cleaning and oiling Preventive maintenance Capital overhauling Pole integrity checks

1) General cleaning and oiling: to be done every 6 months or every 1000 operations which ever is earlier. - ensure that the mechanism components are cleaned by a dry cloth or by compressed air jet at low pressure. - then lubricate the mechanism joints with 3 in 1 oil - check closely for any breakage or wearing out or distortion of components. Replace all damaged components with recommended spares. 2) Preventive maintenance: to be done atleast once a year - perform all the operational checks to ensure that there are no problems as listed in the check list. - check the tightness of all current carrying joints. In case corrosion on the joint, open the joint, clean it thoroughly, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly and remake the joint.

1) Over hauling: to be done every 5 years or after 2500 operations which ever is earlier. - a complete overhauling of the breaker is to be carried out to each and every part. 2) Pole integrity checks: to be done after 20 fault clearances at 100% breaking capacity, or its equivalent, or at the time of capital overhauling. - closely inspect the pole envelope to ensure that it is in good condition. - check for arcing contact wear inside the pole on the indicator provided. Replace the pole and other components found outside their specified limits. In case of adverse service conditions like high temperature, humidity and atmospheric pollution, the above maintenance frequency is to be increased suitably.

- All maintenance procedures on the operating mechanism are to be carried out with the breaker in open condition and the spring mechanism in discharged condition. To obtain such a condition, draw out and isolate the breaker, close the breaker and then open it once again.

The following overhauling procedure is recommended for the operating mechanism and its major assemblies.
1) 2) 3) 4) Latching box assembly Motor and reduction gear assembly Ratchet wheel assembly Closing and opening springs

1) LATCHING BOX ASSEMBLY: - Remove the latching box assembly to access all its parts and to clean and grease it thoroughly. - dismantle and clean the trip latch and the closing latch with petrol. Lubricate the latch edges and the bush. - dismantle and clean the tripping and closing shafts and needle bearings with petrol. - oil the joints of the closing cranks with 3 in 1 oil - check that the spring loaded latch moves freely, and that in its normal position, it is hooked up with the closing lever attached to the shaft - check that the set screw fits tightly into its locking nut.

2) MOTOR AND REDUCTION GEAR ASSEMBLY: - Remove the reduction gear drive along with the motor to access all its parts and to clean and grease it thoroughly. - Clean the gear wheels with petrol using a stiff brush, and then apply multipurpose grease. - Oil the joints of the two plates carrying the gears. - Check the tightness and correct operation of the cam shaft by rotating it in the reverse direction. - Clean the surface of the cam with petrol and then apply a thin layer of grease on it. - Clean the carbon brushes of the motor with dry cloth.

3) RATCHAT WHEEL ASSEMBLY: - Once the latching box assembly, reduction gear drive and closing springs are removed, the ratchet wheel and holders assembled on the shaft are easily accessible and free to rotate. - Clean the ratchet wheel with petrol using a stiff brush, and then apply multipurpose grease. - Oil the joints of the holder casings.

4) CLOSING AND TRIPPING SPRINGS: - Clean the surface of the spring guides with petrol using a stiff brush and then apply multipurpose grease. - Oil the joints of the axles at both the ends.

Closed position 1- contact terminal 2- contact terminal 3- fixed contact 4- moving contact 5- sliding contact 6- contact rod

In course of opening 4- moving contact 7- arcing contacts 8- arcing contacts 9- moving piston 10- cylinder head

Open position

Closed position 1- contact terminal 2- contact terminal 3- fixed contact 4- sliding contact 5- moving contact

Increase in pressure 6- arcing contacts 7- arcing contacts 9- nozzle 10- chamber

Blasting of arc 7- arcing contacts 8- arcing contacts

Properties:1) Non Inflammable 2) Colourless 3) Odourless 4) Non toxic gas 5) Molecular weight = 146.05

(5 times that of air)

Generally NO. Why because AC Circuit Breakers quenches arc at current zero. DC has no current zero. Hence AC Circuit Breakers cannot be used for DC. Only small air break circuit breakers with arc chutes have a rating for DC load current switching.

NO. the type tests of Circuit Breakers at 50Hz supply frequency are not valid for 60Hz supply frequency. However most of the Circuit breakers are type tested at both the frequencies 50Hz & 60Hz and the application is possible. Manufacture should be consulted.

Circuit Breaker voltage rating corresponds to highest system voltage. As per standards of Circuit Breakers IS 2516, IEC 56 etc. a Circuit Breaker is rated for highest system voltage. Hence Circuit breaker to be used on 11kv system should be of rated voltage 12kv.

-Sf6 gas becomes liquid at higher pressure and lower temperature. -At 5 kg/cm2 the liquification is at temperature of about 40C -At 150C the gas liquefies at 10 kg/cm2
When using as a insulation or arc quenching medium the gas should be preserved in gaseous state hence it is essential to heat the gas it used at high pressure and low temperature.

In OCB the oil gets vaporized during arc quenching. The gas formed during arcing has higher volume than hence pressure inside the breaker increases. in SF6 CB the temperature of gas increased the pressure as following P1V1/T1 = P2V2/T2 , P1/T1 = P2/T2 Hence the pressure rise in the puffer type CB during arc quenching is much less than in OCB. If the arc continues for 1sec, due to breaker failure, the pressure rise in MOCB would more than 100kg/cm2 where as in SF6 CB it would be less than 10kg/cm2