MINIATURE CIRCUIT BREAKERS(MCBs)

MINIATURE CIRCUIT BREAKERS(MCBs)

IDENTIFYING CIRCUIT BREAKERS (SINGLE- OR THREE-PHASE)
In most cases circuit breakers have a white toggle, except curve 1 which has an orange toggle.
It is manufactured within either a single- or three-phase unit.
The current rating of a circuit breaker is always stamped on its body or toggle, e.g. 5A, 10A,20A, etc...
Circuit breakers also have a kA rating stamped on it, e.g. 10kA.
Check the marking labels on the Distribution Board.

Toggles are colour coded to indicate its tripping curve.
These are all physical characteristics.
Lets take a brief look at the main purpose and function of a circuit breaker, so that we can have a further look at the technical differences between a circuit breaker, isolator and fuse.

PURPOSE OF A CIRCUIT BREAKER
The main purpose of a circuit breaker is to automatically interrupt the flow of electricity, when a fault or overload condition occurs on the load circuit connected to it. It serves the same purpose as a fuse.
Serving the function detailed above, it is also used as the main switch on distribution boards.

Circuit breakers are also used to limit the power demand to a customers installation.

They also isolate a distribution board or any part of a power system.
These points describe the purpose and function of a circuit breaker.

TYPES OF CIRCUIT BREAKERS
There are three main types of circuit breakers in use:
1: Thermal circuit breakers
2: Magnetic circuit breakers
3: Hydraulic magnetic circuit breakers

MAINTENANCE ON CIRCUIT BREAKERS
There is no maintenance, except cleaning, on a circuit breaker.
If it doesnt function correctly, test it and, if faulty, replace.

Circuit breakers can be single-pole, double-pole, or three-pole.