Publication Date: April, 2005 Discount Price: $17.50 (Cdn) Discount Price: $14.99 (U.S.)

Learn About Circuit Breakers - Handbook Vol 1

Learn about circuit breaker design, application, safety, and maintenance. These are the most important aspects discussed in our technical handbook by the Electricity Forum -- giving electrical engineers and contractors the vital information they need to select and specify switchgear and control equipment. A more detailed section on proper maintenance and testing techniques is included. This 100+ page handbook is packed with interesting and educational information that will help you in practical ways in your electrical profession.

A circuit breaker is a device that is an automatically-operated switch which is designed to protect an electrical branch from damage caused by overload or short. Unlike a fuse which operates once and then has to be replaced, a can be reset (either manually or automatically) to resume normal operation. They are made in varying sizes, from small devices which protect an individual household appliance up to large switchgear designed to protect high voltage branches feeding an entire city.

Some types are implemented using a solenoid (electromagnet) whose pulling force increases as the current increases. The contacts are held closed by a latch and, as the current in the solenoid increases, the solenoid's pull releases the latch which then allows the contacts to open by spring action. Another method of sensing current is with a bimetallic strip, which heats and bends with increased current, and is similarly arranged to release the latch. Some types incorporate both techniques, with the electromagnet responding to short, large surges in current and the bimetallic strip responding to less extreme but longer-term overcurrent conditions. For larger currents, some types are usually arranged with pilot devices to sense a fault current and to operate the trip opening mechanism.

• Low Voltage Switchgear, Theory and Applications
• General Introduction
• The Spectrum of Switchgear
• Standards -- Standards Organizations, Certification Marks and Applicable Standards
• Switchgear Drawings
• Switchgear Ratings
• Difference Between Switchgear & Switchboards
• Switchgear Factory Testing
• Short Current Estimation
• Ground Fault Protection
• Modern LV Switchgear -- Design Features and Benefits
• Modern LV Power Circuit Breakers
• Modern LV Trip Units
• Maintaining the Workhorse of the Power System
• High & Medium Voltage Switchgear
• Switchgear Maintenance, Care and Testing
• Maintenance of Protective Equipment and Instrument Transformers
• Control Power Systems
• Construction and Features
• Arc Extinguishing Mediums
• Maintenance, Care and Testing
• Also: Directory of Manufacturers and Suppliers
  -- 96 Pages