More Info template Page 1 of 2

Circuit Breakers
A circuit breaker, part of a power supply unit, is a protection device that is often used in place
of a fuse. One difference between it and a fuse is that the fuse breaks permanently, whilst the
circuit breaker breaks temporarily and can provide more comprehensive protection.

Another difference is that the circuit breaker section performs the functions of switching and
isolation, protection against overload currents and protection against short-circuit currents,
whilst fuses are electrical safety devices that protect equipment and components only from
damage caused by overloaded circuits.

These functions of the circuit breaker are accomplished by means of thermal and electro-
magnetic protection devices. The earth fault detection section energises a trip coil when an
earth fault occurs, causing the circuit breaker to open.
Circuit breakers are produced in various sizes and specifications, depending on the intended
application.

The circuit breaker protects the circuit against overload currents by automatically switching off
the supply. When only a slight overload occurs, however, the opening action of the circuit
breaker must be delayed.

This is to guard against the effects of voltage surges and spikes, which can cause
unnecessary tripping of the device, as well as surges caused by switching on of motor, lighting
and inductive circuits.

In contrast, short circuit currents must be interrupted as quickly as possible.

In order to accomplish protection for both overload and short-circuit currents, the circuit
breaker has a bi-metallic strip and an electromagnetic unit.

The bi-metallic strip provides the thermal tripping characteristics. When an overload current
occurs, the strip is heated to a temperature that is dependent on the size and duration of the
overload current.

This heating will bend the strip until after a certain time, the device is switched off.

The electromagnetic section contains a coil and a moving latch. When a short circuit current
flows through the coil, a magnetic field is created that causes the latch to be attracted to the
coil.

file:///C:/ProgramData/Feedback%20Instruments/D3/38-003-d3/Common_Files/Concepts... 11/13/2019
More Info template Page 2 of 2

This effect is immediate and the circuit breaker will trip instantly.

Circuit Breakers – Earth Fault Currents

Another device, also part of the circuit breaker, protects against earth fault currents. The main
function of the device is to detect any difference between the currents that flow in the live and
neutral lines. If a discrepancy is detected, the live and the neutral contacts are opened by an
electromechanical device.

The tripping system used in the device is a drop out system that is rated as fail safe. This
system contains a magnetic circuit, which links to an adjacent coil core when an earth fault has
been detected. When not in operation, the system is kept on standby by a permanent magnet,
that ensures that the striker pin is held in position.

If an earth fault occurs, it is detected by the electronic section of the device. A capacitor is then
discharged and a pulse is given to the coil of the tripping system. As a result of the coil being
energised, the coil core becomes part of the magnetic circuit. In this situation, magnetic flux no
longer exists in the striker pin, which is released, discharging a spring and so providing the
energy to operate the tripping mechanism.

The test circuit includes a white test button, marked 'T', which covers a contact spring and
resistor. The resistor is connected to the phase voltage and, when the test button is pressed, is
also connected to the neutral conductor situated outside the core.

By pressing the test button, an earth fault is simulated and the circuit breaker will trip

file:///C:/ProgramData/Feedback%20Instruments/D3/38-003-d3/Common_Files/Concepts... 11/13/2019