Study of Different Components and Their Functions

of an Air Circuit Braker (ACB)

Md. Abdullah Nabil Sadman Sakib Rafat Raisa Tabassum Tasin
Electrical Electronics Engineering Electrical Electronics Engineering Electrical Electronics Engineering
American International University- American International University- American International University-
Bangladesh Bangladesh Bangladesh
Dhaka,Bangladesh Dhaka,Bangladesh Dhaka,Bangladesh
nabilabdullah12@gmail.com sakib75@gmail.com raisatasin715@gmail.com

Lia Moni Tahmina Akter Urmi

Electrical Electronics Engineering
American International University-
Bangladesh
Dhaka,Bangladesh
liamoni982@gmail.com
Electrical Electronics Engineering
American International University-
Bangladesh
Dhaka,Bangladesh
tahminaurmi99@gmail.com

Abstract—The overall purpose of power system protection is extinguished at the current zero of AC wave.Air break circuit
to detect any faults or abnormal conditions that could cause the breakers are employed in DC circuits and Ac circuits up to
system to malfunction or create a full power outage and isolate 12,000 voltages. Such breakers are usually of indoor type and
them from the healthy portion. Protecting the critical power installed on vertical panels or indoor draw out switch gear.
system equipment will require analysis. A circuit breaker is
AC circuit breakers are widely employed indoor medium
used to break circuits during faulty conditions such as short
circuits or over current manually or remotely. These devices are voltage and low voltage switchgear. [2] Based on the arc
mainly used to protect the system. Few devices namely relays, quenching medium circuit breakers are classified into several
switches, fuses and many more can be connected to protect the types. Air circuit breaker is one of the types. In ACB air is
electrical systems along with circuit breakers. ACB play an used to clear arc from the arcing zone. In this experiment
important part in ensuring that electrical safety devices are construction of ACB is examined properly and following
properly protected. This lab study highlights the manual and things are observed:
automatic contact closing operations, as well as the tripping 1. Observe the contact closing operation manually
mechanism and the under voltage shunt tripping mechanism. 2. Observe the contact closing operation automatically
Keywords— Power system protection, ACB, Faulty conditions.
3. Observe the tripping mechanism
4. Observe the under voltage shunt tripping mechanism [7]
II. THEORY
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Defination and Types of ACB
ACB is the short form for Air Circuit Breaker. Air circuit
breakers (ACB) are used for the protection of circuits which Air Circuit breaker /ACB is an electrical switching device
used to protect electrical circuits from overcurrent, under
have current of about 800 Amperes to 10-kilo Amperes
voltage and short circuits. These devices are generally used in
flowing through them. The ACB provides the circuit
low voltage applications and operate in the air as an arc
protection against the short circuit and the overcurrent extinguishing medium considering the atmospheric pressure.
condition in an electrical circuit. The air circuit breakers ACBs have a large capacity and a steel frame with parts
(ACB’s) are used in the circuits where the voltage range of installed inside.[3]
the circuit is below 450 Volts. The ACB trip is described as
when the current or voltage in a circuit in which the current
between 800A to 10kA is flowing gets greater than the
predefined values the ACB gets opened and the flow of
current and voltage in the circuit is stopped. Similarly, ACB
is opened in case of a short circuit and it prevents the circuit
from more damage. The main function of the ACB is to
quench the arching during overloading. [1]
In the air break, circuit breaker the contact separation and arc
extinction take place in air at atmospheric pressure. In air
break circuit breaker high resistance principle is employed.
In this circuit breaker arc is expanded by the mean of arc
runners, arc chutes, and arc resistance is increased by
splitting, cooling and lengthening.The arc resistance is
increased to such an extent that the voltage drop across the
arc becomes more than the system voltage, and the arc gets
Fig. 1: Air Circuit Breaker [4]

XXX-X-XXXX-XXXX-X/XX/$XX.00 ©20XX IEEE

There are different types of ACB. These are-
1)Plain Break type ACB.
2)Magnetic Blowout Type ACB.
3)Air Chute ACB.
4)Air Blast Circuit Breaker [4]
Plain Break Type Air Break Circuit Breaker: It is the simplest
one in which contacts are made in the shape of two horns. The
air initially strikes across the shortest distance between the
horns and is driven steadily upwards by the convection
currents caused by heating of air during arcing and the
interaction of the magnetic and the electric fields. The arc
extends from one tip to the other when the horns are fully
separated resulting in lengthening and cooling arc.
The relative slowness of the process and the possibility of arc
spreading of adjacent metal works limits the application of
about 500V and too low power circuits.
Magnetic Blow-Out Type Air Break Circuit Breaker: Some
air circuit breakers are used in the circuits having voltage up
to 11 KV, the arc extinction is accomplished using magnetic
field provided by the current in blowout coils connected in
series with the circuit being interrupted. Such coils are called
blow out the coil. The magnetic field itself does not
extinguish the arc. It simply moves the arc into chutes where
the arc is lengthened, cooled and extinguished. The arc
shields prevent arc spreading to an adjacent network.
Fig. 2: Magnetic Blow-Out Type Air Break Circuit Breaker
It is important to connect the coils at correct polarity so that
the arc is directed upwards. As the breaking action becomes
more effective with large currents, this principle has resulted
in increasing the rupturing capacities of such breakers to
higher values.
Arc chute is an efficient device for arc extinction in air and
performs the following three interrelated functions
1. It confines the arc within a restricted space.
2. It provides magnetic control over the arc movement so as
to make arc extinction within the devices.
3. It provides for the rapid cooling of arc gasses to ensures
arc extinction by deionization.
Air Chute Air Break Circuit Breaker: The normal
arrangement of air-chute air break circuit breaker employed
for low and medium voltage circuits is shown in the figure
below. There are two sets of contacts called the main contacts
and arcing or auxiliary contacts. Main contacts are usually of
copper and conduct the current in the closed position of the
breakers. They have low contact resistance and are silver
plated.
The arcing contacts are hard, heat resistant and usually of
copper alloy. Arcing contacts are used to relieve the main
contacts from damage due to arcing. The arcing contacts are
easily renewable when required. The auxiliary and arcing
contacts close before and open after the main contacts during
the operation.
Here the blowouts consist of a steel insert in the arcing
chutes. These are so arranged that the magnetic field induced
in them by the current in the arc moves it upwards still faster.
The steel plates divide the arc into a number of arcs in the
series.
The distribution of voltage along the arc length is not linear,
but it is accompanied by a rather large anode and cathode
drops. In case the total sum of anode and drops of all the short
arcs in series exceeds the system voltage, conditions for the
quick extinction of the arc are automatically established.
When the contact has come in contact with the relatively cool
surfaces of the steel plants gets rapidly and effectively cooled.
The movement of the arc may be naturally or aided by a
magnetic blowout. Thus, the arc is extinguished by lightening
and increasing the power loss of the arc. [2]
B. Ratings of ACB
Air circuit breakers come in with different ratings as different
circuits utilize different current and voltage ratings. However
the standard ratings of the ACB’s lie in the range of 400A to
1600A. Similarly, another class of ACB lies in 2000A to
5000A rating. The standard current ratings of the ACB are
these however, the voltage, the physical ratings of the ACB
vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. [4]
Fig. 3: ACB Rating [4]
III. WORKING PRINCIPLE
Air circuit breakers operate with their contacts in free air.
Their method of arc quenching control is entirely different
from that of oil circuit-breakers. They are always used for a
low-voltage interruption and now tends to replace high-
voltage oil breakers. The below-shown figure illustrates the
principle of air breaker circuit operation.
Air Circuit breakers generally have two pairs of contacts. The
main pair of contacts (1) carries the current at normal load
and these contacts are made of copper metal. The second pair
is the arcing contact (2) and is made of carbon. When the
circuit breaker is being opened, the main contacts open first.
When the main contacts opened the arcing contacts are still
in touch with each other. As the current gets a parallel low
resistive path through the arcing contact. During the opening
of main contacts, there will not be any arcing in the main
contact. The arcing is only initiated when finally the arcing
contacts are separated. The each of the arc contacts is fitted
with an arc runner which helps. The arc discharge to move
upward due to both thermal and electromagnetic effects as
shown in the figure. As the arc is driven upward it enters in
the arc chute, consisting of splatters.
The arc in the chute will become colder, lengthen and split
hence arc voltage becomes much larger than the system
voltage at the time of operation of air circuit breaker, and
therefore the arc is extinguished finally during the current
zero.
The air brake circuit box is made of insulating and fireproof
material and it is divided into different sections by the barriers
of the same material, as shown above,. At the bottom of each
barrier is a small metal conducting element between one side
of the barrier and the other. When the arc, driven upwards by
the electromagnetic forces, enters the bottom of the chute, it
is split into many sections by the barriers, but the each metal
piece ensures electrical continuity between the arcs in each
section, the several arcs are consequently in the series.
When the oscillation starts between C and L as described
for the idealised circuit breaker shown in Figure below, this
resistance damps the oscillation heavily. Certainly, it is
usually so heavy that the damping is critical, the oscillation
cannot then take place at all, and the restriking voltage,
instead of appearing as a high-frequency oscillation, rises
dead-beat to its eventual value of peak generator voltage. [5]
IV. CHARECTARISTICS & FUNCTIONS OF ACB
ACBs are used in power systems including transformers,
power distribution stations, industrial and mining enterprises
due to its multiple advantages such as high sectional
capability, perfect function, compact structure and excellent
performance.
1.When the incident of current overload or failure happens,
ACB will instantly cut off the circuit acting as a combination
of a fuse switch and an overheating relay. Under-voltage
protection, and short-circuit protection are effective in
solving the problems of power equipment and lines.
2.ACBs control the electrical circuits to operate electrical
equipment normally by cutting off and connecting the load
circuit. These devices are compact due to their small size and
lightweight. Industrial, mining, power transformers,
distribution stations, and in many more places ACBs are used
as they match the requirements of the industry and are easy
to install.
3.Insulation plates are used in ACBs as a protective measure
on both sides to separate the conductors while ensuring safety
in daily operation. The parts are placed within the frame to
avoid rust and enhance reliability. The coordination of
components within the frame allows ACBs to perform
different functions and also consists of an electrical switch to
obtain stable performance.
4.The rated current and shell rating of ACB is higher
compared to other circuit breakers. This also means that the
allowable current value of ACB is also higher and can be used
to protect the motor. [3]
V. CONSTRACTION & MAINTAINANCE OF ACB
The construction of an air circuit breaker can be done by
using different internal and external parts like the following.
The external parts of ACB mainly include the ON & OFF
button, an indicator for the position of the main contact, an
indicator for the mechanism of energy storage, LED
indicators, RST button, controller, rated nameplate, handle
for energy storage, displays, shake, fault trip rest button,
rocker repository, etc. [6]
Fig. 4: Construction of ACB [6]
The internal parts of ACB mainly include supporting
structure with steel sheet, the current transformer used to
protect the trip unit, pole group insulating box, horizontal
terminals, arcing chamber, trip unit for protection, terminal
box, closing springs, CB opening & closing control, plates to
move arcing and main contacts, plates for fixed main &
arcing contacts. [5]
ACBs work like circuit protection devices for an extensive
range of low voltage applications up to 600V AC like UPS,
generators, mini power stations, MCCB distribution boards,
etc and their sizes range from 400A to 6300A otherwise
larger.In this circuit breaker, nearly 20% of failures in the
power distribution system occur due to less maintenance,
tough grease, dust, corrosion & frozen parts. So maintenance
of circuit breaker is the ideal choice to ensure consistent
operation as well as expand the lifetime. The air circuit
breaker maintenance is very important. For that, it should be
turned off first, and then separated from both faces by
opening the required electrical isolator. The circuit breaker
should be worked at this no isolated condition for restricted
and distant areas in every year. The circuit breaker must be
worked electrically from restricted and isolated after that
mechanically from restricted. This kind of process will make
the breaker more consistent by detaching any outside layer
developed among sliding faces. [6]
VI. APPARATUS
To do this lab we must need some equipment that are
required for conduct lab. The required apparatus are-
1. ACB
2. DC source
3. Clamp Meter [7]
VII. EXPERIMENTAL PRESIDURE
For energizing the charging motor, closing the contacts,
opening the contacts and under voltage tripping, the terminals
of control circuits for the motor are connected as shown in
the diagram. One incandescent lamp is connected across one
of the three phases of the contacts and the neutral. [7]
Fig. 4: Implementation of experimental circuit [7]
When the ON switch is pushed the contacts will be closed and
the lamp will glow and when the “OFF” switch is pushed the
contacts will be opened and the lamp will stop glowing. It is
important to keep in mind that the voltage across the under
voltage coil (i.e D1 and D2) should be maintained at about
220 V (ac) otherwise contacts cannot be closed by pushing
the ON switch. If the voltage across the under voltage coil is
reduced below 200 V (approax.) the breaker will
automatically be tripped. [7]
VIII. TESTING PROCEDURE
Circuit Breaker Testing is mainly used to check each
switching system operation as well as the programming of the
complete tripping construction. So, testing is very essential
for any kind of circuit breaker to ensure secure and consistent
performance. As compared to other devices, performing
testing is more challenging.
When a malfunction occurs in a circuit breaker then it can
lead to a short circuit within the coils, incorrect behavior,
damage the mechanical connections, etc. Thus, circuit
breakers need to test regularly to overcome all these faults.
Different types of tests performed in circuit breaker mainly
include mechanical, thermal, dielectric, short circuit, etc. The
routine tests of a circuit breaker are a trip test, insulation
resistance, connection, contact resistance, overload tripping,
instantaneous magnetic tripping, etc.
For testing a circuit breaker, different kinds of test equipment
are used to verify the condition of the circuit breaker in any
power system. This testing can be performed through
different test methods as well as kinds of testing equipment.
The testing devices are analyzer, micro ohmmeter, primary
injection tester with high current, etc. There are some benefits
of circuit breaker testing like the following.
1.The performance of the circuit breaker can be enhanced.
2.The circuit can be checked on load or offload.
3.Recognizes requirement of maintenance
4.Issues can be avoided
5.Early indications of faults can be identified [6]
IX. ADVANTAGE & DISADVANTAGE OF ACB
The advantages of an air circuit breaker include the
following.
1. High-speed re-closures facility
2. Used for frequent operation
3. Need less maintenance
4. High-speed operation
5. Fire risk can be eliminated not like in oil circuit breakers
6. Consistent and short arcing time, so burning of contacts is
less.
The disadvantages of air circuit breaker include the
following.
1.A drawback of the arc chute principle is its inefficiency at
low currents where the electromagnetic fields are weak.
2.The chute itself is not necessarily less efficient in its
lengthening and de-ionizing action than at high currents, but
the arc movement into the chute tends to become slower, and
high-speed interruption is not necessarily obtained. [6]
X. APPLICATIONS
Air Circuit Breakers are used for controlling the power
station auxiliaries and industrial plants. They offer protection
to industrial plants, electrical machines like transformers,
capacitors, and generators.
1.They are mainly used for the protection of plants, where
there are possibilities of fire or explosion hazards.
2.The air brake principle of the air breaker circuit arc is used
in DC circuits and AC circuits up to 12KV.
3.The air circuit breakers have high resistance power that
helps in increasing the resistance of the arc by splitting,
cooling, and lengthening.
4.An air circuit breaker is also used in the Electricity sharing
system and NGD about 15kV [6]
XI. REPORT QUESTION AND ANSWER
Suggest a protection scheme for a 10HP motor.
Answer: The amount of protection and its type, used for a
motor is a compromise between factors such as the
importance of the motor, the potential dangers, the type of
duty and the requirements of protection coordination against
the cost of the protection scheme.The protection schemes that
are illustrated represent common practise and international
recommendations for the protection of motors of different
powers, and are divided into 4 categories:
1.Protection of low power motors (less than 100 HP);
2.Protection of motors up to 1 000 HP;
3.Protection of motors greater than 1 000 HP;
4.Additional protection for synchronous motors.
Protection of low power motors: Low power motors are
normally protected by fuses associated with thermal overload
relays incorporating bimetallic elements (Figure 5) – the
fuses protecting against short circuits.
Fig.5: Schematic of fuse protection for low power motors [8]
Or low voltage breakers plus thermal overload relays (Figure
6) when the breaker should have a magnetic element to
trip instantaneously under short circuit conditions. [8
Fig. 6: Schematic of low voltage breaker protection for low power motor
[8]
XII. DISCUSSION
The air circulates the circuit breaker's magnetic coil, where it
acts as an ARC quenching medium. It is very simplistic in
construction. Circuit breakers smaller than normal are
associated with air circuit breakers. The length of the distance
between the contacts should be wide because if we use it in
high voltage the ARC needs to be extinguished with no
particular arrangement. The air circuit breaker doesn't need
an arc control system because it is set to run at 1KV. The only
perfect alternatives in the case of severe fault current and low
voltage are those that use ABCs with an appropriate arc
control system (low voltage level above 1 KV).
XIII. CONCLUSION
Due to the present pandemic situation as our university is
closed we can not observe the above equipment in hand. But
our honorable faculty did his at best to understood us about
all the functions, characteristics and specifications of those
equipment. To make our understanding more convenience
our faculty shows us a video which helps us more to
understand all the features. The main objective of this
experiment was to get familiar with different kinds of
insulators, fuses and Miniature circuit breaker and we have
understood all the specifications very well which is required
to fulfill this lab objective. So we can say, the lab was
successfully achieved.
REFERENCES
[1] https://www.electgo.com/acb-trip/
[2] https://circuitglobe.com/air-break-circuit-breaker.html
[3] https://www.micronovaimpex.com/how-acb-works/
[4] https://www.electgo.com/what-is-acb/
[5] https://electricalswitchboards.com.au/air-circuit-breaker-works/
[6] https://www.elprocus.com/air-circuit-breaker-acb-working-principle-
application/
[7] aiub lab menual
[8] https://electrical-engineering-portal.com/protection-schemes-of-
generators-and-motors