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

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

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 Fig. 1: Air Circuit Breaker [4]
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