SWITCHGEAR AND

EVOLUTION OF CIRCUIT
BREAKER
LAKSHYA SHARMA [2020BELE111]
HARSHIT SINGH [2020BELE021]
ANKUR PANDEY [2020BELE057]
KAUSHINDER [2020BELE099]
SWITCHGEAR:-
 Switchgear is also a combination of switching devices such as :-
 protection devices
 switching devices
 Control and sensing devices
 The apparatus used for switching, controlling & protecting the electrical circuits
& equipments are known as switchgear.
 The switchgear equipments is essentially used with switching & interrupting
currents either under normal or abnormal operating condition.
SWITCHGEAR:-

 It consists of devices such as switches, fuses, circuit breakers, relays etc.

 Basically every electric circuit needs a switching device & a protecting device.
 All equipment associated with the fault clearing process are converted by the
term 'switchgear'.
 Switchgear is an essential part of a power system & also that of an electric
circuit.
 Switchgears are used in Generation, Transmission and Distribution Systems,
whereas, Control Gears are used in Consumer Circuits.
Switchgear Equipment
Protection devices:-

• Circuit breakers(MCB)
• MCCB(Moulded case circuit breaker)
• Relays
• Fuse
Switching devices:-
• Switches
• isolator
• Contactors
Control and sensing devices:-
• CT(current transformer)
• Ammeter
• Energy meter
EVOLUTION OFCIRCUIT BREAKER
 Early Circuit Protection: In the late 19th century, circuit protection was rudimentary,
mainly consisting of fuses, which were simple devices that melted or "blew" when
excessive current passed through them, interrupting the circuit.
 Electro-Magnetic Circuit Breakers: In the early 20th century, the first electromagnetic
circuit breakers were developed. These devices used an electromagnet to trip a switch
when excessive current flowed.
 Thermal-Magnetic Circuit Breakers: In the mid-20th century, thermal-magnetic circuit
breakers were introduced. These combined the principles of both thermal and
electromagnetic protection. They responded to both overcurrent (magnetic) and
overheating (thermal) conditions.
 Solid-State Circuit Breakers: With advancements in electronics and semiconductor
technology, solid-state or digital circuit breakers have emerged. These breakers use
electronic components to detect and respond to overcurrent and short-circuit
conditions.
 Smart Circuit Breakers: These incorporate connectivity and automation features,
allowing users to monitor and control their electrical systems remotely through
smartphones or other devices. They can provide real-time data on energy usage and
enable more efficient power management.
EVOLUTION OFCIRCUIT BREAKER
 Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): These
specialized circuit breakers were developed to enhance electrical safety. AFCIs detect and
respond to arc faults, which can lead to fires, while GFCIs protect against ground faults,
preventing electric shocks in wet or potentially hazardous areas.
 Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) and Molded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCBs): These types of
circuit breakers are commonly used in residential and industrial applications, respectively.
MCBs are designed for lower current ratings, while MCCBs handle higher currents.
 Environmental Considerations: In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on making
circuit breakers more environmentally friendly. Some circuit breakers use alternative insulating
materials to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and efforts are being made to improve
recyclability and reduce the environmental impact of circuit breaker disposal.
 The evolution of circuit breakers has led to increased safety, reliability, and functionality in
electrical systems. Today, circuit breakers come in various forms and serve a wide range of
applications, from protecting homes and industrial facilities to enabling advanced energy
management and automation in smart grids and buildings
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