SWITCHGEAR & PROTECTION

PRACTICAL NO:- 5
LOW TENSION AIR CIRCUIT BREAKER
GROUP NO:-5
GROUP MEMBERS
Sr.no Name Roll no
1) Vivek Gawali 214120017
2) Sidhhant kamble 2141200
3) Nikhel Gawade 2141200
4) Prajwal Jadhav 214120024
5) Nikung Patil 214120044

PROF.S.D.KAMBLE
PROF.P.Y.DESHBHRATAR
1)AIM:-
To study the low tension air circuit breaker in detail

2) INTRODUCTION OF ACB:-
A low voltage air circuit breaker (ACB) is a crucial
component in electrical systems, providing protection
against overcurrents and faults. Here are the key points:
1 Operation in Air: ACBs operate in air as an arc-
quenching medium at atmospheric pressure. Unlike oil
circuit breakers, they eliminate the risk of oil fires.

2. Electromagnetic Trip Mechanism : ACBs rapidly

detect and respond to electrical faults (overcurrent or
short circuits) using an electromagnetic trip mechanism.

3. Quick Make and Quick Break : ACBs ensure quick

make (closing) and quick break (opening) contact action,
regardless of the operating handle speed
.
4. Trip-Free Design : The handle cannot be held shut
during a short circuit or overload. If tripped, it goes to the
trip-free position.

5. Thermal and Magnetic Tripping : ACBs use thermal

trip elements (bimetallic elements) for moderate
overload currents and magnetic trip elements for larger
current ratings.

6. Arc Quenching : When ACB contacts open, an arc

forms. The arc chute design allows the arc to divide into
small segments and quench rapidly, minimizing fire risk
and contact damage.

Key Features and Characteristics

Master Switch : ACBs serve as the master circuit

breaker in factories, buildings, and ships.

Adjustable Trip Thresholds : Trip thresholds and

delays are adjustable.

Electronic and Microprocessor Control : ACBs

incorporate advanced control technology.

High Durability : ACBs have significantly increased

mechanical durability compared to MCCBs.

Interface Units : Various interface units allow remote

control and monitoring.

3) Construction:-
1. Supporting Structure with Steel Sheet :
- Provides mechanical strength and rigidity to the ACB.
- Ensures stability during operation and withstands
mechanical stresses.

2. Current Transformer (CT) :- Protects the trip unit by

providing a reduced current proportional to the main
current - Enables accurate measurement and monitoring
of current flow.
3. Pole Group Insulating Box:
- Ensures proper insulation between poles (phases)
within the ACB.
- Prevents electrical arcing between adjacent poles.

4. Horizontal Terminals:
- Connect the ACB to the electrical circuit.
- Allow for secure and reliable electrical connections.

5. Arcing Chamber: - Crucial for extinguishing the arc

during interruption- Designed to safely guide and cool
the arc produced when the contacts open.
6. Trip Unit: - Detects faults (overcurrent or short
circuits) and initiates tripping.
- Consists of thermal and magnetic elements for
precise protection.

7. Terminal Box :
- Contains electrical connections for external wiring.
- Provides access for maintenance and adjustments.

8. Closing Springs :
- Assist in closing the main contacts.
- Store energy to ensure rapid contact closure.

9. Arcing and Main Contact Plates:- Move during

operation. - Form the electrical path when the contacts
are closed.

10. Fixed Main and Arcing Contacts :

- Fixed components that establish electrical continuity.
- Designed to withstand high currents and minimize
contact resistance

4) working principle of ACB

1. Main Contacts and Arcing Contacts:
- The ACB consists of two sets of contacts: main
contacts and arcing contacts
- During normal operation, the main contacts are
closed, allowing current to flow through the circuit.
- When an overload or short circuit occurs, the ACB's
protective mechanism triggers the opening of the main
contacts.
2. Arc Formation:
- As the main contacts separate, an arc is struck
between the arcing contacts.
- The arc is a high-temperature plasma that sustains
the electrical current flow even after the main contacts
have opened.

3. Arc Runners and Arc Chute:

- The arc runners guide the arc away from the arcing
contacts and into the designated area called the arc
chute.
- The arc chute is designed to safely handle the
intense heat and pressure generated by the arc.

4. Arc Splitter Plates:

- Inside the arc chute, there are multiple arc splitter
plates.
- These plates serve two crucial purposes:
- Dividing the Arc: The arc splitter plates divide the
arc into smaller segments, reducing its energy.
- Cooling the Arc: By providing additional surface
area, the plates help dissipate heat, cooling down the
arc.

5. Arc Extinction:
- As the arc segments interact with the splitter plates,
they lose energy rapidly.
- Eventually, the arc is extinguished, and the circuit is
interrupted.
- This rapid arc extinction prevents damage to the
contacts and ensures safety.
the working principle of a low voltage ACB involves
creating and safely extinguishing an arc during fault
conditions, protecting the electrical system.

Advantage of ACB
1. High-Speed Reclosure:
- ACBs allow rapid reclosure after tripping, minimizing
downtime during faults.

2. Low Maintenance:
- ACBs require less maintenance compared to other
types of circuit breakers.
- Reduced maintenance costs contribute to overall
system efficiency.

3. Suitable for Frequent Operations:

- ACBs can handle frequent switching operations
without performance degradation.
Ideal for industrial applications with frequent load
changes.

4. High-Speed Operations:
- ACBs interrupt faults swiftly, ensuring system safety.
- Quick response prevents damage to equipment and
personnel.

5. Availability of Freely Accessible Interrupting

Medium (Air):
- Unlike oil circuit breakers, ACBs use air as the arc-
quenching medium.
 - Air is chemically stable and inert, eliminating fire
hazards.

6. Fire Hazard Elimination:

- ACBs do not involve oil, reducing the risk of fire
incidents.
- Enhanced safety in industrial environments.

disadvantages of ACB
1. Re-Striking Voltage Issue:
- When the ACB contacts open, there is a risk of re-
striking voltage.
- Re-ignition of the arc can occur, affecting safety and
equipment.

2. High Noise Level:

- Discharging air to the open atmosphere during
interruption produces significant noise.
- Noise pollution can be a concern in certain
environments.

3. Current Chopping Problem:

- ACBs may experience current chopping during fault
interruption.
- This abrupt interruption can cause voltage
fluctuations and affect connected devices.
Applications of ACB:
1. Power Control Cubicles:
- ACBs are commonly used in indoor low to medium-
voltage electrical installations, such as power control
cubicles.
- They protect circuits by effectively cutting off high
current, ensuring safety and preventing damage.

2. Motor Control Cubicles:

- In motor control panels, ACBs play a crucial role.
- They safeguard motors and associated equipment
from faults and excessive current.

3. Industrial Plants: - ACBs find extensive use in

industrial plants for main power distribution.
- Their adjustable trip thresholds and microprocessor-
controlled features make them suitable for large-scale
applications.

4. Transformers and Generators:

- ACBs protect transformers and generators from
overloads and short circuits.
- Their rapid response time minimizes damage during
faults.

5. Capacitors and Switchgears:

- Capacitor banks and switchgears benefit from ACBs.
- These breakers ensure reliable operation and
prevent catastrophic failures.
6. Commercial Buildings - ACBs serve as the master
circuit breaker in commercial buildings.
- They maintain safety and stability in electrical
systems.

CONCLUSION :
Low-voltage ACBs play a crucial role in electrical systems,
providing reliable protection and control. Understanding
their construction, operation, and pros and cons is essential
for safe and efficient operation Understanding ACB
construction, operation, and pros and cons is essential for
safe and efficient Low-voltage circuit breakers play a vital
role in electrical systems by providing protection against
overcurrent, faults, and short circuits. With their various
types, working principles, and wide range of applications,
they ensure the safety and reliable operation of residential,
commercial, and industrial environments.operation.Low-
voltage ACBs play a crucial role in electrical systems,
providing reliable protection and control.