Switchgear and Protection 2.

1 Circuit Interrupting Devices

2 .CIRCUIT INTERRUPTING DEVICES

SYLLABUS
2.1 HRC fuses – construction, types, working, characteristics, selection and appli-
cations.
2.2 Isolators – vertical break, horizontal break and pantograph type.
2.3 Arc formation process, methods of arc extinction, related terms.
2.4 Circuit breakers – concept, classifications, working principle, construction,
specifications and applications of
2.4.1 H. T. – Bulk oil circuit breaker, Minimum oil circuit breaker
(M.O.C.B.), Sulpher Hexa Fluoride circuit breaker, Vacuum Circuit Break-
er.
2.4.2 L. T. – Air circuit breakers (ACB), Miniature circuit breakers (MCB),
Moulded case circuit breakers (MCCB), Earth leakage circuit breakers
(ELCB or RLCB), Comparison of fuse and MCCB.
2.5 Selection of MCCB for motor.
2.6 Selection and rating of circuit breakers.

OBJECTIVES
❖ To study construction, working and applications of HRC fuses.
❖ To understand operation and necessity of isolators.
❖ To study different types of isolators.
❖ To study the arc formation, arc extinction process.
❖ To understand operation and necessity of circuit breakers.
❖ To study H.T. and L.T. circuit breakers
❖ To compare fuse and MCB
❖ To select proper rating of circuit breaker for particular fault level at particular
rated voltage.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.2 Circuit Interrupting Devices

2.1 INTRODUCTION:
The entire electrical power system comprises of various circuits, e.g. distributors
circuits, transmission line circuits, generator circuits. In addition to these, number of sub-
stations is also involved in power system. Hence, it is often required to switch ‘on’ or ‘off’
these various circuits / sub stations under both normal and abnormal conditions. Therefore,
various types of switching equipments are incorporated in the power system. These equip-
ments are popularly known as ‘Switchgear’.
In earlier days, a switch fuse unit comprising of switch and fuse was being used on
large scale for switching purpose. However, such switch fuse units have some disad-
vantages. Fuse needs replacement when it blows out.
Replacement time is sufficient and supply system remains interrupted till the fuse is
replaced. Less reliable and less efficient. Not suitable for high voltages and high currents.
To overcome these difficulties, lot of inventions were carried out which led to de-
velopment of sophisticated switching devices ‘Circuit breakers’ and isolating devices
‘Isolators’.
Circuit breakers and Isolators along with fuses ensure reliability, safety to power
system.
2.2 THE CLASSIFICATION OF SWITCHING / INTERRUPTING DEVICE IS GIVEN BELOW:
Switching / circuit interrupting device

Fuses Load switches Circuit breakers Isolators

Our aim is to study operation / function of each in detail.

2.3 FUSES:
Even though fuses are less reliable and efficient, they do find applications in elec-
trical power system. They are suitable for low voltage system for following reasons.
a] Frequent operations are not expected.
b] Use of circuit breaker is not economical.
In this topic, we will study various types of fuses, their advantages and disad-
vantages, characteristics and applications.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.3 Circuit Interrupting Devices

Definitions:
Fuse: A fuse is a short piece of metal, placed in a circuit, which melts and hence
breaks
the circuit when excessive current (more than rated current) flows through it.
OR
It is a device used for protecting the cable in a circuit against damage from an ex-
cessive current.
Fuse consists of fuse wire (or fuse element), insulating body and end terminals.
Fuse element: It is a part of fuse and is a small piece of metal connected between
two terminals mounted on insulated base. It is connected in series with cable of a circuit
for protecting cable against an excessive current.

The fuse element is made of conducting materials having high conductivity, low melting
point and least deterioration due to oxidation. Silver copper are the best examples. When
the conditions are normal i.e. when fuse element is carrying normal current, the tempera-
ture attained by fuse element is below its melting point. Hence, fuse can carry normal cur-
rent continuously. However, when overload or short circuit occurs, excessive current flows
through fuse and circuit. The temperature attained by fuse element due to such large cur-
rent is more than its melting point and hence fuse element melts (or blows out), thus dis-
connecting the circuit from supply. In this way, fuse protects circuit consisting of cables,
equipments and machines
Characteristic of fuse: The time required to blow out the fuse is called fusing
time (or total fuse operating time). This time depends upon the magnitude of current in
the circuit. If a circuit (having fuse for protection) is carrying normal (rated) current, then
fuse will not blow. i.e. fusing time will be infinity. However, if current in the circuit ex-
ceeds its normal value, fuse will blow. Of course, the time taken by the fuse to blow de-
pends upon the magnitude of excessive current. The greater the current, the lesser is the
time taken by the fuse to blow out or vice-versa. In other words, a fuse has inverse-time
current characteristics.
The following fig 2.1 shows the inverse-time current characteristic of a fuse.
If the curves for different ratings of fuses are to be plotted; they lie one on others in
the ascending order of their ratings.
Advantages:
1] It is cheapest among all switchgear protecting equipments,
 Switchgear and Protection 2.4 Circuit Interrupting Devices

2] It does not require any maintenance.

3] It is suitable for over-current protection due to its inverse time current character-
istic.
4] It can break heavy short circuit currents without noise or smoke.
5] It provides current limiting effect under short circuit conditions.
(It is only possible in HRC fuses).
6] Its operation is inherently automatic.

900
Fuse operating time in second (in log scale)

800

700
Inverse time current characteristics In = Normal (rated) current
600

500

400
Overload zone
300

200 Short circuit zone

100
Minimum operating time
(0,0) In 1.5In 2In 6In 10In 20In 50In
Current in fuse in ampere (in log scale)

Figure 2.1 Inverse time-current characteristic of a fuse

Since no moving parts are involved, its operating time can be made shorter than
operating of circuit breaker. (Only possible in HRC fuses)
Disadvantages:
1] It needs replacement.
2] Considerable time is required for rewiring or replacing a fuse when it blows out.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.5 Circuit Interrupting Devices

3] It is less reliable on the fact that its operation is badly affected by atmospheric
condition, method of rewiring etc.
4] It is all the time not possible to co-relate fuse characteristic with other protecting
equipments.
5] Low breaking capacity.
Required characteristics of fuse element:
1] It should have low melting point.
2] It should have high conductivity.
3] It should not get deteriorated by oxidation.
4] It should be cheap.
Silver, copper, tin- lead, fulfils above requirements.
A] TYPES OF FUSES BASED ON CONSTRUCTION:
Fuses

Semi - enclosed Totally Switch Drop out Expulsion HRC Striker

or Rewireable Enclosed Fuses Type Type (Cartridge) Type
Type

D type Bolted Type

Fuses can also be classified as either low voltage fuses and high voltage fuses. Out
of these various types, we will study here few types in detail.
a] Semi-Enclosed or Rewireable Fuses:
It is popularly known as kit-kat fuse. It has two parts: 1] base2] fuse carrier.
Everybody must be familiar with this fuse since it has been installed in domestic
wiring on large scale in India. The base is of porcelain material and it carries fixed con-
tacts. The incoming and outgoing cables are connected to these terminals. Fuse carrier is
also of porcelain material and it holds the fuse elements, which are generally of tinned
copper wire.
When the fuse blows (i.e. fuse element fuses) the fuse carrier is pulled out, the new
fuse element is placed and supply can be restored back.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.6 Circuit Interrupting Devices

Advantages:
1] Detachable fuse carrier permits replacement of fuse element without any danger
of coming in contact with live parts (or terminals).
2] It is cheap.
Disadvantages:
1] It has low breaking capacity.
2] Its operation is badly affected by atmospheric conditions; hence its characteristic
is not accurate as compared to HRC fuses.
3] It has no current limiting feature, which is the major aspect of HRC fuses.
4] It is comparatively slow in operation.
5] Discrimination of fuses on time grading principle is difficult.
6] It is deteriorated due to oxidation.
7] There is always a risk of external flame and fire.

Fuse base

Contact

Screws

Fuse holder Fuse element

Figure 2.2 Semi enclosed fuse

Application:
In domestic installation
b] High Rupturing Capacity (H.R.C.) Cartridge Fuse: High rupturing capacity
fuse the name itself indicates that this fuse has a high breaking capacity. Hence, these fuses
have upper hand over semi-enclosed fuses.
The H.R.C. fuse has a major part fuse link, which is to be fixed on fixed terminals
of incoming and outgoing cables. The fuses link is a unit in which fuse element is en-
closed. When the fuse element blows, the entire fuse link is replaced. The fuse link consists
of following parts.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.7 Circuit Interrupting Devices

1] Fuse element: It is either of silver or copper with various shapes. Ref. fig.2.3 (a)
2] Fuse body (or cartridge): It is of steatite or ceramic or epoxy resin. It has high
mechanical strength and heat resistant property.
3] Brass end caps at both ends of cartridge.
4] Powdered pure quartz to fill cartridge.
5] Contacts.
6] Indicator pin.
The fuse element is fixed in a cartridge. The ends of fuse elements are welded to
end caps to which contacts are already welded. The metal caps are screwed on cartridge.
The space of cartridge is filled by powdered pure quartz before screwing-end caps. Please
ref. fig 2.3 (a) and (b)
Operation of HRC fuses:
In normal condition, the fuse element attains a temperature less than its melting
point. Hence it can carry the normal current continuously without overheating. However,
when fault occurs, an excessive current flows through fuse element and it melts before the
fault current reaches its first peak. The heat so produced vapourises the molten silver ele-
ment. The vapour of silver chemically reacts with pure quartz powder to get a substance of
very high resistance, which helps in quenching the arc.

Filling powder Outer element

Fuse element

Fuse link contact

End plate

Cartridge

Figure 2.3 (a) H.R.C. Fuse

Advantages:
1] No maintenance for HRC fuse is required.
2] HRC fuses do not deteriorate with age.
Switchgear and Protection 2.8 Circuit Interrupting Devices

3] They are very fast in operation.

4] They have ability of clearing high and low fault currents.
5] HRC fuses provide reliable discrimination.
6] Their performance is consistent.
7] They are cheap as compared to circuit breakers.

Silver wire (Bridge)

Silver strip

Silver Strip Silver Wire(Bridge)Tin Bridge of Small cross - section governing

narrow cross - section governing overload characteristic short circuits characteristic

Time lag centre incert

Figure 2.3 (b) Fuse Element

Applications:
1] For low voltage circuits upto 11 kV, 25 kA breaking capacity.
c] D Type Cartridge Fuse:
The following fig. 2.4 shows D Type cartridge fuse.
It has four major parts namely,
1] Fuse base
2] Adapter ring
3] Cartridge
4] Fuse cap
 Switchgear and Protection 2.9 Circuit Interrupting Devices

Fuse cap
Indicator Plate

Screw Fuse
This peace is placed wire
in fuse cap
Striker
wire

Adopter ring

Ceramic body

Figure 2.4 ‘D’ Type Cartridge Fuse

The cartridge is pushed in the fuse cap and then the cap containing cartridge is
screwed on the fuse base. On complete screwing, the cartridge tip touches the bottom con-
ductor and the circuit between two terminals is completed through fuse link.
Application: In control panels
d] Link Type fuses:

Puller

Fuse Link Fixed blade

Terminal

Base

Figure 2.5 (a) Knife Blade Type

 Switchgear and Protection 2.10 Circuit Interrupting Devices

This is available in two types.

1] Knife blade type
2] Bolted type.
Above fig 2.5 (a) and following figure 2.5 (b) show link type fuses.
Link type fuses have fuse link of cartridge type. These fuses are more reliable in
operation than semi-enclosed type fuses but have less rupturing capacity as compared to
rupturing capacity of HRC fuses. A fuse link limits current to a considerably lower value
than the prospective peak.

Metal cap Contact blade

Fuse body

Figure 2.5 (b) Bolted Types Fuse Link

e] Drop Out Fuse:

Insulator

Fuse link

Bracket

(A) Modern type

Figure 2.6 Drop out fuse

 Switchgear and Protection 2.11 Circuit Interrupting Devices

These types of fuses are used on H.V. side of a pole mounted distribution sub-
station. The above fig 2.6 shows the drop out fuses.
A fuse link has a fuse carrier, which drops out, when fuse operates on excessive
currents during fault condition. It provides not only protection against excessive current
but also isolation between the terminals.
f] Striker Fuse:
In addition to fuse elements, a mechanical device is also incorporated. When fuse
operates on excessive current, the pressure thus released releases the strike with certain
displacement (the displacement being accompanied by mechanical devices) for signalling.
g] Expulsion Fuse:
It is a fuse in which arc produced during operation of fuse is extinguished by expul-
sion of gas produced by arc itself.
B] SPECIFICATION OF FUSES:
a] Current Rating: It is the R.M.S. value of current which the fuse (i.e. fuse ele-
ment) can carry safely and continuously without any deterioration and with the tempera-
ture rise within specified limits.
b] Minimum Fusing Current: It is the minimum current at which the fuse (i.e.
fuse elements) melts and thus disconnects the circuit protected by it. The temperature at-
tained by fuse element at this current is just equal to melting point of fuse element. Of
course, the value of minimum fusing current is more than the current rating of the fuse el-
ement.
c] Fusing Factor: It is the ratio of minimum fusing current to the current rating of
fuse.

Minimum fusing current of fuse

Fusing factor =
current rating of fuse

It is always more than 1.

Fuses can be designed for various fusing factors. Following table gives class of fus-
es, its application and reasons.

Class Fusing Factor Application Reason

P Less than 1.25 For cable protection Fine and precise protection is
achieved.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.12 Circuit Interrupting Devices

Q Greater than 1.25 For motor protec- Starting current of motor is consid-
but less than 1.75 tion. ered.

R More than 1.75 For marine applica- The rating of cable in marine appli-
tions. cation is increased by continuous
cooling due to seawater.

d] Prospective Current: It is the R.M.S. value of fault current that would flow in
the circuit if the fuses were replaced by a link of negligible impedance, (i.e. it is a fault cur-
rent that may flow in a circuit not protected by fuses). Its value depends upon the type of
fault (i.e. whether fault is overload, short circuit or earth fault).

Cut off value

Current

Peak of prospective current

As
Assymetrical prospective current
Instant of
fault occurrence
Time
Pre-arcing
time
Arcing time

Total operating time

Figure 2.7 Prospective Current and Cut Off Current

e] Cut off Current (Wonderful Feature of HRC Fuses): It is the maximum value
at which the fuse element melts before allowing the fault current to reach its maximum
(peak) value. Cut-off current depends on so many factors such as:
a] Rating of fuse
b] Value of prospective current
c] Whether fault current is symmetric or asymmetric.
Cut off value is a wonderful feature of HRC fuses.
f] Pre-arcing Time: It is the time measured from instant of occurrence of fault to
the instant when cut off occurs.
g] Arcing Time: It is the time measured from the instant of occurrence of cut off (or
commencement of arc) to the instant at which arc is extinguished.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.13 Circuit Interrupting Devices

h] Total Operating Time: It the sum of pre-arcing time and arcing time. In fig 2.7
asymmetrical prospective current, cut-off current, current zero, pre arcing time, arcing
time, total operating time are shown.
Cut off value indicates that fuse link of HRC never allows fault current to reach to
its peak of prospective current.
i] Breaking Capacity of Fuse: As we have seen that fuse is meant for protecting
the circuit against overload and short circuit. But it must be noted that short circuit current
varies from circuit to circuit. Hence, it is not expected for a given fuse to clear short circuit
current of any value. Every fuse has ability to clear certain amount of fault current. That is
its breaking capacity.
In short, breaking capacity of a fuse can be defined as the R.M.S. value of largest
prospective current due to fault that the fuse is capable of breaking safely.
2.4 CIRCUIT BREAKER:
We have seen principle of operation of fuse. A unit consisting of switch and fuse
was largely used in earlier days for switching on or off the various circuits of power sys-
tem. But it was observed that such unit has many disadvantages such as;
1] Fuse needs replacement.
2] Replacement time is considerably large.
3] Breaking capacity is comparatively very low.
4] Not suitable for high voltages and large capacity circuits owing to the fact that
no arc quenching system is in fuses.
5] Operation is not much reliable (exception is HRC fuses).
Due to above mentioned drawbacks, switch fuse unit has limited applications in
low voltage circuits e.g. switching lighting circuits, domestic circuits, low voltage power
circuits, distribution transformers etc.
In modern power system, transmission lines, substation equipments operate at very
high voltages (e.g.132 kV, 220 kV or 400 kV) and carry large power (hence large currents).
For such circuits fuses are not suitable at all. For switching on-off purpose of such high
voltage high current circuits, an electromechanical device popularly known as ‘circuit
breaker’ is used. In this topic our aim is to study principle of circuit breaker, its type and
constructional features of circuit breakers.
A] Circuit Breaker: Circuit breaker is an electromechanical device which can
 Switchgear and Protection 2.14 Circuit Interrupting Devices

1] Make or break the circuit manually or by remote control under normal condi-
tions,
2] Break the circuit automatically under abnormal conditions, or
3] Make a circuit under normal conditions either by manually or by remote control,
A circuit breaker essentially consists of set of fixed and moving contacts enclosed
in a chamber with operating mechanism and arc quenching mechanism.
The chamber is designed in such a manner that it extinguishes the arc produced
when contact separates, quickly. Hence, it is also called as arc quenching
chamber or mechanism. The operating mechanism is operated by a remote control circuit
and a trip circuit. Trip circuit consists of relay, current and protection transformer.
Remote control does not sense the fault and is used only for switching on or off the
circuit breakers for maintenance and load shedding purpose. But trip circuit can sense the
fault and accordingly operates the circuit breaker. It is hence cleared that for any circuit
breaker trip, circuit is essential and remote control circuit is desirable.
B] Trip Circuit and Circuit Breaker: The following fig.2.8 shows a simple trip
circuit controlling operation of circuit breaker.
Fixed contact of C.B. Circuit breaker (C.B.)
Moving contact of C.B.
Operating mechanism of C.B. Trip coil
Transmission line

Relay
C.T.

Relay + -
coil
Battery

Figure 2.8 Trip Circuit for Circuit Breaker

 Switchgear and Protection 2.15 Circuit Interrupting Devices

The circuit breaker consists of fixed contact, moving contact, arc quenching cham-
ber and operating mechanism. The trip circuit consists of current transformer, relay, bat-
tery, trip coil and in some cases potential transformer also.
The trip circuit operates the circuit breaker in following sequence.
1] When fault occurs, an excessive current flows through the system and hence
through respective transmission line.
2] Increased current in transmission line increases current in secondary of current
transformer.
3] Increased secondary CT current increases operating torque of relay and relays
moves its moving contact to close the trip ckt. Relay takes some time (fraction of
second) to operate.
4] Relay thus closes the trip circuit of circuit breaker and thus the circuit breaker
trip coil is energised.
5] The energised trip coil actuates the operating mechanism of circuit breaker,
which separates the moving contact from fixed contact, (i.e. circuit breaker
opens).
6] Arc is established between circuit breaker contacts.
7] Arc is extinguished by arc quenching mechanism.
8] Faulty part is finally disconnected.
9] For H.V. system P.T. (Potential Transformer) are also used.
C] How Arc Is Produced in Circuit Breaker:

• When a fault occurs, a large current (which is more than normal current) flows in a sys-
tem and hence through circuit breaker connected in circuit.

• The circuit breaker is opened by the protective system (i.e. by trip circuit). Now let us
see what happens when contacts of circuit breaker starts separating.

• At the instant when the contacts just begin to separate, the face-to-face contact area be-
tween contacts reduces rapidly and the large fault current gets concentrated on reduced
contact area.

• This causes very large current density at reduced contact area, which in turn rises the
temperature of contacts.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.16 Circuit Interrupting Devices

• With further movement of contact area of contact again reduces giving higher current
densities and higher temperature rise.

• The heat produced due to very high temperature of contacts heat the surrounding
medium (medium may be air or oil) and ionises the medium.

• This ionised medium (air or oil) acts as a conductor and establishes the current
through separated contacts. This current through media due to ionisation is called
arc.

• The arc resistance is very small and hence arc current is thus very large, almost equal
to fault current. Hence, it is necessary to quench the arc for complete isolation of
fault contacts are separated. Please refer following fig 2.9.

P 1 P
Pressure

(a) Contacts in closed condition

Spots of contact
(b) Contacts begin to separate
Arc core

Ionised gas Gradient

V

(c) Contacts open with arc struck (d) Arc Extinguished

Figure 2.9 Development of Arc in Circuit Breaker Contacts

D] Principle of Arc Extinction: As we have already seen that arc is more predom-
inant due to its low resistance. Hence, it is necessary to increase the arc resistance by any
possible means to such level that arc current will drastically fall to zero. In fact, the arc re-
sistance depends upon following factors.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.17 Circuit Interrupting Devices

Length of arc: As length increases, arc resistance increases.

It is possible to extent length of arc by increasing separation of contacts,
Cross-section of arc: The arc resistance increases with decrease in its cross -
sectional area.
Degree of ionisation: Less the ionisation, more is arc resistance and vice-versa.
The principle of arc extinction states that if the arc resistance is increased by either
de-ionising the medium, lengthening the arc or by reducing the cross-section of arc, the arc
quenches.
E] Methods of Arc Extinction: There are two methods of arc interruption namely,
1] High resistance interruption
2] Low resistance or zero point interruption.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.18 Circuit Interrupting Devices

1] High resistance interruption: In this method, arc extinction is achieved by increasing

the resistance of arc. The process of increasing arc resistance initiates from the instance of
occurrence of arc. The resistance of arc is increased to such a large value so that the re-
duced current is not sufficient to maintain the arc. The drawback of this system is that large
amount of power is wasted in the arc. Hence, this method is suitable only for D.C. circuits
and low voltage low capacity A.C. circuit breakers.
The resistance of arc is increased in the following sequence.
Lengthening the arc-by-arc runners:

• The length of gap is increased by providing arc runners to contacts. Please ref fig.
2.10. A blow out coil is provided with the contacts.

• The blow out coil carries the breaker current and produces the magnetic field. In
the event of fault circuit breaker contacts open and arc strikes. This arc is nothing
Arc splitters

Elongated arc

Arc runners Arc runners

Blow out coil Blow out coil

Origin of arc
I I

Figure 2.10 Arc Quenching Mechanism of Air Break Circuit Breaker

Switchgear and Protection 2.19 Circuit Interrupting Devices

but a current carrying conductor placed in the magnetic field of blow out coil.

• This arc, therefore, experiences a force in such a direction that it is pulled in arc
runner and due to shape of arc runners, length of arc increases. Thus, its resistance
also increases.
Arc splitting:

• The lengthened arc from arc runners enters the arc splitter where it is further elon-
gated and splitted by arc splitters.

• Since the arc is elongated and splitted, its resistance increases. The arc splitters are
placed perpendicular to arc.
Cooling of Arc:

• The top shield, of arc splitters has holes for air circulation. The heat of arc is dissi-
pated through these holes and thus cools the arc.

• This cooling brings about recombination of ionised particles. The air surrounding
the arc splitter also helps in cooling the arc.

• These three steps in sequence increase arc resistance to such an extent that arc no
longer strikes.
2] Low Resistance or zero point interruption:

• This method is used for extinguishing arc in A.C. circuits only.

• The basic principle of this method is to keep arc resistance low until current reaches
to its natural zero and when current reaches to natural zero, arc is naturally extinguished
and is prevented from re-striking.

• This method is adopted in all high voltage high power circuit breakers. In an A.C.
system current wave form is sinusoidal and current becomes zero after every half cycle.
After every half cycle, when current becomes zero the arc extinguishes for moment.

• Till some ions in the medium are present due to which the dielectric strength of
medium is very less and can be easily broken down by the rising voltage.

• This rising voltage, which appears across the contacts, is known as restriking volt-
age. If such break down takes place, the re-established arc persists for another half cycle.

• Hence, it is necessary that immediately after natural current zero, the dielectric
strength of medium should be built up more rapidly than the rising voltage across the con-
tacts.
Switchgear and Protection 2.20 Circuit Interrupting Devices

• It is well illustrated by Slepian. It is a race between rate of building of dielectric

strength and rate of rise of restriking voltage (It is dealt later on).

• The principle of low resistance or current zero method is based on rapid building of
dielectric strength of the medium near current zero.

• It is made possible by either causing the ionised particles in the space between con-
tacts to recombine to form neutral molecules or sweeping the ionised particles always
from contacts space and replacing them by unionised particles.

• The second method is more efficient and hence adopted in modern circuit breaker.
The sweeping of ions is achieved in following sequence.
1] Lengthening the arc: Rapid opening of contacts results in higher dielectric
strength.
2] High pressure: The pressure of medium is kept above atmospheric pressure due
to which ionised ions are forced to recombine.
3] Cooling the arc: The medium used has good thermal conductivity and it allows
rapid cooling of arc thereby de ionising the medium.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.21 Circuit Interrupting Devices

4] Blast effect: Any ionised particles remained at current zero are swept away by
blast effect and then the space is refilled by un ionised medium. Blast may be of in-
sulating gas or oil.

Electrical quantity
Fault current

Arc
Natural current-zero

(0, 0)
Time

(a) Dielectric strength

(Arc quenches finally )

kV/cm
kV/cm

(b)
Restriking voltage
Restriking voltage
Dielectric strength

(c)

(0, 0) Time
Instant of natural current zero
(b)

Figure 2.11Graphical Representation of Dielectric Strength and Restriking Voltage

By adopting these above-mentioned steps in sequence, arc quenching at final cur-

rent zero is possible. The following fig 2.11 shows the race between dielectric strength and
restriking voltage just after natural current zero.
2.5 SOME IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS:
 Switchgear and Protection 2.22 Circuit Interrupting Devices

a] Arc Voltage: It is the voltage that appears across the separated contacts of cir-
cuit breaker during arcing periods.
b] Restriking Voltage (Transient Recovery Voltages):
It is the transient voltage that appears across the contacts of circuit breaker, after
the instant of current zero.

Restriking voltage (TRV)

Fault current
Current
Voltage

Recovery voltage

System voltage Time

Figure 2.12 Graphical Representation of Dielectric Strength and Restriking Voltage

It is also known as transient recovery voltage (TRV) .

After current becomes natural zero, voltage appearing across the contacts is com-
posed of high frequency transient voltage (TRV) and power frequency normal (recover)
voltage. Please refer (Fig 2.12)
The frequency of this transient recovery voltage is given by
1
fn =
2 π LC
Where L = Inductance of system in Henry
C = Capacitance in farad
C] Rate of Rise of Restriking Voltage (RRRV): It is defined as the rate at which
restriking voltage rises.
D] Recovery Voltage: It is the normal frequency voltage (in R.M.S.) that appears
across the contacts of the circuit breaker after the arc is extinguished finally.
The following flow chart gives the sequence of fault clearance.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.23 Circuit Interrupting Devices

Fault Occurs

Protecting system senses the fault

Relay operates

Trip circuit actuates circuit breaker to open its contact

Arc is established in contacts

At natural current zero dielectric strength is built up more than restriking voltage

Are extinguishes momentarily at natural current zero

Arc quenches finally
No current in circuit and normal frequency voltage appears across contacts

This flow chart can be well illustrated by oscillogram of current and voltage as
shown in fig. 2.13
Fault current

Final current zero

Time

Transient recovery voltage

Arc voltage across contacts
Voltage across contracts
of circuit breaker

Power frequency recovery Voltage

Time required Time required

For relay For circuit
breaker Arcing time Time
operation
Fault to open
contacts
breaker
Circuit
contacts

open
closes
Relay

occurs contacts final larc

Point of fina arc extinction

Total circuit breaker time

Total fault
clearing time

Figure 2.13 : Oscillogram of Current and Voltage During Fault Clearing Process
 Switchgear and Protection 2.24 Circuit Interrupting Devices

The oscillogram shows that total fault clearing time is the time elapsed from the in-
stant of occurrence of fault to the instant at which final arc extinction occurs. Or it is the
sum of relay time plus total circuit breaker operating time. Regarding relay operating time,
it is dealt in chapter protecting relaying system. Hence, we will see circuit breaker operat-
ing time.
E] Circuit Breaker Operating Time: It is the sum of times required for opening
the contacts measured from the instant of closing of relay contacts plus arcing time.
2.6 CLASSIFICATION OF CIRCUIT BREAKERS:
Circuit breakers can be classified by different ways, but the most popular way of
classification is based on the medium used for arc extinction. The classification is as fol-
lows.

Air circuit breaker –

It uses air as medium for arc extinction.

Air blast circuit breakers –

It uses pressured air as medium for are extinction.
Circuit Breakers
Oil circuit breakers –
It uses insulating oil (mineral oil) as medium for arc extinction

SF6 circuit breakers –

It uses sulphur hexafluoride gas as medium for arc extinction.

A] Air Circuit Breaker

As the name indicates the contact, separation and arc extinction takes place in air at
atmospheric pressure. The fig.2.14 shows the closed and open position of air circuit break-
er.
1] Construction: It has two sets of contacts:
1] Main contacts and 2] Arcing contacts.
Arcing contacts carry the arc runners. The arc splitter chamber is fitted at the top.
The arcing contacts are made of hard copper alloy, which has high heat resistance. Operat-
ing mechanism, which is operated by trip circuit, operates the moving contact of main con-
tacts and arcing contacts.
2] Operation: When the fault occurs and excessive current flows in system, an op-
erating mechanism of circuit breaker is operated by trip coil, which is initially energised by
trip circuit. Operating mechanism starts separating contacts. Main contacts get dislodge
 Switchgear and Protection 2.25 Circuit Interrupting Devices

first followed by opening of arcing contacts. Thus the arc initially is struck between main
contacts. It then shifts to arcing contacts. The main contacts and arcing contacts are so
shaped that the magnetic field produced by them forces the arc along the arc runners where
it is lengthened. The arc ends travel along the arc runners and move upward. Then arc en-
ters the arc splitters plate, where it is further lengthened and splitted. This increases the arc
Contacts

I I

(a) Contacts in closed condition

I I

Arc

(b) Open contacts

Arc splitter

Arc runner

Auxiliary contacts
Arc

Moving contact
(Main)
Main contacts
Fixed contact (Main)

Operating mechanism
(c) Air Circuit Breaker

Fig. 2.14
 Switchgear and Protection 2.26 Circuit Interrupting Devices

resistance very high. The ventilation provided in arc splitter draws fresh cool atmospheric
air inside, due to which arc gets cooled and deionised. Cooling of arc further increases its
resistance to such a value that reduced arc quenches.
The wonderful aspect of this breaker is that it has been developed with current lim-
iting feature similar to HRC fuses.
3] Technical aspects of air break circuit breaker:
1] It is simple in construction.
2] It has current limiting feature.
3] It is suitable for repeated operation.
4] No question of oil leakage is in this bleaker since oil is not used.
5] It is indoor type circuit breaker.
6] It has one break per pole.
Applications:
1. For low voltage ac or dc system upto 660V, 25 kA breaking capacity.
2. For 12 kV A. C. circuit breaker upto 500 MVA breaking capacity.
B] Air Blast Circuit Breaker (Compressed Air Circuit Breaker):
Air blast circuit breakers are further classified as follows.
Air blast circuit breakers

Axial blast type Cross blast type Radial blast type

1] Axial blast type:

In this type of breaker, blast of air is directed along the arc path (or axis). It is as
shown below.
Symbol

Fixed contact Moving contact

Axial blast of air
 Switchgear and Protection 2.27 Circuit Interrupting Devices

2] Cross blast type:

In this type of circuit breaker, blast of air is at right angle to arc path (or axis). It is
as shown below.
Symbol

Fixed contact Cross air blast Moving contact

3] Radial–blast type:
In this type of circuit breaker, blast of air is radially directed. It is as shown below.
Symbol

Air blast

Fixed contact Radial air blast Moving contact

1] Axial blast type circuit breaker:

In this type of break, high-pressure air is forced on the arc through a nozzle at the
instant of contacts separation. This blast sweeps away the ionised medium between the
contacts. After the arc extinguishes at current zero, the chamber is filled by high pressure
air preventing restriking of arc. An isolator is also connected in series for providing suffi-
cient clearance. Fig 2.15(a) shows a schematic diagram of air blast circuit breaker and fig.
2.15 (b) shows one pole of EHV air blast circuit breaker.
1. Construction:
It consists of 3 (Three) double arc extinction chambers each mounted on hollow in-
sulator assembly. These assemblies are mounted on a air tank reservoir which stores com-
pressed air at 20 to 30 kg/cm2 pressure. Arc extinction chamber has pair of moving con-
 Switchgear and Protection 2.28 Circuit Interrupting Devices

Normal arc Piston Moving contact

Arcing chamber
Clearance for working voltage

Closing spring

Air valve
Series isolator
Air reservoir
Operating mechanism

Fig. 2.15 (a) Air Blast Circuit Breaker

Pneumatic
operating
mechanism
Double arc
extinction chamber

Connection
terminals

Arcing horns
Hollow insulator

Valve
Operating rod

Tank

Fig. 2.15 (b) Air Blast Circuit Breaker

tacts and one twin fixed contact. Under normal conditions, the fixed and moving contacts
are held in the closed position by spring pressure. The three arc extinction chambers are
connected together by isolators. Since the circuit breaker is designed for high voltage,
stack of hollow insulators are provided between double arc extinction chamber and
 Switchgear and Protection 2.29 Circuit Interrupting Devices

reservoir for adequate clearance. Since there are three double arc extinction chambers per
pole and in each chamber two breaks are possible, there are six breaks per pole.

Auxiliary
contact
Resistor

Resistor unit
Spring
Piston

Terminal
Fixed Moving
Terminal contact contact

Compressed air
from air receiver
Fig.2.15 (c) Resistance Switching in ABCB

2. Operation:
When the fault occurs, trip circuit operates the operating mechanism of circuit
breaker. The operating mechanism opens an air valve and allows compressed air to flow
through hollow insulators. This high-pressure air rapidly enters the double arc extinction
chamber. This high-pressure air develops pressure on moving contact and when it becomes
more than spring pressure, moving contact separates from fixed contact.
The arc is struck between the moving contacts and fixed contact. The arc is then
swept away by incoming high pressure high-speed air through outgoing port. It is possible
till moving contact is moving away from fixed contact. At the end of contact travels, mov-
ing contact closes the port and the entire arc extinction chamber is filled by high-pressure
air. This high-pressure air has very high dielectric strength and it prevents restriking of arc.
The opening operation of breaker is very fast since air takes a negligible time to travel
from tank to reservoir. Closing is also fast and is achieved by turning reservoir value off.
When the reservoir value is turned off, high-pressure air is withdrawn and contacts close
due to spring pressure.
Applications:
In high voltage, A. C. System for following rating.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.30 Circuit Interrupting Devices

12 kV, 40 kA (breaking capacity)

22 kV, 40 kA (breaking capacity)
145 kV, 40 kA (breaking capacity)
245 kV, 40 kA (breaking capacity)
3. Resistance switching in air blast circuit breaker:
Voltage of the order of several times to the normal voltage appears across the con-
tacts because of current chopping. If these voltages are not allowed to discharge, they may
cause break down of insulation of the circuit breaker or the neighbouring equipments. To
overcome this difficulty, ‘Resistance switching is adopted’. The usual procedure is to con-
tact a resistance in shunt with the arc.

Auxiliary
contact
Resistor

Resistor unit
Spring
Piston

Terminal
Fixed Moving
Terminal contact contact

Compressed air
from air receiver
Fig.2.16 Resistance Switching in ABCB

Fig. 2.16 shows another popular arrangement used for a double arc-extinguishing
chamber. During the opening operation, air is admitted in the arc-extinguishing chamber. It
separates main contacts and pushes the auxiliary contacts. The auxiliary contacts close;
thereby the resistors are connected across the arc for a short time of arcing. The auxiliary
contacts are located in the inclined V-shaped insulators while the resistors are located in the
vertical stack of insulators. Immediately after arc extinction, the pressure on either side of
the piston of auxiliary contacts gets so adjusted that the auxiliary contacts open and resistor
 Switchgear and Protection 2.31 Circuit Interrupting Devices

circuit is interrupted. Ceramic resistances of non-linear characteristics, similar to those

used in the lightning arresters are used for resistance switching.
2] Cross blast air circuit breaker:
In this type of breaker, the air blast is directed at right angle to the arc axis. The
blast forces the arc in arc splitters where it is lengthened and splitted to increase its re-
sistance. Due to this action, the arc is extinguished and flow of current is interrupted. This
type of breaker is suitable for comparatively low breaking capacity since blast at same
pressure is used for any fault current. Following fig.2.17 shows the arrangement of cross
blast air breaker.
Merits of air blast circuit breaker:
1] It has high speed of operation. It clears the fault almost in one cycle.
2] Its operation is clean.
3] It is non-inflammable.
4] It uses air, which is freely available.
5] There is no fear of decomposition of pressure air.
6] For high pressure small contact travel is sufficient.
7] It provides high reliability in operation.

Arc splitters

Arc
Moving Fixed
contact contact

Air blast

Figure 2.17 Cross Blast Air Circuit Breaker

 Switchgear and Protection 2.32 Circuit Interrupting Devices

8] It is suitable for repeated operation.

Demerits of air blast circuit breaker:
Failure of compressor system may lead to failure of circuit breaker.
There is always a fear of current chopping, hence resistance switching is always
provided.
Applications of air blast circuit breaker:
1] For high voltage A.C. circuits upto 245 kV, 40 kA breaking capacity.
2] For 25 kV A.C. circuit 40 kA breaking capacity.
C] Oil Circuit Breakers:
In oil circuit breaker, mineral oil is used for cooling the arc and building high die-
lectric strength in contact space during circuit breakers operation. Oil circuit breaker are
classified as follows:

Oil circuit breakers

Bulk oil circuit breakers Minimum (Low) oil circuit

(large quantity of oil is used) breakers (less quantity)

Plain break oil Arc control oil

circuit breakers circuit breakers

1] Plain break bulk oil circuit breakers:

1. Construction: It has single tank for 36 kV or below and 3 tanks each for separat-
ing phase above 36 kV. In single tank construction, phase barriers are provided for clear-
ance. The mineral oil is used in the tank. Fig. 2.18 shows plain break bulk oil circuit break-
er.
Operating mechanism operates the tension rod. The rod is connected to moving
contact. Two fixed contacts connected to incoming and outgoing terminals are shown. The
upper part of tank is kept empty for accumulation of released gases.
2. Operation: Under normal conditions, contacts are in a closed condition. When
fault occurs, trip circuit actuates the operating mechanism, which operates the tension rod.
The tension rod moves down thereby separating moving contact from fixed contacts there-
 Switchgear and Protection 2.33 Circuit Interrupting Devices

by breaking circuit at two places. The arc is drawn. The arc vapourises the oil into hydro-
gen gas. The oil and hydrogen gas together cool the arc in following sequence.
Hydrogen is basically good heat conductor. Hydrogen bubbles easily dissipate the
heat produced due to arc and thus it cools the arc.

Operating mechanism
Terminal

Bushings

Fixed contact
Gas

Tank

Arc
Moving contact Mineraloil

Figure 2.18 Plain Break Bulk Oil Circuit Breaker

The hydrogen gas develops turbulence in oil due to which ionised particles are
swept away from contact space and the space is then filled by unionised fresh oil.
The arc lengthens due to separating contacts which increases are resistance and
builds up dielectric strength of medium also.
Due to above action, arc quenches finally and circuit current is interrupted.
Disadvantages:
1] Large quantity of oil is required.
2] Arc is not properly controlled as in case of arc control bulk oil circuit breakers,
hence large separation between contacts is required for long arc length.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.34 Circuit Interrupting Devices

3] Arcing time is comparatively long and inconsistent.

4] It is slow in operation as compared to speed of operation of minimum oil circuit
breaker.
Applications:
Nowadays, it is rarely used in
1] 11 kV substations for fault level 25 kA.
2] Arc control oil circuit breakers:
1. Construction: It is by and large similar to plain break circuit breaker with an
addition of arc control device as shown in fig. 2.19

Operating mechanism

Conductor
(Copper, Silver Plated) Bushings (porcelain steatite))
Oil filled or capacitor type

Conductor copper

Dielectric oil (mineral oil)

Tension rod
(Fiber -Glass resin bonded)
Arc control device Fixed contacts (Copper)
(Resin cast of Fibre- Gas formed by decomposition
Glass resin bonded) of 2 (Hydrogen 70 %)

Moving contacts (Copper)

Arc
Tank (Boiler plates)

Figure 2.19 Bulk Oil Circuit Breaker with Arc Control Device

The arc control devices are generally connected to fixed contacts. Due to such ar-
rangement, contact separation takes place is a semi-enclosed arc control device.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.35 Circuit Interrupting Devices

2. Operation:
When fault occurs, actuates the operating mechanism, which pushes moving con-
tact downward. Therefore, arc strikes between moving contact and fixed contact in the arc
control chamber. The gases produced due to vapourisation of oil in chamber produces high
pressure in chamber. This high-pressure gas leaves the chamber at a very high speed.
While leaving the chamber, gas takes arc along with (i.e. it sweeps away the arc) it. Then
the chamber is filled by fresh high oil, which has high dielectric strength. Thus, the arc is
extinguished quickly. These arc control devices are nowadays used for circuit breakers rat-
ed 3.6 kV and above.
Disadvantages of Bulk Oil arc Control Circuit Breaker:
1] Large quantity of oil is required for arc extinction and for providing insulation
between live parts and earthed steel tank.
2] During arcing period, entire oil is likely to get contaminated resulting into
sludge.
3] Minimum oil circuit breaker (M.O.C.B.):
1. Construction: As the name suggests, it utilises minimum oil for arc quenching
and insulation. The Fig. 2.20 shows a cross section of minimum oil circuit breaker popular-
ly known as M.O.C.B. It has two separate chambers/components. Both the chambers are
filled by mineral oil. In the upper most chambers, fixed contact and moving contact are in-
stalled and breaking action takes place in this chamber. The lower chamber is the support-
ing chamber. Both the chambers are separated from each other by a partition.
Advantages of having two chambers are as follows.
1] Small volume of oil is enough in breaking chamber for arc extinction.
2] Only oil in breaking chamber is required to be, replaced for contamination and
oil in supporting chamber is not replaced since it does - not get contaminated.
2. Parts of minimum oil circuit breaker
Supporting chamber: It is a porcelain chamber, which is mounted on a metal
chamber. It is filled with dielectric oil (mineral oil).
Circuit breaking chamber: It is also a porcelain chamber mounted on the top of
supporting chamber. It encloses.
1] Moving contact,
2] Fixed contact,
3] Arc extinction device,
 Switchgear and Protection 2.36 Circuit Interrupting Devices

Top chamber: It is a metal chamber mounted on the top of circuit breaking cham-
ber. It is designed in such a manner that it allows expansion of oil and gases to leave the
chamber through gas vent.

Oil level

Top chamber
Gas vent Breather
Upper terminal

Arc extinction device Fixed contact

Circuit breaking chamber
Dielectric oil

Moving contact

Lower terminal

Supporting chamber

Operating rod

Dielectric oil

Operating mechanism
controlled by trip circuit
Drain valve

Figure 2.20 Minimum Oil Circuit Breaker

3.Operation:
In normal conditions, the moving contact rests on fixed contact, i.e. contact is in
closed condition. When fault occurs, the operating mechanism actuates and separates mov-
ing contact form fixed contact. The arc is thus produced. This arc vaporises the oil and
gases are produced at a very high pressure. Due to nozzle action of arc control device, the
gases leaves the arc control device with tremendous speed and while doing so it sweeps
 Switchgear and Protection 2.37 Circuit Interrupting Devices

away the arc and contact space is then filled by fresh oil of high dielectric strength which
does not permit arc to strike again. Thus, the arc is quenched.
Advantages:
1] M.O.C.B. requires less quantity of oil.
2] Its size is comparatively small and hence occupies smaller space.
3] Maintenance problems are less.
4] Replacement of oil in supporting chamber is totally eliminated.
Disadvantages:
1] Degree of ionisation is more, as less quantity of oil is used.
2] Removal of gases from contact space is comparatively difficult.
3] The dielectric strength of oil in circuit breaking chambers deteriorates rapidly
due to high degree of carbonisation.
Application: 132 kV to 400 kV AC system.
D] Vacuum Circuit Breaker:
It is a breaker in which vacuum is used for quenching the arc. It has been proven
experimentally that vacuum has the highest dielectric strength to any other medium.
Hence, it has superior arc quenching properties than any other medium. In vacuum circuit
breaker arc quenches completely at the first current zero and the rate of building of dielec-
tric strength is much faster than rate of rise of restriking voltages, which does not permit
arc to strike back.
1] Principle and working:
When contacts separate in a vacuum, an arc is produced between the contacts due
to ionisation of metal vapours of contacts. It constitutes plasma. The amount of vapour in
the plasma is directly proportional to the arc current. When the alternating current decreas-
es and becomes zero naturally (every A. C. current becomes zero after every half cycle),
the arc current also becomes zero momentarily. Just at natural current, zero remaining met-
al vapour condenses very rapidly thereby building dielectric strength at much faster rate.
The rate of building of dielectric strength is at much faster rate. The rate of building of die-
lectric strength is so fast that it does not allow restriking voltage to strike the arc again.
2] Construction of a vacuum circuit breaker:
Vacuum circuit breaker consists of,
 Switchgear and Protection 2.38 Circuit Interrupting Devices

1] Vacuum interrupter,
2] Operating mechanism,
(The interrupter may be a single unit per pole or multiunit per pole. It consists of an
impermeable insulating material such as resin, which should be essentially non-porous.)
3] End flanges for supporting fixed contact, vapour condensing shield, bellows.
4] Contacts (disc type).
Metallic bellows with protective shield vapour condensing shields and seals.

c
Moving Contact

Upper lid Gasket

Bushing

Chamber

Contract tips

Lateral support to chamber

Lower lid Gasket

Fixed contact

Figure 2.21 Cross Section of a Typical 15 kV Vacuum Interrupter

The function of vapour condensing shields is to condense the metal vapour pro-
duced during arcing period.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.39 Circuit Interrupting Devices

The metallic bellows permit seal construction and allows contact movement. Fol-
lowing fig.2.21 shows the vacuum circuit breaker construction.

Advantages:
1] It has longer life.
2] It is very reliable.
3] It does not produce any fire hazards.
4] Gases are not produced during and after operation.
5] Breaking capacity is comparatively very high.
6] It needs very less maintenance.
7] Due to presence of vacuum and proper shielding it can withstand lightning surg-
es.
8] Power wasted in arc is very low.
9] It is very fast in operation.
10] It is compact and clean in operation.
Disadvantage:
1] Leakage problem of vacuum interrupter may arise due to accidents/unproper
handing while installation.
Application:
1] Especially as an outdoor circuit breaker for 22 kV to 66 kV system upto 100
MVA breaking capacity.
E] Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) Circuit Breaker:
In this type of circuit breaker, sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) gas is used for quenching
the arc. SF6 gas is found to be one of best arc quenching media due to its following proper-
ties,
1] It is colourless, odourless and non-toxic.
2] It is non-inflammable.
3] It has high density at normal 20°C.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.40 Circuit Interrupting Devices

4] It is good conductor of heat.

5] It is inert and hence good electric insulator.
6] It is stable upto 500°C.
7] It is electronegative gas.
8] Its product of decomposition i.e.SF4 and SF2 are also good dielectric materials.
1] SF6 gas as an insulting gas
SF6 gas dielectric strength increases with increase in its pressure as shown in
fig. 2.22.

SF6
Dielectric strength of oil
Dielectric strength kV/cm

Dielectric strength of air

(0, 0) Pressure on SF6

Figure 2.22 Graphical Representation of Dielectric Strength of Air, Oil and SF6 Gas

At a particular pressure P (or above), dielectric strength of SF6 gas is more than oil,
hence they are now a days found to be suitable for EHV lines.
SF6 circuit breakers are generally outdoor circuit breakers. The SF6 circuit breaker
utilises SF6 gas at high pressure to quench the arc. It may have live tank design or dead
tank design. Here we will see a single pressure puffer type EHV SF6 gas circuit breaker. It
is as shown in fig 2.23(a) and (b).
One such breaker is used for each pole (i.e. phase). It is a 245 kV SF6 circuit break-
er. Such three identical breakers (one for each phase) are mounted on a common base tube.
The gas is filled in all the three breakers and the base tubes. The operating mechanism is
connected through fibre rods to moving contacts of each pole breaker and it operates all
pole breakers simultaneously. Moveable cylinder is provided for puffer action.
2] Operation:
 Switchgear and Protection 2.41 Circuit Interrupting Devices

When the fault occurs, operating mechanism separates the moving contact from
fixed contact, through fibre rod. The arc is thus struck. During the arcing period, SF6 gas is
blown axially along the arc. SF6 gas being good conductor of heat removes the heat of arc
by radiation and convection process. As a result of this, diameter of arc reduces. As the
current decreases to its natural current zero, arc diameter also decreases accordingly.
At natural current zero, arc is quenched momentarily. Since SF6 gas is
electronegative and has low arc-time constant, dielectric strength of SF6 gas increases very

Piston

Fixed contact

Moving contact
Arc

Compressed SF6

Chamber

Nozzle
Uncompressed SF6
Figure 2.23 (a) Chamber of SF6 Circuit Breaker

rapidly and thus prevents restriking of arc.

To accelerate rate of building of high dielectric strength, puffer mechanism as
shown in fig.2.23 (a) is used.
During contacts separation, movable cylinder also moves in such a fashion that SF6
gas in the space between fixed piston and moving chamber gets compressed. This com-
pressed gas has high pressure and hence high dielectric strength. This high-pressure gas is
 Switchgear and Protection 2.42 Circuit Interrupting Devices

made to flow from a high-pressure zone to a low-pressure zone through a convergent-

divergent nozzle. This nozzle is located such that flow of gas covers the arc. The high-
pressure gas while leaving the nozzle attains a very high speed in the divergent portion of
nozzle and it sweeps out the arc products along with it. Hence it also helps in reducing arc
diameter and at current zero the arc space is filled by fresh SF6. Thus it also prevents re-
striking arc.

Stack and insulator

Operating rod

Operating
mechanism SF6 reservoir

(b)
Fig. 2.23 SF6 Gas Circuit Breaker

Advantages of SF6 Gas Circuit Breaker:

1] It is smaller in size for a given capacity as compared to size of other circuit
breakers.
2] This gas is non-inflammable, inert and stable upto 500°C.
3] It is non -toxic.
4] Same gas is circulated again and hence requirement of SF6 gas is less for a long
run.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.43 Circuit Interrupting Devices

5] It does not produce more sound during operation.

6] It has ability to interrupt low as well as high fault currents.
7] Erosion of contacts is very less and hence no contact replacement is required.
8] SF6 Gas circuit breaker has no over voltage problem.
Disadvantages of SF6 gas circuit breaker:
1] There is always possibility of leakage due to joints problem.
2] Moisture if absorbed by gas reduces the insulating strength of gas drastically.
3] In order to avoid liquification of gas, its temperature is maintained above tem-
perature of which it liquifies. Hence, heaters are required.
4] SF6 gas is very costly and hence SF6 gas circuit breaker is also very costly.
5] For transportation of circuit breaker to location, special transportation is re-
quired.
Applications
1] 400 kV, 1000 MVA breaking capacity
2] 245 kV, 105 kA breaking capacity
2.7] PROBLEMS OF CIRCUIT INTERRUPTION:
The power system has its inductive reactance and line to line, line to ground capaci-
tance. When the fault occurs, during fault clearing time, large amount of energy is stored
by inductance. When the fault is interrupted by circuit breaker, a part of the stored energy
in inductor is wasted on the circuit breaker and remaining energy is utilised for producing
surges. Please ref. fig. 2.24.
A] Rate of Rise of Restriking Voltage (R.R.R.V.):
It is the rate at which restriking voltage rises at current zero and is abbreviated as
R. R. R. V. Its rate is generally in kV/ sec.
This voltage is produced due to oscillations produced by LC circuit. This LC circuit
utilises part of energy stored by inductive reactance L. It may reach to twice by of maxi-
mum value of normal voltage Em. This voltage is dangerous and may strike arc back into
contact space if dielectric strength of medium used is inadequate.
The R.R.R. V. value depends upon.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.44 Circuit Interrupting Devices

1] Recovery voltage (i.e. normal frequency power voltage)

2] Natural frequency (fn) of oscillation where
1
fn = Hz
2π LC
Point to note that for a given system, R. R. R. V. has different values at different

Transformer

C. B.
G
Fault

E = Emsin
Figure 2.24 (a) Short Circuit on Transmission Line

C.B.

Xg + X
Transformer

C Fault

Fig. 2.24 (b) Equivalent Circuit for Short Circuit Fault

locations.
B] Current Chopping:
It is the phenomenon in which current is interrupted before it reaches to natural

2 Em
A. C. quantities

Time

Arc voltage
Fig. 2.24 (c) Graphical Representation of R. R. R. V.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.45 Circuit Interrupting Devices

current zero. This problem is mainly observed in miniature circuit breakers and air blast
circuits breakers especially for breaking low currents. What happens is that while breaking
small currents deionisation effect due to blast is more and forces current to fall abruptly to
zero before current reaches to its natural zero. This is known as current chopping. During
current chopping energy stored in inductance is transferred to the capacitance C which gets
charged to prospective voltage e.
1 1 2
 L i2 = Ce
2 2

L
e = i volt
C
Since charging current i is very large, e is very high. This e voltage then appears
across breaker contacts and it may strike arc back again.
C] Capacitive Current Breaking:

If the capacitor currents are interrupted then excessive voltage surges occur across
circuit breakers contact. Circuit breaker should be capable of withstanding these surges and
should not allow the arc to strike again.

L C.B.

G
C e
Fault

R Oscillation of restriking voltage

L Fig. 2.25 Current Chopping Recovery voltage

C. B.
Voltage

G
C
Fault Damped restriking voltage

e = Emsin  Time
(a) (b)
Fig. 2.26 Resistance Switching
 Switchgear and Protection 2.46 Circuit Interrupting Devices

We have seen that high voltage oscillation due to current chopping and capacitive
current breaking are dangerous. These oscillations are damped by putting R resistance
across circuit breaker contacts. This is known as resistance switching. Please ref. fig. 2.26
When the contacts of circuit breaker are separated during fault condition, an arc is
produced between the contacts. As resistance R is already connected across the circuit
breaker contacts (i.e. shunted) a part of arc current flows through resistance. It reduces arc
and increases the de-ionisation of the arc. This results in an increased arc resistance and
further increase in current through resistance. It is a continuous process until the arc cur-
rent reduces to such a small value that it cannot maintain the arc.
The shunt resistance also reduces the oscillation’s frequency and growth. The equa-
tion of frequency is modified by resistance.

1 1 1
fn = − 2 2 Hz
2 LC 4R C

In brief, resistance switching performs following functions:

1] It reduces the R.R.R.V.
2] It reduces the surge (of voltage) due to current chopping or capacitive current
breaking.
3] It makes even voltage distribution across each unit of multiunit break circuit
breaker.
2.8 CIRCUIT BREAKER RATING:
Each circuit breaker is rated for following quantities.
a] Rated current
b] Rated voltage and frequency
c] A.C. type or D.C. type
d] Breaking capacity
e] Making capacity
f] Short-time rating
A] Rated Current: If the current which circuit breaker can make or break and can
carry continuously without any damage at a given voltage.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.47 Circuit Interrupting Devices

B] Breaking Capacity: It is the maximum fault current (in R.M.S.) that the circuit
breaker is capable of breaking safely under specified conditions of normal system voltage
(i.e. recovery voltage), power factor etc.
In terms of MVA it is

3 × normal voltage × breaking capacity cur-

Breaking capacity in MVA =
rent × 10–6 MVA

C] Making Capacity: It is the peak value of first loop of prospective current,

which the circuit breaker is capable of making.

Actually, Making capacity = 2.55 × symmetrical breaking capacity

D] Short Time Rating: It is the period for which the circuit breaker is able to con-
duct fault currents while remaining closed.
2.9 COMPARISON BETWEEN FUSE AND CIRCUIT BREAKER:
Sr. Fuse Circuit Breaker
No.

1 It performs two functions viz. It de- It performs interruption function. The fault
tects the faults and interrupts the is infact sensed by relay, which signals cir-
circuit. cuit breaker to interrupt the fault.

2 Its operation is inherently automat- It takes help of relay and other equipments
ic. for automatic action.

3 Its breaking capacity is compara- Its breaking capacity is very large.

tively very small.

4 Its operating time is very small of Its fault clearing time is comparatively
the order of 20 millisec. large. It is around 0.1 sec.

5 It needs replacement after every op- It does not required any replacement.
eration.

6 Arc quenching is poor. Effective arc quenching.

7 Its performance is affected by at- Its performance is not affected by atmos-

mospheric conditions. pheric conditions.

Isolators:
Isolator is a disconnecting switch which operates under no load condition. It is not
desired at all that isolator should make or break any current. Hence it has no specified
 Switchgear and Protection 2.48 Circuit Interrupting Devices

breaking capacity or making capacity. Isolators are not even used for breaking load cur-
rents. In very few cases isolators are used for breaking charging currents.
Isolators are used in addition to circuit breakers. While breaking the circuit, the cir-
cuit breaker is opened first and then isolators. While closing the circuit, isolators are closed
first and then circuit breaker.
Isolators are generally 3 pole isolators. All poles are identical. The opening or clos-
ing of isolator is accompanied by either.
1] Electrical motor operating mechanism or 2] Pneumatic operated mechanism
2.10 Types of Isolators:
Isolators are generally of three types viz.
A] Vertical Break Type
B] Horizontal break type:
1] Centre break type 2] Double break type
C] Vertical Pantograph type
A] Vertical Break Type:

Moving contact

Opening

Fixed contact
Terminal
Terminal

Operating rod Solid core insulator

insulator

Base
Operating mechanism

Fig. 2.27 Vertical Break Type Isolator

 Switchgear and Protection 2.49 Circuit Interrupting Devices

The fig. 2.27 shows a vertical break 25 kV isolator. It has two set of insulators
mounted on a I section channel. The ‘I’ section channel is usually earthed. Each insulator
has fixed terminals for connecting it to concerned lines. The female type fixed contact is
mounted on top of one set of insulators and moving contact of blade type is mounted on
the other. The moving contact is operated by an operating mechanism installed on base (i.e.
on I channel). Operating mechanism is either pneumatically controlled or electrical motor
controlled. Whenever isolator is required to be opened, operating mechanism is operated
by control which in turn pushes the moving contact upward, thus disconnecting the circuit.
Operating mechanism is connected to moving contact through another stack of insulators.
Please note that insulators are used to provide adequate insulation between live parts (con-
tacts) and I channel which is earthed.
Application:
For 25 kV supply system.
B] Horizontal Centre Rotating Double Break Isolator:
It has three stacks of insulators per phase. These insulators are mounted on a galva-
nised steel channel or frame. Two insulators stacks one at each end is fixed to base whereas

Moving contact
Fixed contact

Stack of insulators

Operating mechanism

Fig. 2.28 Horizontal Break Type Isolator

 Switchgear and Protection 2.50 Circuit Interrupting Devices

the central insulator stack is free to rotate around its own vertical axis. It can rotate about
its vertical axis through 90°C. The moving contact (contact bar) is fixed on central insula-
tor and hence free to rotate horizontally through 90°C. The fixed contacts are provided on
the top of each side insulator. The central insulator and hence moving contact is operated
by an operating mechanism (which is common for all 3 phases isolators) installed at the
base. The operating mechanism is controlled pneumatically or electrically. When the isola-
tor is to be opened, the central stack of insulator is rotated through 90°C and the contact
bar (moving contact) swings horizontally to produce double break. Please refer fig. 2.28
Application:
1] 245 kV supply system.
C] Vertical Pantograph Type Isolator:
The fig. 2.29 shows the pantograph isolator. Its construction is by and large similar
to construction of pantograph used in electric locomotive.
At the time of closing of isolator, the linkages of pantograph are brought nearer by
rotating the insulator column. In closed position, the overhead station bus bar is gripped by
the two arms of pantograph. The circuit is completed by upper bus bar to lower bus bar
through the conducting arms of the pantograph. When the isolator is required to be opened,
the rotating insulator column is rotated in opposite direction due to which pantograph
blades collapse in vertical plane and vertical isolation is obtained between the line terminal
and pantograph upper terminal.
Application
1] For 400 kV EHV lines.
2.11 LOAD BREAK SWITCH:
In addition to circuit breakers and isolators, a switch designed to make or break the
load current is used in system. Such switch is called as load breaking switch. It serves the
purpose of isolator and switch.
2.12 EARTHING SWITCH:
It is a switch connected between the line conductor and earth. When system is ON,
this switch is kept open. But when the line is disconnected from supply, earthing switch is
closed to discharge voltage on line (due to its charging capacitance w.r.t. earth), to earth. It
is very important to discharge such trapped voltage when the maintenance on the system is
carried out.
Switchgear and Protection 2.51 Circuit Interrupting Devices

Collapsed position
of pantograph

Solid stack
of insulators

Fig. 2.29 Pantograph Isolator

2.13 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ISOLATOR, LOAD BREAK SWITCH AND EARTHING SWITCH:
Sr.
No.
Isolator Load Break Switch Earthing Switch

1 Isolator (disconnecting In addition to isolators and Earthing switch is con-

switch) operates under no circuit breakers, is one more nected between the line
load condition. It does not device called load-
Switchgear and Protection 2.52 Circuit Interrupting Devices

have any specified current interrupting switch, which conductor and earth.
breaking capacity or cur- combines functions of the
rent making capacity. isolator and a switch.

2 Isolator is not even used These are used for break- Normally it is open.
for breaking load cur- ing load currents.
rents.

3 In some cases isolators ---- When the line is discon-

were used for breaking nected, the earthing
charging current of switch is closed so as to
transmission lines. discharge the voltage
trapped on the line, capac-
itance to the earth.

4 Circuit breaker can make ---- Though the line is dis-

and break electric circuit connected, there is some
under normal current and voltage on the line to
short circuit condition. which the capacitance
between line

5 Isolators are used in addi- --- And earth is charged. This

tion to circuit breakers. voltage is significant in
high voltage system. Be-
fore proceeding with the
maintenance work these
voltage are discharged to
earth, by closing the
arthing switch. Normally
the earthing switches are
mounted on the frame of
isolator.
2.14 SEQUENCE OF OPERATION OF SWITCHGEAR WHILE OPENING/CLOSING POWER LINE
A] While Opening
1] Open circuit breaker first,
2] Then open isolator,
3] Then close earth switch (if provided)
B] While Closing
1] Open Earthing switch first,
 Switchgear and Protection 2.53 Circuit Interrupting Devices

2] Then close isolators,

3] Then close circuit breakers

Circuit breaker Overhead line

Isolator
Bus bar
CT

Isolator
Lightning PT
Earthing arrester
Switch
es
Fig. 2.30 Line Dia. for Positions of Circuit Breaker, Isolator, Earthing Switch, Lightning Arrester, CT and PT

2.15 MINIATURE CIRCUIT BREAKER:

MCB means miniature circuit breaker. It is a small type of air circuit breaker.
MCBs are designed for protection of L.T. cables, household equipments, motors, lamp
loads, and power loads used in low voltage circuits. It is designed for low voltages. MCBs
are suitable for low A. C. voltages upto 415 V or 230 V D.C. In fact MCBs have low volt-
age ratings 415 V, comparatively small normal current ratings (maximum upto 63 A) and
breaking capacity upto 9 kA. MCBs are generally used for protection of ;
1] Residential wiring
2] Commercial wiring
3] Factory wiring
A] Construction:
MCB provides protection against both overload and short circuit faults. It has bi-
metal thermostat and electromagnet. Bimetal provides protection against overload while
electromagnet provides protection against short circuit. MCB has no separate trip circuits
as in other circuit breakers.
Its main parts are:
1] bimetal for overload protection
2] electromagnet consisting of copper coil armature and a spring for short circuit
protection
3] toggle type-tripping mechanism
4] operating knob
 Switchgear and Protection 2.54 Circuit Interrupting Devices

5] fixed contact and moving contact

6] two terminals for connection of cable
All parts of MCBs’ are described above are placed in moulded casings. These
moulded casings are made of thermosetting plastic materials such as melamine. Refer
fig.2.31.

Trip mechanism
Fixed contact
Solenoid
Moving
contact

Bimetal
strip
Arc stack

Arc chamber
Fig. 2.31 Miniature Circuit Breaker

B] Working:
When the overcurrent flows through the circuit in which MCB is used the same
current passes through bimetal. Bimetal gets heated. Due to heating, it bends inward. For
overcurrent, bending of bimetal is sufficient to force the trip lever to move in clockwise
direction. Other end of trip lever pulls the moving contact away from fixed contact. The arc
so produced between separated contacts moves along arc runners into arc chambers. It is
then split in arc chambers. Due to lengthening and splitting of arc, its resistance increases
very high. Due to this large resistance arc quenches.
Similarly, when short circuit occurs the large short circuit current flows through the
copper coil. It develops force of attraction on plunger. This is very large for short circuit
current and it is more than restraining force of a spring. The plunger is then pulled in by the
coil. Along with the plunger, moving contact is also pulled in.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.55 Circuit Interrupting Devices

Thus, moving contact is separated from fixed contact. It takes place in almost 2 to 3
millisec. Hence, the short circuit current is interrupted before it reaches its peak value. This
feature is current limiting feature of MCB, which is similar to high rupturing capacity of
HRC fuse.
Nowadays MCBs are replacing all types of fuses being used upto 415 V because of
their reliability, consistency, and relatively high breaking capacity (9 kA).
C] Ratings:
MCB’s are available from 0.5 A to 63 A. They are available in single pole, double
pole and triple pole or even in four poles.
In 1990 – 2000, manufacturers used to design MCBs with ‘L’, ‘G’ and ‘K’ charac-
teristics. These characteristics are now renamed as ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ characteristics. ‘A’
characteristics MCB is suitable for protection of cables used in marine applications, ‘B’ is
suitable for protection of cables used in residential, commercial and industrial wiring while
‘C’ characteristic MCB is suitable for motor protection.
Following table gives details about rating of MCBs.
Manufacturer of MCBs in India
Manufacturer Ratings Breaking capacity
1] MDS Switchgear Ltd.
[Now renamed as Legrand]
Loadster 0.5 A to 60 A 3 kA breaking capacity
Loadkontakt 0.5 A to 63 A 9 kA breaking capacity
2] Standard Kopp 0.5 A to 63 A 9 kA breaking capacity
3] Hawell’s 0.5 A to 63 A 9 kA breaking capacity
4] Siemens India Ltd 0.5 A to 63 A 9 kA breaking capacity
5] English Electric Co. 0.5 A to 63 A 9 kA breaking capacity
2.16 MOULDED CASE CIRCUIT BREAKER:
MCCB means moulded case circuit breaker. It is also a type of air circuit breaker. It
is available in normal current ratings from 63 A to 250 A with breaking capacity upto
25 kA. MCCBs are also designed for voltage ratings upto 415 V A.C. or 230 V D. C. How-
ever, for D.C. system its breaking capacity is restricted to 5 kA only.
Applications:
1] At incoming supply side in industries
 Switchgear and Protection 2.56 Circuit Interrupting Devices

2] On L.V. side of pole mounted substations

Manufacturers in India:
1] English Electric
2] Crompton Greaves
3] Standard Kopp
2.17 ELCB:
ELCB means earth leakage circuit breaker. It is also called as RCCB (Residual Cur-
rent operating Circuit Breaker). When a human being meets live parts, current flows
through his/her body to earth. This current, which is flowing through body during earth
fault, gives severe shock to human being. A 30 mA leakage current is sufficient to cause
fatal (death). Such fatal shock is called ‘electrocution’.
ELCB is used to provide protection to human being from getting shocks due to
leakage current (i.e. protection against electrocution). Besides this, ELCB can also elimi-
nate arcing grounds.
ELCBs are of three types:
a] Double pole ELCB for single phase supply
b] Three pole ELCB for three-phase supply
c] Four pole ELCB for three-phase and neutral supply
Generally, first two types are used.
a] Double pole ELCB:
Constructional details of double pole ELCB (For single-phase supply).
It consists of following parts.
1] Double pole switch
2] Summation transformer
3] Amplifier
d] Relay with tripping mechanism. Refer fig. 2.32
Double pole switch is connected to single-phase supply on one side while on other
side summation transformer is connected. The summation transformer has two identical
 Switchgear and Protection 2.57 Circuit Interrupting Devices

P N

Double pole
switch Relay
I I Summation
transformer
Core

A B Amplifier

e=0
I I

Load ELCB
(Electric iron)

A = B ,
r = 0
Fig. 2.32 Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (No Earth Fault)
windings A and B and circular core. Winding A is connected in series with phase while B is
connected in series with neutral. However, both windings are wound in such a manner that
their fluxes produced in core are in opposite direction. To other ends of windings A and B
load is connected as shown in fig. 2.32.
Besides A and B windings one more winding ‘C’ is placed on core of summation
transformer. This winding is connected to relay through amplifier. Relay either electrically
or mechanically controls ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’ operation of double pole switch.
Operation:
1. When there is no earth fault (i.e. no leakage through insulation): refer
fig. 2.32.
When there is no earth fault, no leakage current flows through equipment (load).
Hence, current in both phase and neutral conductor remains same as ‘I’ ampere as shown in
fig. 2.32. The identical windings A and B carry the same amount of current. Hence, fluxes
A and B produced by windings A and B respectively are also equal in magnitude i.e.
A = B.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.58 Circuit Interrupting Devices

However, directions of A and B are opposite in core. Hence, they cancel each oth-
er. There is no flux available in core for linking to winding ‘C’. Hence, no emf is
induced in ‘C’. Hence, relay does not get any voltage to operate and double pole switch
remains closed, i. e. ELCB does not operate.
2. When earth fault occurs (i.e. leakage through insulation of equipment):
When the insulation of equipment fails and a person touches the metal casing of load the
leakage current ‘i’ flows from casing to human body, through human body to earth as
shown in fig 2.33. If this leakage current is of 30 mA and persists for 0.2 sec, it may lead to
heart failure. However, ELCB operates and open the double pole switch within 0.2 sec. Its
operation under such condition is as follows.

The phase current is still ‘I’ ampere. It flows through winding ‘A’ till upto fault. At
fault, small part of ‘I’ current say ‘i’ completes path through fault, human being and earth.

P N O\L & S.C.

Double pole
switch Relay
I I–i Summation
transformer
Core

A B Amplifier

e
I I–i

Load ELCB
(Electric iron)
i

 A > B ,
r = A - B

Fig. 2.33 Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (With Earth Fault)

The return current through neutral, of course now reduces to I – i.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.59 Circuit Interrupting Devices

Therefore flux B produced by B winding reduces and becomes smaller that flux A
of winding A. Hence, resultant or (residual) flux in core is now

r = A – B

This residual flux r links to winding C and induces emf in it according to Fara-
day’s law. This induced emf is amplified and fed to relay. Relay energises and opens the
double pole switch. Thus, the faulty load is disconnected. This action is very fast and takes
place in just 50 millisec. Hence, human being does not get shock.
b] Constructional Details of 3 pole ELCB:
It consists of following parts viz:
1] Triple pole switch.
2] Summation Transformer
3] Amplifier
4] Relay with tripping mechanism.
Refer fig. 2.34
The triple pole switch is connected to three winding A, B, C of summation trans-
former. The three windings A, B, C are identical and placed on a common circular core as
shown in fig.2.34. Winding D is another winding placed on core. It is connected to relay
through amplifier. Relay controls the ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ operation of triple pole switch.
Operation:
1. When there is no earth fault on load side, all phase currents IR, IY and IB are same
in magnitude but having phase angle of 120 between any two at a time. Therefore, the
fluxes R, Y and B produced by windings A, B and C are same in magnitude but dis-
placed by 120 from each other. The effective flux in the core is, the summation of all three
fluxes and it is zero in this case.

∵ R + y + B = sin  +  sin ( – 120) +  sin ( – 240) = 0

Hence, emf is not induced in winding D and relay does not get voltage to energise.
It remains inoperative and triple pole switch remains closed.
2. When there is earth fault in load an any one phase, all phase currents. Hence,
fluxes R, y and B produced in core will also be unbalanced fluxes. Their sum in care will
not be zero i.e. same residual flux will be present in core. It will link winding D to produce
 Switchgear and Protection 2.60 Circuit Interrupting Devices

emf in it. The induced emf in winding D will be amplified and fed to relay. Relay will be
energised and will open the triple pole switch.
This is how the ELCB operates on leakage current.

R Y B

Triple pole
switch Relay

Amplifier

A D

Y

R B

B C

3 Induction
motor

Fig. 2.34 3 Phase Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker

Applications:
1] 230 V or 415 V, 50 Hz, ELCB upto 63 A normal rating with 30 mA sensitivity
(suitable for human being protection) hence used in residential wiring, commercial wiring
etc.
2] 230 V or 415 V, 50 Hz, ELCB upto 63 A normal rating with 100 mA sensitivity
suitable for factory wiring protection.
Manufacturers in India:
 Switchgear and Protection 2.61 Circuit Interrupting Devices

1] Legrand Co. (Previously named as MDS switchgear Ltd.)

2] Standard kopp.
3] English Electric Co.
4] Datar Switchgears.
Example 1: [Summer 2004]
The specification of oil circuit breaker is given as below: 1500 A, 1000 MVA, 33 kV,
3 second, 3- phase.
Find
1] rated normal current.
2] rated symmetrical breaking current.
3] raked making current.
4] short time current rating.
5] rated service voltage.
Solution:

Given data: 3 O. C. B. with specification 1500 A, 1000 MVA, 33 kV, 3 second

1]  Rated normal current = 1500 A 1

Rated breaking capacity = 1000 MVA

Breaking capacity in VA
2]  Rated breaking current =
3 × Line Vollage

1000  106
=
3 × 33000

= 17495.46 …A
3] Rated making current
= 2.55 × rated symmetrical breaking current
= 2.55 × 1795.46
 Switchgear and Protection 2.62 Circuit Interrupting Devices

= 44613.42 …A
4] Since duration is given as 3 second, the short time current rating is 17495.96 ampere
for 3 sec.
5] Rated service voltage = Rated normal voltage
= 33 kV (Line to line)
Example No. 2:
A 3 phase MCB of rating 415 V 50 HZ, 63 A, 9 kA breaking capacity is installed in
a commercial building.
Determine
1] Rated normal current
2] Rated symmetrical breaking current of kVA
3] Rated making current.
Solution:

Given data: 3 M. C. B. has rating 415 V, 63 A, 9 kA breaking capacity

1]  Rated current = 63 A

2] Rated breaking current

= 9 kA.
capacity

3 × Rated breaking current × Rated voltage

3] Rated breaking capacity =
1000

3 × 9000  415
=
1000
= 6469.2098 kVA
4]Rated making current = 2.55 × rated breaking current
= 2.55 × 9000
= 22950 …A
 Switchgear and Protection 2.63 Circuit Interrupting Devices

Example No. 3:
A circuit breaker is rated at 1 kA, 1200 MVA, 33 kV, 3 sec, 3- phase. Determine rat-
ed current capacity, Symmetrical breaking capacity, making capacity and short time rating
of the breaker.
Solution:

Given data : 3 circuit breaker of rating 1 kA, 1200 MVA, 33kV, 3 sec.

1]  Rated current = 1k A i.e. 1000A

2] Symmetrical rated breaking ca-

= 1200 MVA
pacity

Rateal breaking capacity in VA

3] Symmetrical breaking current =
3 × Line Voltage

1200  106
=
3 × 33  103

= 20994.5 …A
4] Rated making current capacity = 2.55 × Rated breaking current capacity
= 2.55 × 20994.5
= 53536.1 …A
5] Rated short time rating of the breaker is 20994.5 ampere for 3 sec.
PTO
 Switchgear and Protection 2.64 Circuit Interrupting Devices

HIGHLIGHT (REVIEWING THE CHAPTER)

Fuse: A fuse is a short piece of metal, placed in a circuit, which melts and hence
breaks the circuit when excessive current (more than rated current) flows through it.
OR
It is a device used for protecting the cable in a circuit against damage from an ex-
cessive current.
Fuse consists of fuse wire (or fuse element), insulating body and end terminals.
Circuit Breaker: Circuit breaker is an electromechanical device, which can
1] Make or break the circuit manually or by remote control under normal condi-
tions,
2] Break the circuit automatically under abnormal conditions, or
3] Make a circuit under normal conditions either by manually or by remote control.
Methods of Arc Extinction: There are two methods of arc interruption namely,
1] High resistance interruption
2] Low resistance or zero point interruption.
Arc Voltage: It is the voltage that appears across the separated contacts of circuit breaker
during arcing periods.
Restriking Voltage (Transient Recovery Voltages): It is the transient voltage that ap-
pears across the contacts of circuit breaker, after the instant of current zero. It is also
known as transient recovery voltage. (TRV) After current becomes natural zero, voltage
appearing across the contacts is composed of high frequency transient voltage (TRV) and
power frequency normal (recover) voltage.
Rate of Rise of Restriking Voltage (RRRV): It is defined as the rate at which restriking
voltage rises.
Recovery Voltage: It is the normal frequency voltage (in R.M.S.) that appears across the
contacts of the circuit breaker after the arc is extinguished finally.
EARTHING SWITCH: It is a switch connected between the line conductor and earth. When
system is ON, this switch is kept open. But when the line is disconnected from supply,
earthing switch is closed to discharge voltage on line (due to its charging capacitance w.r.t.
 Switchgear and Protection 2.65 Circuit Interrupting Devices

earth), to earth. It is very important to discharge such trapped voltage when the mainte-
nance on the system is carried out.
Miniature Circuit Breaker: MCB means miniature circuit breaker. It is a small type of air
circuit breaker. MCBs are designed for protection of L.T. cables, household equipments,
motors, and lamp loads, and power loads used in low voltage circuits. It is designed for
low voltages. MCBs are suitable for low A. C. voltages upto 415 V or 230 V D.C. In fact
MCBs have low voltage ratings 415 V, comparatively small normal current ratings (maxi-
mum upto 63 A) and breaking capacity upto 9 kA.
ELCB: ELCB means earth leakage circuit breaker. It is also called as RCCB (Residual
Current operating Circuit Breaker). When a human being meets live parts, current flows
through his/her body to earth. This current, which is flowing through body during earth
fault, gives severe shock to human being. A 30 mA leakage current is sufficient to cause
fatal (death). Such fatal shock is called ‘electrocution’.
ELCB is used to provide protection to human being from getting shocks due to
leakage current (i.e. protection against electrocution). Besides this, ELCB can also elimi-
nate arcing grounds.
Isolator: Isolator is a disconnecting switch which operates under no load condition
SEQUENCE OF OPERATION OF SWITCHGEAR WHILE OPENING/CLOSING POWER LINE :
A] While Opening:1] Open circuit breaker first, 2] Then open isolator,
3] Then close earth switch (if provided)
B] While Closing:1] Open Earthing switch first, 2] Then close isolators,
3] Then close circuit breakers

Circuit breaker Overhead line

Isolator
Bus bar
CT

Isolator
Lightning PT
Earthing arrester
Switch
es

Questions
Define: 1] Fuse 2] Fusing factor 3] Breaking capacity of circuit breaker
 Switchgear and Protection 2.66 Circuit Interrupting Devices

4] R.R.R.V. 5] Restriking voltage 6] Making capacity of circuit breaker

2] State the advantages and disadvantages of fuses.
3] Write short note on HRC fuses. State its applications.
4] Give classification of circuit breakers and explain methods of arc quenching in circuit
breaker.
5] How is an arc produced in a circuit breaker? Explain.
6] Compare fuses with circuit breakers.
7] Explain with neat diagram construction and working of minimum oil circuit breaker.
6] Mention properties of SF6 gas.
7] Explain how arc is quenched in a SF6 gas circuit breaker by puffer mechanism.
8] Resistance switching eliminates problem due to current chopping or capacitive
current breaking. Justify this statement.
9] Compare isolators with circuit breakers
10] Explain with neat diagram the pantograph isolator
11] Why earthing switch is provided in EHV lines. Explain.
12] State the sequence of operation of isolator, circuit breaker and earthing switch.
a] While closing the circuit b] While opening the circuit
13] Compare isolator, earthing switch and load break switches.
14] Define a] Total fault clearing time b] Circuit breaker operating time
c] Short time rating capacity of breaker.
15] What is MCB? State different characteristics of mc bs.
16] With neat sketch explain working of MCB.
17] What is ELCB? What is electrocution?
18] With neat circuit diagram explain working principle of ELCB.
19] Stare the difference between MCB and MCCB.
20] Compare ACB with ABCB.
21] Compare Bulk oil circuit breaker with M. O. C. B.
22] Compare O. C. B. with vacuum C. B.
23] Compare O. C. B. with SF6 as C. B.
24] A circuit breaker is rated at 1 kA, 1250 MVA, 33 kV, 2 sec, 3- phase. Determine rated
current capacity, Symmetrical breaking capacity, making capacity and short time rating of
the breaker.
