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What is the main function of the magnetic trip in a circuit breaker?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
The panel circuit-breaker trips two ways: (1) instant-magnetically; (2) by delayed thermal overload. Instant-magnetically responds to a huge, direct short circuit, where thousands of Amperes may flow immediately. The resulting magnetic field around a hairpin of heavy wire in the breaker pushes the wire arms apart, releasing the latch in the breaker very quickly. The breaker also contains a bi-metalic conductor that bends as it gets hot. If the current exceeds the breaker capacity for a few seconds to a minute the bi-metalic arm heats, bends and releases the latch in the breaker. The thermal-delay allows motors with large startup-current to get running without tripping the breaker.
THE REST OF THE STORY: In other words, 20 Amp breaker can supply 40 amps or more for a few seconds. Not enough time to overheat the wire to the outlet, but enough time for a motor's centrifugal-switch to disconnect the start winding. If you overload the circuit a little bit, say 24 amps from a 20-Amp breaker, it will trip, but maybe not for a half hour or hour. On a hot day the thermal release will act more quickly, even though the current will be slightly less because copper wire has a higher resistance when warm.
Roger Ing
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoshort circuit current trip
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Will a circuit breaker function the same if supply and loads are reversed?
Yes, a circuit breaker will function the same if supply and loads are reversed. This is the way that some sub panels are fed instead of a main disconnect at the top of the distribution panel.
Is the main circuit breaker is a sum of the sub circuit breaker?
Typically yes because that is what makes sense. However, the subpanel could have the same size breaker as long as the panel were rated for that amperage and the wire sizes were appropriate.
What causes the main breaker to trip from a fault current from a twenty amp branch circuit?
If the fault was on the 20 amp branch circuit, the branch circuit breaker should have tripped, not the main breaker. Call a qualified electrician to check out your wiring.
What is the meaning of MCCB panel Electrical Engineering?
Main circuit circuit breaker
Which is the most important device to protect electric circuits from the harm caused by short circuit and overloading?
There are two main devices. One is the circuit breaker. It provides a dual function where in it can detect short circuits with its internal magnetic sensor and overloads with its internal bi metallic strip. The other device is a fuse. It operates by melting a fusible link, that breaks the fault current that is in the circuit, when a high current rush through the fuse.
What is the smallest size circuit breaker found in the normal home?
The biggest circuit breaker in any home is the main breaker located in your main breaker panel that is installed where your electrical service cable comes into your home.
What prevents the main circuit breaker and the mission essential circuit breaker of the secondary distribution center from being energized simultaneously?
an interlocking device
Does an electric circuit have a beaker?
Electric circuit need a main circuit breaker that can protect the whole circuit from short circuit even in ground fault. It's safer if you use breaker with built in ground protection.
What is the difference of a Circuit Breaker from an Air Circuit breaker?
They are completely different. A moulded-case circuit breaker is a low- or medium-voltage device, whereas an air circuit breaker is a very large circuit breaker designed for use in high-voltage transmission/distribution substations.
How long is the main ring?
If you are talking about an electrical ring main it can be as long as you want it as long as it returns back to the circuit breaker with the other end of the cable, which if you didn't return the 2nd end of the cable to the circuit breaker you would have a radial circuit.
Main fuse on a harley 2003 road king?
it has a main circuit breaker in front of the battery
How do you replace a 15 amp breaker in the circuit box?
The breaker will have a black wire connected to it. Turn off the main breaker and then disconnect that black wire from the breaker. The breaker will snap into the main bar. Remove the breaker and install the new one. Reconnect the black wire to the breaker and then install the cover and turn the main breaker back on.
