EXPERIMENT NO.
-9
NAME-SURAJ SAHOO
ROLL NO.-K001
B TECH CYBER SECURITY
Aim: To examine the operation and significance of circuit breakers in electrical circuits
TYPES OF CIRCUIT BREAKERS:-
1. Low Voltage Circuit Breaker (LVCB)
Description:
Protects electrical circuits up to 1000V from overloads and short circuits. Includes MCBs (Miniature
Circuit Breakers) and MCCBs (Molded Case Circuit Breakers).
• Voltage Range: Up to 1000V (AC) or 1500V (DC).
• Current Ratings:
o MCBs: Rated current up to 125 A.
o MCCBs: Rated current up to 1600 A.
• Figure:
Applications:
1. Residential/Commercial Buildings: Protects wiring and devices.
2. Industrial Equipment: Safeguards machinery and electrical systems from faults.
2. Medium Voltage Circuit Breaker (MVCB)
Description:
Protects circuits from 1kV to 72.5kV in medium-voltage systems. Types include oil, vacuum, and SF6
circuit breakers.
• Voltage Range: 1kV to 52kV (or 69kV).
• Current Ratings:
o Standard Ratings: 250A, 400A, 630A, 800A, 1250A, 1600A, 2000A, 2500A, 4000A.
• Figure:
Applications:
1. Substations: Protects transformers and feeders.
2. Industrial Systems: Ensures power distribution and equipment protection in industries.
3. High Voltage Circuit Breaker:
1.Air Circuit Breaker (ACB)
Description: An Air Circuit Breaker (ACB) is a type of electrical circuit breaker that uses air as the
medium for quenching the arc during the opening of contacts. It is commonly used in low to medium
voltage applications (up to 1000V). ACBs are equipped with an arc chamber where the arc formed when
contacts separate is extinguished by the flow of air.
Rating:
• Voltage: Up to 1000V
• Current: Typically up to 6300A (depending on design and application)
• Interrupting capacity: 10kA to 100kA (depending on the specific breaker)
Applications:
1. Electrical Distribution Systems: Protects low-voltage circuits from overloads and short circuits.
2. Industrial Installations: Safeguards machinery from power surges and handles large fault currents.
Figure:
2.Oil Circuit Breaker (OCB)
Description: An Oil Circuit Breaker (OCB) uses oil as the medium for arc extinction. The oil is contained
in a tank and is used to quench the electrical arc formed when the breaker contacts separate. Oil circuit
breakers are commonly used in medium-voltage applications (up to 72kV).
Rating:
• Voltage: Up to 72kV
• Current: Typically 500A to 3150A
• Interrupting capacity: 10kA to 40kA
Applications:
1. Medium Voltage Substations: Protects transformers and feeders in medium-voltage networks.
2. Power Distribution Networks: Ensures system integrity by handling large fault currents in grids.
Figure:
3. SF6 Circuit Breaker
Description: An SF6 Circuit Breaker uses sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas to extinguish the arc. SF6 is an
extremely effective arc quenching medium due to its high dielectric strength. These breakers are used
in high-voltage applications and are capable of interrupting large currents.
Rating:
• Voltage: Typically from 72.5kV to 800kV and above
• Current: Up to 4000A and more
• Interrupting capacity: 25kA to 80kA
Applications:
1. High-Voltage Transmission Lines: Protects high-voltage transmission lines during faults.
2. Substations in Electric Utilities: Protects equipment from short circuits with minimal
maintenance.
Figure:
4.Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB)
Description: A Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) is a type of breaker that uses a vacuum to extinguish the
arc. The contacts are placed inside a vacuum chamber, which allows for effective arc quenching. VCBs
are used primarily in medium-voltage (up to 36kV) electrical circuits and are known for their fast
operation and high reliability.
Rating:
• Voltage: Up to 36kV
• Current: Typically up to 2500A
• Interrupting capacity: 16kA to 40kA
Applications:
1. Medium-Voltage Networks: Protects medium-voltage circuits in industrial plants.
2. Motor and Transformer Protection: Safeguards motors and transformers from electrical faults.
Figure:
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, circuit breakers are crucial safety devices in electrical circuits, designed to protect systems
from damage caused by overcurrent or faults. They operate by detecting abnormal current conditions
and interrupting the circuit to prevent hazards such as electrical fires or equipment damage. Unlike fuses,
circuit breakers can be reset and reused, making them more practical and reliable. Their significance lies
in ensuring the safe operation of electrical systems, maintaining continuity, and mitigating risks
associated with electrical faults.
