Any building connected to the power grid must have all the necessary safety measures to reduce the risk of dangerous situations. One of the main such measures is the presence of a circuit breaker. With the help of such a device, the likelihood of a fire in a building is significantly reduced. Therefore, when connecting your home to electricity, it is recommended that you purchase this device first.
However, you should not buy the first model that comes across, which may not be effective. The unit must be of high quality and reliable. In this regard, many are interested in how to choose a circuit breaker for the house and what factors should be paid attention to. We propose to analyze this issue in as much detail as possible in our article.
Content
Circuit breaker mechanism
First, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the general mechanism of operation of the devices in question. This will facilitate the process of choosing a suitable model in the future. It is worth noting that most experts call the circuit breakers an automatic device, which is due to the principle of operation of the device. The main feature is automatic triggering when necessary without the participation of the owner.
The machine protects the electrical circuit from any overloads, and also blocks a short circuit. For a simplified understanding, it is worth examining this with an example. Let's say there is copper wiring in the house, the cross-sectional indicator of which is 2.5 mm2. The owner turned on the oven, kettle, microwave and iron at the same time. In total, these devices consume more than 40 amperes, which significantly heats the wiring. After some time, the temperature in the wires will reach a limit and the winding will begin to melt.
This situation can lead to various consequences, including ignition or breakage of contact. If the fire is extinguished on time, then in the future you will still have to change the wiring. This requires crushing the plaster.
To avoid the described problem, the circuit breaker allows. The device has a special plate that is designed to respond to extreme temperature changes in the wiring. As soon as the temperature exceeds the permissible norm, the plate will deform. She will push the lever and the current will stop.
It is customary to install machines in any structures where electricity is supplied. This can be an apartment, private house, garage, workshop, industrial plant or commercial area. Everywhere this is required as a safety measure.
Now we propose to disassemble the circuit breaker device. It has the following components:
- Protective housing;
- The main lever that the plate exerts pressure on. After triggering the mechanism, the user must return it to its original position;
- Arcing grille;
- Terminals on which the wiring is fixed;
- Latch for fixing;
- Internal contacts;
- Thermal release;
- Electromagnetic block.
It is not necessary to know the details of each component of the device. You can choose a high-quality and reliable machine knowing only the basic aspects. The main thing is to adhere to the recommendations described in this article. As for the location of the machine in the network, as a rule, it is installed immediately behind the counter. In some cases, the switch is located either in the meter itself, or below it, or separately. It depends on the model itself and the wishes of the user.
In addition to protecting the network from overload, the machine allows you to prevent short circuits. If in some place the copper wiring is burnt, then its bare parts may touch each other. In this case, a high voltage electric arc is generated. Many objects can catch fire if she touches them. The circuit breaker also prevents such situations. For this, the electromagnetic module of the device is used. It is triggered by a sharp increase in the mains voltage and pushes the lever.
The best manufacturers of circuit breakers - which company to choose
When choosing any technique, most people first of all pay attention to the model brand. And this is a good decision, because if a company occupies a leading position in the market and has a good reputation, then there is no reason to doubt the quality of its products. However, it is not recommended to make a choice based only on the brand. It is necessary to build on the selection parameters, which will be described below.
As for the companies themselves, the following firms are considered the most in demand today:
- EKF;
- TDM;
- ABB;
- IEK;
- DEKraff.
Types of circuit breakers
All modern switches fall into 2 main categories. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with it, as it will facilitate the selection of a suitable device in the future. The machine can be home or industrial.
Industrial switches
As the name implies, such devices are commonly used in enterprises where massive electrical equipment is used. As mentioned earlier, the machine is a necessary safety measure and is a must for any industry. This is especially important for various workshops, where there are many turning, drilling and similar machines.
The interior of industrial circuit breakers is designed for high voltage and high temperature applications. The installation of the unit is carried out in a separate panel by a qualified technician who has the appropriate level of approval.
Pros:
- Availability of models not only for 2 poles, but also for 3-4;
- The indicator of the maximum tolerated current is 250 Amperes;
- Can be installed in any position in space;
- Guaranteed break with green flag;
- Separate disconnection of certain lines is provided. In this case, the undamaged lines continue their work.
Minuses:
- Impressive value;
- For installation, you must separately purchase a special shield;
- Large dimensions;
- Installation requires specialist services.
Home machines
Now let's consider the standard household models that are used for installation in an apartment, private house, garage, and the like. In most cases, a home circuit breaker is modular in shape. It is connected to the meter or taken out in a separate dashboard. The main advantage over industrial versions is the compact body.
If the machine is installed in a building with too large an area, it is recommended to install several devices in different zones, based on the load from electrical equipment.
Pros:
- Budget cost;
- Designed for multiple off and on cycles;
- Many different options for the nominal current level;
- Instant actuation when needed;
- Quite quickly and easily fixed on the rail;
- Compact dimensions.
Minuses:
- Most of the models are extremely similar to each other.The value of the rated current can only be recognized by the inscription on the case. If the user confuses and installs the machine with an inappropriate power, then the risk increases that the mechanism will not have time to respond to overload or short circuit;
- With frequent arcing, the material inside the housing starts to deteriorate. As a result, the service life is reduced and an unpleasant burning smell appears.
Circuit breaker selection parameters
Model class
There are certain standards according to which any circuit breaker from each manufacturer receives its own class marking. You should pay attention to this parameter first of all. Today, there are 4 classes of machines:
- TM-D. All industrial devices belong to such models. They are great for massive machine tools and manufacturing equipment;
- D. The main feature of this class of circuit breakers is the ability to draw a line directly from the device. It copes well with the protection of transformers and similar devices with high power and voltage. The best place to install such a model is in a garage or small workshop;
- C. Most common as it is intended for home use. It copes with the protection of outlets and household equipment. Also suitable for small business enterprises. For example, for a restaurant;
- B. The last class of circuit breakers is designed for long electrical lines. It is not designed for consumer electronics. Recommended for street lighting or driveways.
Type of shell
According to the type of housing, all circuit breakers are divided into 2 categories:
- Plug to be mounted in the meter. Such mechanisms are necessary to maintain security throughout the building. However, if a short circuit occurs in a particular room, then the electricity will turn off everywhere;
- Switch in a molded rectangular case. For such a device, it is necessary to prepare the installation site. This can be a special cabinet or just a wall.
Indicator of rated current
Each circuit breaker has its own power rating. It is measured by the value of the maximum current, when exceeded, the mechanism is triggered. In most machines, this indicator varies from 1 to 250 A. It is important here to calculate in advance the number of electrical appliances and the approximate number of watts consumed. You need to purchase a device that will be suitable for the amount received.
If you buy a machine that is too weak, then it will work at the slightest overload, which is quite safe. And, conversely, you can buy a unit that is too powerful and it will not have time to fire before the fire.
Thus, for example, for a bedroom where a 300 W TV and a 2000 W split system are used, an automatic machine with a rated current of 16 A. will be enough.A for a garage where a machine with a consumption of 3000 W is used, a 30 A machine is needed. etc.
Suitable voltage level
In addition to the rated current, any circuit breaker has a certain voltage indicator with which it can work. There are the following options:
- For voltages ranging from 180 to 240 V, it is recommended to buy a 240 V machine;
- With a stable voltage of 220 V, they buy a 220 V machine;
- If we are talking about a three-phase network, then you need to buy a device for 500-700 V. In this case, 4 terminals are connected to the body on each side. One terminal per phase, as well as a neutral wire.
Breaking capacity
In the technical passport of the machine, you can find the breaking capacity indicator. This value indicates the level of current that the device can carry to trip without being damaged. This parameter is measured in kiloamperes and usually ranges from 1.5 to 36 kA. If the current level in the network exceeds the permissible value, the switch will break.However, he will still have time to complete his task before the breakdown.
- For ordinary small apartments, machines with an indicator from 4 to 6 kA are suitable;
- For a workshop, it is recommended to buy an automatic machine with a value in the region of 10 kA;
- In industry, more powerful circuit breakers must be used, the breaking capacity of which is higher than 20 kA.
Circuit breaker type
There are 2 main types of modern machines. They can be modular or powered. In the first case, the device is easily installed on a common rail in the electrical panel. You can do this yourself without the help of a specialist. The circuit breaker requires a special cabinet that complies with the standard. And the installation process should be carried out by a qualified specialist with the required admission.
Number of poles
The number of poles is also an important parameter when choosing. This value reflects the number of lines that can be connected to a particular model. It is not necessary to purchase a device with a large number of poles. Such devices only work on the problem line and do not turn off the electricity throughout the house. However, this is their only feature.
At the same time, it is recommended to buy machines for 3-4 poles only for apartments, where each room produces approximately the same level of electricity consumption. If, for example, the consumption in the bedroom is much lower than in the kitchen, then it is best to install several single-strip machines. This will greatly increase efficiency.
How much does a circuit breaker cost
Many are interested in the approximate cost of various categories of circuit breakers:
- To organize street lighting, it is enough to purchase a low-power switch for 50-350 rubles;
- An automatic machine for general entry into the house will cost about 500 rubles;
- The price tag of the unit for the garage is 1000 rubles;
- To connect the kitchen, you can buy special models for 500-700 rubles;
- To increase the safety of lines from several offices, they buy a device for 1-2 thousand rubles;
- Industrial switches will cost about 10 thousand rubles.
Which circuit breaker to choose for the home
If you are at a loss with the choice of a suitable machine, we recommend using the following tips:
- If you need a circuit breaker for an industrial workshop, then it must have a TM-D class, have 3-4 poles and a rated current in the range of 60-100 A. In this case, it is recommended to purchase a model with the maximum breaking capacity, since in such enterprises a strong overvoltage can occur ... The installation method must be power.
- For office needs, models with the usual class C power rating are suitable. Since an office space implies many rooms, it is recommended to organize several lines, that is, to buy a four-pole device. The indicator of the rated current should be in the range from 30 to 40 Amperes. Breaking capacity - 10-12 kA. Pay attention to the presence of a silver coating on the contacts in the case.
- If you want to buy a model for a separate kitchen connection, then it must have the following characteristics: rated current - 25 A, class C, breaking capacity 5-6 kA, modular single-pole switch. In order to most compactly place the unit in the electrical panel, it is recommended to buy options in which the terminal is located on the front side of the case.
- For street lighting, 16 amperes, 4.5 kA, 220-230 V and modular type with one pole are suitable. Class B.
- If a switch is needed in a garage, the rated current must be 25 A. Voltage from 200 to 400 V. Note the presence of a silver coating on the contacts in the housing. Breaking capacity not less than 10 kA. However, this depends on the amount of electrical equipment in the garage.
- To organize a common entry into the house, it is recommended to buy class C devices of a modular type with one pole. In this case, the rated current should be 40 A, the voltage 220 V, and the breaking capacity within 6 kA.
