How Do Remote Control Circuit Breakers Work?
In addition to their protective short-circuit and overload protection functions, circuit breakers can be controlled remotely. There are special modules which can be added to circuit breakers to enable remote tripping and remote closing so the circuit breaker can be used like a remote-controlled switch.
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Remote Tripping
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Shunt trips and under-voltage trips are two modules which can be added to a circuit breaker to remotely control tripping. The shunt trip acts on the tripping mechanism when it receives a control current and trips the breaker. The under voltage trip is normally connected to the control voltage and trips the breaker when the voltage is low or interrupted.
Remote Closing
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Electric breaker closing mechanisms can be added to a circuit breaker to remotely control breaker closing. Such mechanisms are added in front or beside the breaker to operate the breaker latch and close it. For smaller breakers, the mechanism consists of a solenoid which, when energized, acts to close the breaker latch. For larger breakers, a small electric motor moves an arm to close the breaker latch.
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Remote Indication
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When a circuit breaker can be opened and closed remotely, it is important that the operator knows whether the breaker is open or closed. Remote-controlled circuit breakers have auxiliary contacts for this purpose. The contacts are mounted in parallel with the main breaker contacts and connected to a control voltage. When the breaker is closed, an auxiliary contact is closed as well and it is used to light a pilot light which shows the operator that the breaker is closed. When the breaker and the auxiliary contact open, the light goes out and the operator knows the breaker is open.
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References
- Photo Credit electrical panel switch image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
