It is impossible to imagine the modern world withoutelectricity. In each house there are different appliances, and people sometimes do not even think about how much power is consumed by all devices and devices connected to the power grid.
Household appliances have entered the life of people so much that it costs to some device to fail, as a person starts to get nervous, and some even panic.
Since usually in an apartment or house worksmany different devices, the uninterrupted operation of a computer, refrigerator or TV and other devices often leads to exceeding the permissible standards in electrical networks, and as a result, a short circuit occurs.
Purpose of circuit breakers
In order to prevent this situation, andthere are automatic switches. The most common and well-proven ones are ABB switches. Inside, a 16-amp machine is usually put up. Such switches are made in the form of modules, due to what they can be freely mounted in the necessary quantity and in the right place.
It is best to use special DIN-rails,intended for fastening switches on them. Anyone who is not even very versed in electrical engineering can install such switches. The only thing you need is to choose the correct rating of the device you are using.
Among other things, circuit breakers can beif necessary, supplement with various remote shut-off sensors, operation indicators, etc., which in the end will make the use of the electrical installation more comfortable and durable.
When suddenly in the house or apartment turns offelectricity, they begin to look for the cause. And it often lies in exceeding the permissible load on the network. In other words, many more electrical appliances are included in the sockets than was calculated during construction, or what was allocated to a specific consumer.
So how do you determine what load will standmachine at the entrance to the house or apartment, or on a separate group of consumption? There are a few simple rules, and if you follow them, there should not be problems with switching off the electricity. And it does not matter which automatic machine is used - 16 amperes or 25 etc.
How wrong machines are chosen
In practice, an automaton is usually chosen, especially notreflecting. Many are repelled from the necessary workload, namely, they try to put such an automaton so that it is not simply switched off at a high load. So, for example, if you need 5 kW, then put the machine on 25A, if there is a 3kW load - a 16 amp machine and so on. But this approach is completely not considered, as it will only lead to equipment breakdown or even worse - to the fire of electrical wiring or even a fire.
The circuit breaker is for that and is invented to protect against overload. This is a switching device for protection, and not a decoration for the electrical panel.
Principle of operation of the circuit breaker
AB (automatic switch) is designed to protect from overloading all devices connected to the electrical circuit immediately after it.
If it is selected incorrectly, then properlyHe can not work. So, for example, if you use an electrical cable that is designed for 4-5 amps and put 20-30 on it, then such a machine will not turn off immediately, but wait until the insulation melts and a short circuit occurs. Then it will turn off. But this is not what the correct operation of the circuit breaker should lead to. Therefore, it is important to take into account in advance, placing the machine on 16 amperes, how many kW it will withstand if there are wires of a certain section and the maximum workload.
Ideally, it should turn off immediately as soon as it feels overloaded. Then the wires will stay in order, and the connected equipment will not burn out.
We choose the automaton correctly
How to understand, machine 16 amperes how many kilowatts stand in practice?
The most common correct way to choose a circuit breaker is as follows:
- determine the cross-section of the wire
- according to the rules for the installation of electrical installations, to find a current that is permissible for such a section of the wire
- select an automaton suitable for these parameters
For example, there is a copper wire cross-section of 1.5 square meters.mm. Current for it is allowed a maximum of 18-19 amps. Accordingly, according to the rules, you need to choose a suitable machine, but with a shift to the smaller side of the table. And it turns out 16 amps. That is, you can put the machine 16 amps.
If the wire is copper, and its cross section is 2.5 sq. M., then only current is allowed up to 26-27 amperes. Therefore, the maximum possible to use the machine is 25 amperes. Although for reasons of reliability it is better to install a 20-amp machine.
Thus, the parameters of the necessary automaton for the remaining sections of the wires are calculated.
Council for machines for aluminum wires
When using aluminum wires, it is possible to select automatic machines in the same way, only to increase the cross-section not in the smaller, but in the larger side.
Example:for a wire made of aluminum, which has a section of 4 square meters, the permissible current is the same as for a copper wire with a cross section of 2.5 mm2. And for the same wire, but aluminum, - as for 10 mm square. copper. At 6-mm - same, as at 4-mm from copper. Further - the same.
Types of machines
Choosing a circuit breaker is very importantto study all the characteristics of the device. It is also necessary to carefully calculate the total power of all devices that are supposed to be connected to each group of machines. From these factors will depend not only the speed of operation of the circuit breaker, but also the quality of its operation.
Most often, both in everyday life and in production, there are 16A automata. Usually they are installed in electrical panels. Therefore, the question of how much the 16-amp machine can withstand is always topical.
Features of switches
Circuit breakers are made ofmaterials that are completely harmless to human health. Self-extinguishing thermoplastic is used in the manufacture of the body of the device. It is able to withstand very high temperatures. Its contacts are made of copper plates, silvered for better contact and durability.
In the design of the circuit breakerthere is a special thermal relay that works when the current is exceeded, and the electrical circuit is opened without short-circuiting. The higher the current exponent, the faster the speed of operation of the machine. The account goes for a split second.
Scope of automatic circuit breakersis very extensive and extends from installing them in the opening electrical shields to the distribution boards of apartments or houses. For the use of circuit breakers, special distribution boards with already installed DIN-rails for the required number of automatic machines are produced. The buyer only needs to choose the one that meets his wishes, and install a shield in the apartment or in the house.
Despite all the seeming simplicity of using automatic circuit breakers, it is better to entrust a 16 amp machine to a specialist.
On rated current, circuit breakersdiffer in the strength of current (nominal from 1A to 6300A), and on the load on the circuit (220V, 380 and 400V). In addition, the switches are distinguished by the speed of operation.
