Another device used for overcurrent protection is a circuit breaker. The NEC® defines a circuit breaker as a device designed to open and close a circuit by non automatic means, and to open the circuit automatically on a predetermined over current without damage to itself when properly applied within its rating. Circuit breakers provide a manual means of energizing and deenergizing a circuit. In addition, circuit breakers provide automatic overcurrent protection of a circuit. A circuit breaker allows a circuit to be reactivated quickly after a short circuit or overload is cleared. Unlike fuses which must be replaced when they open, a simple flip of the breaker’s handle restores the circuit.
Ampere Rating
Like fuses, every circuit breaker has a specific ampere, voltage, and fault current nterruption rating. The ampere rating is the maximum continuous current a circuit breaker can carry without exceeding its rating. As a general rule, the
circuit breaker
Circuit Breaker
ampere rating should match the conductor ampere rating. For example, if the conductor is rated for 20 amps, the circuit breaker should be rated for 20 amps. Siemens I-T-E® breakers are rated on the basis of using 60° C or 75° C conductors. This means that even if a conductor with a higher temperature rating were used, the ampacity of the conductor must be figured on its 60° C or 75° C rating. There are some specific circumstances when the ampere rating is permitted to be greater than the current carrying capacity of the circuit. For example, motor and welder circuits can exceed Conductor ampacity to allow for inrush currents and duty cycles within limits established y NEC®. Generally the ampere rating of a circuit breaker is selected at 125% of the continuous load current. This usually corresponds to the conductor ampacity which is also selected at 125% of continuous load current. For example, a 125 amp circuit breaker would be selected for a load of 100 amps.
Voltage Rating
The voltage rating of the circuit breaker must be at least equal to the circuit voltage. The voltage rating of a circuit breaker can be higher than the circuit voltage, but never lower. For example, a 480 VAC circuit breaker could be used
on a 240 VAC circuit. A 240 VAC circuit breaker could not be used on a 480 VAC circuit. The voltage rating is a function of the circuit breakers ability to suppress the internal arc that occurs when the circuit breakers contacts open.
Fault Current Interrupting Rating
Circuit breakers are also rated according to the level of fault current they can interrupt. When applying a circuit breaker, one must be selected which can sustain the largest potential short circuit current which can occur in the
selected application. Siemens circuit breakers have interrupting ratings from 10,000 to 200,000 amps. To find the interrupting ratings of a specific circuit breaker refer to the Speed fax catalog.
