Description:
Shunt trips are electromechanical devices integrated into circuit breakers to remotely trip (open) the breaker under specific conditions such as overcurrents or faults. They operate by sending an electrical signal to the circuit breaker, causing it to trip and disconnect the circuit.
Functionality:
Remote Tripping: Allows the breaker to be tripped from a control panel or a remote location, enhancing safety during maintenance or emergencies.
Protection Enhancement: Ensures prompt disconnection of circuits in case of faults, minimizing damage to equipment and ensuring personnel safety.
Integration: Typically integrated into MCCBs (Molded Case Circuit Breakers) and ACBs (Air Circuit Breakers) in switchgear assemblies.
Description:
Undervoltage coils are components used in circuit breakers and contactors to protect electrical systems from damage due to low voltage conditions. They monitor the supply voltage and prevent equipment from operating or starting when voltage levels drop below a specified threshold.
Functionality:
Voltage Monitoring: Continuously monitors incoming supply voltage to detect undervoltage conditions.
Preventive Action: Prevents operation or starting of equipment when voltage levels are insufficient, avoiding potential damage or malfunction.
Applications: Commonly used in industrial and commercial applications to protect motors, pumps, and other electrical devices from undervoltage conditions.
Description:
Auxiliary contacts are additional switching elements mounted on main switching devices such as contactors, circuit breakers, and switches. They provide additional control signals or status indication, enhancing the functionality and monitoring capabilities of the switchgear.
Functionality:
Signal Transmission: Used to transmit control signals or feedback signals to external devices or control panels.
Status Indication: Indicates the status (open or closed) of the main switching device, providing visual or electrical indication.
Interlocking: Supports interlocking schemes to prevent conflicting operations or ensure sequential operation of equipment.
Applications: Essential in controlling and monitoring electrical circuits in complex installations where precise control and monitoring are required.
Description:
Locks and interlocks are mechanisms used to enhance safety and control in switchgear assemblies. They ensure that operations are performed in a specific sequence or under defined conditions to prevent accidents and equipment damage.
Types:
Mechanical Interlocks: Prevents simultaneous operation of conflicting devices (e.g., preventing a circuit breaker and a disconnect switch from being closed simultaneously).
Key Interlocks: Requires a specific key or code to operate, ensuring authorized access and preventing accidental or unauthorized operation.
Padlocks: Provides physical locking of switches or panels to prevent access or operation by unauthorized personnel.
Applications:
Safety: Enhances operator safety by enforcing correct operating procedures and preventing accidental energization or de-energization of circuits.
Compliance: Helps in complying with safety regulations and standards by ensuring proper isolation and control of electrical equipment during maintenance or servicing.