what are the types of circuit breaker
Circuit breakers are classified by voltage level (low, medium, and high), by the arc quenching medium (Oil Circuit Breaker, Air Blast Circuit Breaker, Vacuum Circuit Breaker, SF6 Circuit Breaker), or by their specific functionality in a home or building (e.g., MCB, MCCB, GFCI, AFCI, RCCB, ACB).
By Voltage Level
Circuit breakers are broadly categorized into three types based on the system's voltage level:
Low Voltage (LV) Circuit Breakers:
These operate at voltages up to 1KV and are common in homes and small businesses. Examples include MCBs, MCCBs, and ACBs.
Medium Voltage (MV) Circuit Breakers:
Used in industrial and distribution networks, these operate at higher voltages than LV breakers.
High Voltage (HV) Circuit Breakers:
Employed in power transmission networks, these breakers are designed for very high voltages and are classified based on their arc-quenching medium.
By Arc Quenching Medium
This classification describes how the circuit breaker extinguishes the electric arc that forms when the circuit is broken:
Oil Circuit Breaker (OCB): Uses oil to insulate and cool the arc.
Air Blast Circuit Breaker (ABCB): Uses a blast of air to quench the arc at atmospheric pressure.
Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB): Uses a vacuum as the interrupting medium for high-efficiency arc quenching.
SF6 Circuit Breaker (Sulphur Hexafluoride): Utilizes SF6 gas, known for its excellent insulating and arc-quenching properties, for medium to high-voltage applications.
By Functionality (Common Types in Home and Industrial Use)
These types are defined by their specific functions and applications, often found in residential and commercial settings:
Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB): A low-current breaker for overload and short-circuit protection in homes.
Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB): A more robust version of an MCB used for higher current ratings, typically in industrial applications.
Air Circuit Breaker (ACB): Used in high current applications like distribution panels in factories and large buildings.
Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB): Detects current imbalances (leakage to ground) and trips to prevent electric shock.
Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI): Protects against dangerous arc faults in wiring, which can cause fires.
Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI): Prevents electrocution by sensing small imbalances in the current flowing through the circuit.