Circuit breaker Timers are essentially the control center for your building’s electrical system, so understanding how they function and how to test them may be a real lifeline. This blog post shares the knowledge of testing with a circuit breaker timer.
What’s a Circuit Breaker Timer?
A circuit breaker timer monitors mechanical operational timing to ensure that a circuit breaker functions properly. It checks the timing that a circuit breaker takes to react and trip. The timer lets you know that the breaker shuts off quickly to prevent damage to the electrical system.
Why do you need a circuit breaker timer for testing?
Your circuit breaker is crucial in regulating your electrical supply. Your building’s power is separated into circuits, each of which is connected to a circuit breaker. A circuit breaker is an automatic switch that stops the flow of electricity in a circuit in the event of a short circuit or overload. If you reset the circuit breaker and the electricity does not come back on, there might be a problem with the electrical panel.
Testing a circuit breaker with a timer can allow you to assess the amount of power flowing through the panel. A circuit breaker timer can help fix issues with the speed and performance of the breaker. It measures the time that a circuit breaker takes to open during the short circuit or overload. It’s a good idea to test your circuit breakers regularly—at least once a year or after major maintenance work.
Testing DC High-Speed Circuit Brekaers
DC HSCBs should be checked on the following occasions:
- During commissioning.
- In preparation for a line upgrade (when more trains are to operate on a line, more current must be provided, and the substation breakers must be adjusted to a greater trip current, which involves recalibration and testing).
- As part of normal maintenance (usually every 2 to 3 years at a substation and more frequently on train equipment)
- Once a breaker has been fixed or reconditioned
Conclusion
High-speed DC circuit breakers may be quickly and easily tested with the proper testing equipment. It also provides an efficient defense against the significant expenses and interruptions caused by a circuit breaker failure. In a transportation network, a breaker that trips needlessly can disturb thousands of passengers, while one that does not trip at all might ruin expensive equipment. This results in considerably higher costs and interruption. The repercussions of breaker failures in other industries are similarly serious, thus for all DC HSCB users, a small investment in circuit breaker timers will undoubtedly be money well spent!
S.B.ELECTROTECH
S.B. Electrotech is a company that specializes in manufacturing of electrical and electronic testing and measuring instruments. With years of expertise in this field, we ensure to provide high quality, safe, and sustainable products.
