1 Answer
The principle of an **Air Circuit Breaker (ACB)** is to protect electrical circuits from overcurrent or short circuit conditions by automatically interrupting the current flow when a fault is detected.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works:
1. **Detection of Fault**: The ACB continuously monitors the electrical current flowing through the circuit. If the current exceeds the normal level (such as in case of a short circuit or overload), the ACB triggers a mechanism to disconnect the circuit.
2. **Arc Extinguishing**: When the ACB interrupts the flow of current, an electrical arc forms between the contacts. Since air is used as the medium to quench the arc, the ACB is designed with special arc extinguishing devices, like air blast or air chambers. These devices help cool and separate the arc, making it safe to interrupt the current.
3. **Disconnection**: Once the arc is fully extinguished, the breaker disconnects the circuit, stopping the flow of electricity and preventing damage to the system.
ACBs are typically used for low-voltage circuits and in applications like distribution boards and panels, where high reliability is required.
In short, the ACB works by detecting faults, creating an arc when disconnecting, and extinguishing it with air to safely stop current flow and protect the system.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works:
1. **Detection of Fault**: The ACB continuously monitors the electrical current flowing through the circuit. If the current exceeds the normal level (such as in case of a short circuit or overload), the ACB triggers a mechanism to disconnect the circuit.
2. **Arc Extinguishing**: When the ACB interrupts the flow of current, an electrical arc forms between the contacts. Since air is used as the medium to quench the arc, the ACB is designed with special arc extinguishing devices, like air blast or air chambers. These devices help cool and separate the arc, making it safe to interrupt the current.
3. **Disconnection**: Once the arc is fully extinguished, the breaker disconnects the circuit, stopping the flow of electricity and preventing damage to the system.
ACBs are typically used for low-voltage circuits and in applications like distribution boards and panels, where high reliability is required.
In short, the ACB works by detecting faults, creating an arc when disconnecting, and extinguishing it with air to safely stop current flow and protect the system.