Circuit Breaker Bases & Accessories
Circuit breaker bases and accessories are mounting, wiring, or supporting components used to attach circuit breakers to panels, adapters, and other electrical enclosures, or devices that enhance the capabilities of breakers installed in industrial, commercial, and utility applications. Breaker bases provide the mechanical and electrical support needed to mount the circuit breaker in a panel or electrical enclosure, while accessories are add-on components that provide control, monitoring, and remote actuation features for breakers. Both bases and accessories are critical to providing a safe and effective circuit breaker that offers proper power delivery to the system and compliance with codes and standards.
Circuit breaker bases are subassemblies that support breakers mechanically and electrically by providing a mounting bracket, platform, or slotting location to install circuit breakers without the need to custom-fabricate panels or remove and replace more costly panels, adapters, and switch gear or subassemblies. They simplify the electrical and mechanical bus and feed connections to the breaker, and usually provide either standardized or adjustable mounting features for easy attachment and alignment of the breaker. Bases are commonly used in industrial and commercial panelboards, switch gear assemblies, motor control centers, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) applications where power delivery is a critical concern to overall system operation and reliability.
ABB Circuit Breaker Bases & Accessories
Benshaw Circuit Breaker Bases & Accessories
Eaton Circuit Breaker Bases & Accessories
IDEC Circuit Breaker Bases & Accessories
Killark Circuit Breaker Bases & Accessories
Phoenix Contact Circuit Breaker Bases & Accessories
Square D Circuit Breaker Bases & Accessories
More Information about Circuit Breaker Bases and Accessories
Accessories are optional add-on components that increase the functionality and capabilities of breakers by providing auxiliary switches, auxiliary alarm contacts, shunt and under-voltage trip devices, push button or motorized actuators (openers and closers), padlock and padlocking features, mechanical interlock kits, and other contact systems and control devices. Accessories allow breakers to provide alarm, indication, tripping, fail-safe, lock-out, and prevent unauthorized user access and other functionality not otherwise available with a stock breaker, allowing users to improve safety, operation reliability, and flexibility of the breakers through fail-safe features and remote indication/control features. Accessories often are needed to meet electrical codes, standards, and other regulatory requirements. Accessories are necessary for OEMs and panel board assemblers or equipment designers looking to meet particular operational goals and or safety parameters in shutdown or emergency circuit breaker events.
Circuit breaker bases and accessories are built primarily for use in heavy-duty industrial, commercial, and utility applications. They are designed to provide long-term service, reliable performance, and safe and effective mechanical and electrical performance even in challenging environmental and operational conditions. However, the right base or accessory must be matched for the particular breaker and electrical assembly for best performance. Circuit breaker bases and accessories save time and money by improving breaker performance, providing additional safety margins to breaker operation, and allowing for easy installation, replacement, and maintenance of breakers.
FAQs
What are circuit breaker bases used for?
Circuit breaker bases are used to securely mount and connect circuit breakers within panels, switchgear, and electrical enclosures. They provide proper alignment, electrical connectivity, and support for safe installation and maintenance.
What types of accessories are available for circuit breakers?
Common circuit breaker accessories include auxiliary and alarm contacts, shunt trip devices, undervoltage releases, motor operators, handle extensions, locking mechanisms, and communication modules. These accessories add control, monitoring, and safety functions to breakers.
Why are circuit breaker accessories important?
Circuit breaker accessories enhance safety, enable remote operation, provide status indication, and allow integration with automation and control systems. They help meet electrical code requirements and improve system visibility and response capabilities.
How do I choose the correct breaker base or accessory?
Selection depends on the breaker type and frame size, system voltage and current ratings, mounting configuration, and functional requirements such as remote tripping or status feedback. Accessories must be compatible with the specific breaker model.
Are circuit breaker bases and accessories used in industrial applications?
Yes, circuit breaker bases and accessories are widely used in industrial plants, commercial buildings, utilities, and OEM equipment where reliable power distribution, safety compliance, and system control are required.