Phoenix Contact Circuit Breakers
Phoenix Contact circuit breakers are designed to provide reliable protection and accurate tripping in the event of electrical stresses. The most common types of circuit breakers used today fall into two basic categories: thermomagnetic and electronic.
Thermomagnetic circuit breakers, such as those in the UT 6-TMC series from Phoenix Contact, use a combination of thermal and magnetic trip elements to initiate overload conditions and short-circuit protection. In applications where more dependable service is required, or for situations subjecting circuits to unusual stresses (e.g., high ambient temperatures), Phoenix Contact now offers electronic circuit-breaker models that reliably detect even the slightest changes in current that might signal an impending fault.
The advanced electronic trip units in Phoenix Contact's electronic circuit breakers, like the CBMC series, allow for very precise and customizable protection settings. These breakers are intended for a variety of applications—a single protection channel in a simple situation or multiple protection channels in a sophisticated system. The breakers provide some nice benefits, such as adjustable trip curves, remote monitoring (in some models), and easy integration with modern digital communication systems—enhancing the flexibility and "smartness" of contemporary electrical installations.
FAQs
Does a Phoenix Contact circuit breaker, specifically their device circuit breaker provide overcurrent protection to electronics?
Yes, Phoenix Contact device circuit breakers, such as those in the CB and CBMC series, provide overcurrent protection to electronics by interrupting the circuit when excessive current is detected, thereby safeguarding sensitive electronic equipment.
Do Phoenix Contact miniature circuit breakers provide ideal protection against voltage dips and short circuit currents?
Yes, Phoenix Contact miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) provide ideal protection against short circuit currents and are designed to maintain system stability by preventing voltage dips during fault conditions, ensuring the reliable operation of electrical systems.
What is a Circuit Breaker?
Magnetic Breakers
Magnetic Breakers are designed to react to short circuits or sharp spikes in voltage and current. The more current that passes through the breaker's electromagnet, the stronger the magnet becomes. When the current exceeds the rating for that particular breaker, the magnetic force becomes strong enough that it will pull the contact back and disconnect it from the other contact, disconnecting power from the device.
Thermal Protection Breakers
Thermal Protection Breakers protect against a sustained overcurrent, or a higher current, for a longer period of time. Thermal protection uses a Bimetal strip that will bend the contacts away from each other to disconnect power. Thermal Magnetic Breakers are the most common type of circuit breakers. They combine magnetic technology to protect against short circuits or sharp spikes and thermal technology that protects against sustained overcurrent for a long period of time.