Increasing concern for safety in electronic, electrical, industrial and telecommunications devices boosting the need for circuit breakers.

The circuit breaker is a switching mechanism that disrupts the irregularity or the present fault. It is a mechanical device that disrupts the current of high magnitude (fault) and, in turn, performs the function of a switch. The circuit breaker is designed primarily for the closing or opening of electrical circuits and therefore protects the electrical system from damage.

The circuit breaker comprises basically of the set and shifting contacts. Both connections meet each other and hold the current in normal conditions when the connection is locked. When the circuit breaker is locked, a spring pressure is applied to the electrodes which carry current.

How do Circuit Breakers Work?

During the course of the standard process, the flaps of the circuit breaker can be opened or closed for the device to be reversed and preserved. A certain amount of pressure is needed to be applied to the button to trigger the circuit breaker. At any time if there is a fault in any part of the system, the moving contacts are cut off by a mechanism and the breaker's trip coil is wound up, thus opening the circuit. Circuit breakers are a vital part of the power industry. Circuit breakers play a significant role in the computers, telecommunications, consumer electronics, machinery, automotive and data communication circuits, transmission and distribution of electrical power, and industrial equipment among others.

Classification of Circuit Breakers

The most general way to classify the circuit breaker is on the basis of the arc extinction medium. Circuit breakers are first and foremost categorized on the basis of rated voltages. The rated voltage of 1000V and below in the circuit breakers are known as low voltage circuit breakers and higher than 1000V are called high voltage circuit breakers. Oil circuit breakers and oil-free circuit breakers are the two main classifications where all high-voltage circuit breakers may be classified. The types of circuit breakers are Wind Cutting Circuit Breaker, Sulfur Hexafluoride Circuit Breaker, Minimal circuit breaker, Gas Circuit Breaker also called the Full Fuel Circuit Breaker or Minimum Oil Circuit Breaker, Air Blast Breaker, and Vacuum Circuit Breakers.

Circuit Breakers – A Basic Necessity

The need for circuit breakers has increased considerably with growing concern for safety in mechanical, electrical, automobile and telecommunications equipment. The development and enhancement of the transmission network are expected to promote the growth of the global market for circuit breakers. One of the main factors driving the market is the global growth in construction activities. Raising prices for raw materials is one of the major challenges that hinder the growth of the market. Today, the industry has seen lightweight circuit breakers needing marginal repair compared to previous technology. Circuit breakers are used to power large, medium and low voltage transmission networks.

Market Overview

By tradition, the main market for circuit breakers has been North America, sharing dominance in consumption. Recently, Asia-Pacific has been showing considerable progression and is expected to be a dominant market in terms of price effectiveness and constant development. Emerging countries such as India, China and Indonesia are projected to be one of the fastest growing markets in the near future. Circuit breaker firms are focused on innovative new circuit protection devices. Circuit breaker suppliers are primarily focused on the efficiency and room reduction of the outside substation.

To order to gain a competitive advantage, many companies are investing extensively to circuit breaker technology innovation R&D initiatives. Some of the biggest players on the market for Circuit Breakers are Powell Industries, GENERAL ELECTRIC, Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co. Ltd, Siemens, Eaton, CG Power, Schneider Electric, Toshiba, ABB, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.