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Circuit Breaker Rating for 4 Pumps, Each 7.5kw/ 15.4A

10/08/2009 5:32 AM

I would like to know which formula i could use to calculate the Circuit Breaker i should use to protect 4 Electric Motors 380V/ 7.5 KW/ 15.4A. Currently we have a 63A Circuit Breaker but it trips sometimes when the pumps start's up and stop during the run. Thanks

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#1

Re: Circuit Breaker Rating for 4 Pumps each 7.5kw/ 15.4A

10/08/2009 9:39 AM

First of all, you didn't mention about the rating and setting of the individual motor protection. I am guessing (1) the 63 A CB is installed at the motor feeder circuit, (2) there is no other load in the feeder and (3) motors will not start at same time.

You must have individual protection for each of the motor branch circuit. The individual protection should have both overload and short circuit setting or rating. See NEC 430.32 (A)(1) for overload setting and Table 430.52 for short circuit settings. Per NEC 430.62, the feeder circuit breaker rating or setting should be equal to (but not greater than) the rating (or setting) of the short circuit protection plus sum of the full load current of other three motors.

Let's say the short circuit setting of breaker (Inverse-time) each of the motors is 35 A. The feeder circuit breaker rating should be 35 + 3 x 15.4 = 81.2. So, you can select 80 A Inverse-time circuit breaker. The 63 A circuit breaker is not enough in this case and it is causing the nuisance trip during the starting period.

Hope it helps.

- MS

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#2
In reply to #1

Re: Circuit Breaker Rating for 4 Pumps each 7.5kw/ 15.4A

10/09/2009 5:49 AM

Hi sir,

i have similar problem, i have 2 number of motors, each 55kW. the breaker connect to these motors is 225A, when this 2 motor are started, it trip to the 400A main incoming breaker but not the 225A breaker. so i try to adjust the earth leakage relay (ELR) time-delay to delay the 400A breaker tripping time by 2 seconds. its work.

is it correct?

thanks

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#3

Re: Circuit Breaker Rating for 4 Pumps, Each 7.5kw/ 15.4A

10/09/2009 12:44 PM

Starting current could be 6 times normal. So if you can arrange to start one motor at a time and let it accelerate up to speed before starting the next, you may be able to handle it without tripping. Since you are talking 380V you are probably foreign and I don't know what codes apply. You already have a good answer re individual motor thermal protection. The characteristics of your circuit breaker will determine how well your circuit breaker can handle the inrush current. I'm assuming the pump motors are squirrel cage induction motors, and the pumps are centrifugal. The torque requirements of the load and motor characteristic would change acceleration time.

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#4

Re: Circuit Breaker Rating for 4 Pumps, Each 7.5kw/ 15.4A

01/07/2025 7:17 AM

Simple. British standard 7671 gives full protocols.

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