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Anonymous Poster #1

Circuit Breaker

02/26/2015 3:37 PM

I noticed most circuit breakers has a voltage rating, I also noticed in one of our installations someone has used 240VAC circuit breakers in a 24VAC system. Is this ever going to work?

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#1

Re: circuit breaker

02/26/2015 3:45 PM

Short answer is yes, and all circuit breakers have a maximum voltage rating. Simple rule of thumb, rate the circuit breaker for at least the voltage of the circuit being protected (higher is ok, lower is not), rate the current to the value needed to protect the circuit being protected (lower may be possible, higher is likely not).

The following links are somewhat helpful, but it would probably be better to look at a circuit breaker datasheet.

http://www.schneider-electric.us/documents/support/codes-and-standards/circuit-breaker-markings-iaei.pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_breaker

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#2

Re: circuit breaker

02/26/2015 4:43 PM

You should take the advice of Al Pope.

"A little learning is a dangerous thing; drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring: there shallow draughts intoxicate the brain, and drinking largely sobers us again."

In other words, leave the breaker box alone!

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#3

Re: circuit breaker

02/26/2015 6:26 PM

Why don't you ask the individual who commissioned it, instead of coming here?

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#4

Re: circuit breaker

02/26/2015 9:39 PM

Most cars have a max speed. But they not always drive as fast.

I 'd look what a breaker does.

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#5

Re: circuit breaker

02/26/2015 11:30 PM

It doesn't matter to use bigger voltage rating of CB to the smaller voltage level.

Normally the most important factor to select CB is related current (overload, Ics, Icu and so on.) because the main purpose of CB is to protect loads from abnormal current.

Thanks.

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#9
In reply to #5

Re: circuit breaker

03/02/2015 1:51 AM

Main purpose of CB's are to protect the conductors!

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#10
In reply to #9

Re: circuit breaker

03/02/2015 4:54 AM

Then I have to ask:-

"Do lightning Conductors get Thunderous Applause?"

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#6

Re: Circuit Breaker

02/27/2015 5:08 AM

Yes it will work.

Real question is, why you are asking?

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#7

Re: Circuit Breaker

02/27/2015 6:47 AM

It'll work fine as long as you're sure it's switching AC (and it's corretly rated for the current). Do not use it for DC circuits unless you can study (and understand) the spec. sheet, and you know exactly what the load is.

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#8

Re: Circuit Breaker

02/27/2015 9:41 AM

Voltage ratings are to inform you that they are designed for the stated voltage.

This has to do with the internal components and insulation levels.

You should look at the current handling capacity. This should be derated for operation in higher ambient conditions. Also it makes sense to use a circuit breaker about 20 % higher than the expected maximum current.

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