Last Updated on October 22, 2023 by Kevin Chen
Shunt trip breakers: what are they? Does it make your electrical system more protected?
The main circuit breaker and the shunt trip accessory are combined to form the shunt trip breaker. This is installed on the primary breaker to increase protection for your electrical system. As the power supply to your circuit is either manually or automatically switched off, this increases the security of your electrical system.
Should a tragedy strike your home, this item can aid in preventing short circuits and avoiding electrical damage.
To assist you in determining whether your electrical system needs further protection, allow me to go into greater detail regarding the shunt trip breaker.
What Is a Shunt Trip Circuit Breaker?
To save the wiring from overheating, when a circuit breaker “trips,” it recognizes a fault situation and automatically interrupts the flow of electricity.
Optional addition for your circuit breaker called a shunt trip breaker enables you to remotely trip the breaker at any time or automatically during a surge, minimizing injuries and equipment damage in emergencies.
Image by Andrew Wright
Shunt trip breakers come in two primary varieties: automated and manual. By pressing a remote button, manual switches let you shut off the breaker outside the structure. Automatic switches, meanwhile, immediately cut off power when they notice a surge coming from an external power source.
How Shunt Trip Breakers Work?
The circuit breaker in your home typically doesn’t modify the electrical currents that pass through it. However, if these currents spike excessively, the extra power surge charges an electromagnet underneath the breaker main switch,which trips the switch and shuts off electricity.
With the help of a shunt trip breaker, the electromagnet can be charged in another way, and the switch can be tripped, enabling a manual or remote power cut.
Some shunt trips are wired to a power supply outside the body. When there is a power surge, a signal is sent from the shunt trip to the breaker, which mechanically shuts off the electricity.
An alternative is to link a shunt trip to an exterior remote switch. This switch can be turned off by pressing a button; doing so causes an electrical surge to travel through the shunt trip circuit.
Shunt trip breakers are frequently installed by homeowners as a safety measure even though they are not legally needed in residences. However, these gadgets are also widely used in companies with expensive electrical systems or industrial machinery that a power surge could harm.
Where Are Shunt Trip Breakers Most Used?
According to the definition of a shunt trip, electrical power can be turned off using additional sensors and heat activation. This is not necessary for a household electrical system because it is an optional accessory for a circuit breaker.
It is advised, nevertheless, for additional security. This is particularly valid if you’re using industrial equipment. Additionally, you can use it to turn off your main breaker in an emergency manually.
Consider the cost and efficiency of your current system before introducing a shunt trip. If the circuit breakers and breaker panel are not Shunt trip compatible, you might need to replace them. Additionally, a new line could be required to connect your breaker box to the remote emergency switch.
Because it is necessary, this shunt trip breaker is typically found in elevators, business kitchens, and offices. While elevators and escalators adhere to ASME A17.1, commercial kitchens use this device in accordance with ANSI/ASME CSD-1. These norms refer to the security measures and guidelines offered by ASME.
How to Install a Shunt Trip Accessory to the Breaker
Typically, the same company must make the breaker and shunt to install a shunt trip relay. Additionally, not all breaker models work with this addition. Installation is typically simple once you are certain that your system can support a shunt trip attachment. Each circuit breaker has a unique set of instructions. The breaker’s brand and model would determine this.
However, connecting the shunt to your sensor is a crucial component of every installation. To ensure proper installation, you might need to use a shunt trip breaker schematic as a guide. Before beginning the installation, ensure the breaker is the right brand and model. Some manufacturers only permit shunt trips and other accessories to be installed at the factory. Your breakers’ warranty may be void if you install them yourself. Before making any adjustments, reviewing the handbook or speaking with an electrical expert is essential.
How To Wire The Circuit Breaker Shunt Trip?
Voltage levels for shunt trip coils, including AC and DC variants, It is most practical and straightforward to use a DC24V power source for a fire when a shunt trip coil power supply terminates the power. As a result, in the control loop in the normally closed contacts linked in series to a circuit breaker, the circuit breaker trips off current to the shunt trip coil after a brief period of energization.
“Shunt trip” The trip coils for the control power supply shunt are C1 and C2, respectively. C1 and C2 are connected to the control through external control contacts or the negative power line N of the DC, respectively, with C2 connected to the power supply phase line.
There are standard line terminals 11 and auxiliary sections 12 and 14 with ordinarily open and normally closed contacts. The circuit breaker enables the typically available signal terminal 14 from the normally closed signal terminal 12 conditions. The signal wire 14 attached to the switch is closed, which makes it logical for 12 to pick up the signal, depending on your fire alarm wiring schematic, allowing components of the current operational condition of the shunt trip to get feedback signal.
Are Shunt Trip Breakers that Important?
In your home, a shunt trip breaker can be used to add another method of cutting off the electricity in case of an emergency, preventing harm or electrical damage.
Shunt trips are frequently used to turn off electrical equipment in a fire. When a smoke detector is connected to a shunt trip, electricity can be instantly turned off as soon as the smoke detector sounds an alarm, preventing electrical risks from the fire.
Installing a shunt trip might be crucial if your smoke detector is connected to a sprinkler system. This device can minimize electrical equipment damage and the risk of electrocution by cutting off your electrical supply as soon as the smoke detector activates the sprinklers.
Conclusion
A circuit breaker’s optional shunt trip accessory provides your system with additional security. It is made to link to a different sensor. If the sensor is activated, it will automatically trip the breaker. You can install a remote switch to start it as well.
Do you believe a circuit breaker will adequately safeguard your investment? Or do you want your electrical circuit to have more security? Contact us in the comments section below if you need assistance or haven’t decided yet. We’ll be pleased to assist you.
For more details on how to shunt trip a breaker or purchasing of quality breakers among other vital electrical components, contact us at ICRFQ. We manufacture the best electrical components in China.
If you want to find more Electronic Components Distributors, please check out the following articles:
Electronic Components Distributors In the USA
Electronic Components Distributors In UK
Electronic Components Distributors In China
Electronic Components Distributors In India
Electronic Components Distributors In Singapore
Electronic Components Distributors In Malaysia
Electronic Components Distributors In Vietnam
Electronic Components Distributors In South Korea
- Where to buy IC chips? The Best Guide? - March 26, 2024
- Breaking Down Barriers: Overcoming Obstacles in Cross-Border Electronic Component Trade - March 4, 2024
- Everything You Need to Know About Amplifier IC Chips - March 4, 2024
