Hello readers welcome to the new post. In this post, we will learn What Is A Shunt Trip Breaker & How Does It Work? 2023 Detailed Guide. In a current electrical system safety is the main factor. The main component which makes sure the safety of electrical installation is the shunt trip breaker. In this post, we will discuss the all details shunt trip breaker and other parameters. So let’s get started What is a shunt trip
What is a Shunt Trip Breaker?
A shunt trip breaker is an optional component that is used in place of circuit breakers that helps us to trip the breaker at a distance at any time or automatically during the surge, avoiding any injury and instrument damage from any fault. There are 2 main types of shunt trip breakers first one is automatic and the second one is manual
- Automatic shunt trip breakers are configured with a sensor that detects fault conditions like overcurrent or overvoltage, it transmits a signal to the shunt trip breaker that trips the breaker.
- Manual shunt trip breakers are configured to remote switch that helps to trip the breaker at distant points. It can be useful where it is needed to shut off the power of circuitry from distant locations like fire alarm systems and security systems.
Shunt trip breakers operate through small currents given to shunt trip terminals. This current makes a magnetic field that trips the breaker. The current amount needed to trip breaker is very less so it can be used from a remote point
How Does a Shunt Trip Breaker Work?
A shunt trip breaker remotely tripped after application of tripped to its shunt coil. It can be used to automatically trip of breaker where overloading or any fault causes, or manually trip the breaker from a distant point. The shunt trip breaker operated with the use of a solenoid to mechanically trip the breaker. The second is a coil of wire that gets energized and makes a magnetic field. That field attracts plungers and trip breakers that open main contacts and stop current flow.
Shunt trip breakers are used where it is needed to trip the breaker at some distance. For instance, they can be used in industrial points where a high chance of fire exists. They can be used in commercial buildings where it is needed to off the power supply in certain areas remotely
The Components of a Shunt Trip Breaker
A shunt trip breaker comes with differnt components:
Main Contacts
The main contacts are used for carrying and interruption of current flow. They are made to handle high current values and offer reliable connections
Shunt Coil
The shunt coil is an electromagnet that gets an electrical signal for breaker tripping. It produces a magentic field when gets energized releases the latch and starts the tripping process
Trip Mechanism
The trip process helps to disconnect the mechanical circuit when the breaker trips. it comes with a latch that helps contact during normal working but releases as the result of the trip signal.
. Control Wiring
The control wiring liks shunt breaker to trigger the device remotely or control panels/ It works for remote activation of the shunt trip offering extra protection layers
Installation and Wiring of a Shunt Trip Breaker
To install a shunt trip breaker, follow these instructions.
- Off the main power supply to make sure during installation.
- Choose the best point in the panel for the shunt trip breaker.s
- Connect the breaker through alignment of it with panel bus bars and secure it firmly at its point
- Attach control wiring from the shunt trip breaker with the remote triggering device or control panel
- Make sure the grounding and electric connection of different points
- At last, restore the main power supply and test the shunt trip breaker to make sure the accurate function
Applications of Shunt Trip Breakers
Shunt trip breakers’ main applications are listed here
- Commercial buildings
- Industrial facilities
- Laboratories
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Data centers
- Hotels and resorts
Benefits and Advantages of Shunt Trip Breakers
- It increases safety by offering remote sources to disconnect power during any fault.
- Fast response time reduces the chance of electrical hazard
- Flexibility in integrating with older electrical systems.
- it is compatible with protective devices used in circuitry like ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs).
Maintenance and Troubleshooting of Shunt Trip Breakers
- Intervaly inspection of the breaker for any signs of damage or wearRegularly inspect the breaker for any signs of damage or wear.
- Check the function of the shunt trip by conducting differnt tests after some time.
- Clean the breaker and neighboring locations to avoid dust particles
- Follow the guidelines of manufacturers for lubrication
- If any fault exists get the services of any experts to solve it
Safety Considerations for Shunt Trip Breakers
- Always follow accurate electric safety processes for installation troubleshooting and maintenance.
- make sure that breaker is accurately rated for the required project
- Use accurate personal protective equipment (PPE) during work on electrical systems.
- You must have an understanding of local electrical codes and rules to make sure compliance
Comparison with Other Circuit Protection Devices
Shunt trip breakers vs. standard circuit breakers
| Feature | Shunt Trip Breaker | Standard Circuit Breaker |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | More expensive | Less expensive |
| Complexity | More complex | Less complex |
| Features | Remote and automatic power shutoff | Overload and short-circuit protection |
| Applications | Where remote or automatic power shutoff is required | Residential and commercial applications |
Shunt trip breakers vs. ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)
| Feature | Shunt Trip Breaker | GFCI |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Protects against overloads and short circuits | Protects against ground faults |
| Detection method | Bimetallic strip | The current imbalance between hot and neutral conductors |
| Applications | Where remote or automatic power shutoff is required | Wet locations, areas with potential for electrical shock |
| Cost | More expensive | Less expensive |
| Complexity | More complex | Less complex |
Shunt trip breakers vs. arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs)
| Feature | Shunt Trip Breaker | AFCI |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Protects against overloads and short circuits | Protects against arc faults |
| How it works | Uses a thermal-magnetic trip mechanism | Uses a microprocessor to detect arcing |
| Detection range | 10-1000 amps | 5-6000 amps |
| Response time | 10-20 milliseconds | 10-40 milliseconds |
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive |
| Code requirements | Not required by code in all areas | Required by code in most areas |
Tips for Choosing the Right Shunt Trip Breaker
- Calculate certain needs and voltage ratings for the electrical system.
- Make sure compatibility with the current electrical panel and other protection devices
- Discuss with an expert engineer or supplier for expert help
Shunt trip breaker wiring
The wiring process for a shunt trip breaker is relatively simple. The shunt coil comes with two terminals one used for voltage supply and the other is neutral. The supply is generally 120 volts ac and neutral is attached to the breaker neutral point
The shunt coil is connected in a series combination with a push button or other remote control devices. When we pushed the button it pressed closes the circuitry to the shunt coil that trips the breaker.it is important to check that the shunt coil should be rated for the same voltage as the breaker. if the shunt coil is not rated for the correct voltage it can be damaged
Shunt trip breakers are good safety features that can help to avoid fires and other incidents. if you are considering installing a shunt trip breaker ensure to get experts services
Diagram of Shunt Trip Breaker Wiring Diagram
Why Are Shunt Trip Breakers Important?
- Increased safety: Shunt trip breakers help to avoid electric fires and other damage through the automatic trip of the breaker in case of overload or any other fault. It can be important for projects where risk of fire or damaging
- Remote control: These breakers can be employed to trip breakers from a distant point, which can be good for applications where is it not easy to get access to breakers easily. For example, shunt trip breakers are used to off the power supply at certain locations in any areas or homes in case of fire
- Flexibility: They can be used in different applications like commercial, industrial, and residential settings.
Where Do People Most Often Use Shunt Trip Breakers?:
- Industrial settings: They are used in industrial structures where is a chance of explosion or fire. For example, they can use for a tripping breaker if there are overloading conditions or any other fault
- Commercial buildings: They are also employed in commercial buildings where power easily shut off at some points where faults exist. For instance, they used to off the power to a fire alarm or data center
- Residential settings: They are also employed in residential applications. It can be used for tripping circuitry breakers if there is a power surge or fire alarm triggered
FAQS
How does a shunt trip breaker work?
A shunt trip breaker can be remotely controlled through a small current to shunt trip points. It is good for applications where it is able to off the power to circuitry from distant points, like fire alarm systems or security system
How is a shunt trip breaker wiring?
The shunt trip terminals are connected at the upper or lower part of the circuitry breaker. For wiring the shunt trip breaker there is a need for a small size wire between the shunt trip points and the remote source of supply. The remote sources of power are battery relays or control circuitry.
What is the purpose of a shunt with a relay?
The shut relay is employed to have remote tripping for the breaker. The shunt low resistance conductor is attached between the circuit breaker and relay. When current flow through the shunt, it makes a magentic field that operates the relay. The relay close contacts that trip the breaker.
What is shunt trip and under voltage?
Shunt trip and under voltage are 2 differnt parameters that are used for the description of differnt tripping methods of the breaker. Shunt trip helps to use a shunt to provide remote tripping. Under voltage is tripping of circtgiry breaker when voltage losses less than a certain point.
Where is shunt trip used?
- Shunt trip breaker used in differnt applications like
- Fire alarm systems
- Security systems
- Industrial control systems
- Power distribution systems
What is the difference between shunt and resistance?
Shunt and resistance are differnt but used interchangeably, but their meanings are different. Shunt is a low-resistance conductor that is configured in parallel combination with another conductor. Resistance is the property of a material that opposes the current flow
Is the shunt resistor AC or DC?
Shunt resistors are used for both ac and dc circuits. Though the value of the shunt resistor will be different from ac and dc circuits
Why is it called a shunt resistor?
The term “shunt” derived from the Latin word “scindere”, which means is “to split”. A shunt resistor is used for spiting current in circuitry.
Why is low resistance called shunt?
A shunt resistor is called a shunt because it is connected in parallel with another conductor. When two conductors are connected in parallel, the current divides between the two conductors. The shunt resistor has a very low resistance, so most of the current will flow through the shunt resistor.
What is another name for a shunt resistor?
Another name for a shunt resistor is a current-dividing resistor.
What is unit of shunt resistance?
The unit of shunt resistance is ohm (Ω).
What is shunt resistance formula?
The shunt resistance formula is:
Rs = V/I
here:
- Rs is the shunt resistance
- V is the voltage of the shunt resistor
- I is the current passing through the shunt resistor
