Fire breaker trip
A "fire breaker trip" is a safety feature found in some electrical systems, particularly in high-voltage applications. It's also known as a "thermal trip" or "thermal breaker."
A fire breaker trip is a type of overcurrent protection device (OCPD) designed to detect and interrupt an electrical circuit in the event of an overload or short circuit that could potentially cause a fire. It's typically used in applications where the risk of fire is high, such as in industrial settings, data centers, or high-rise buildings.
Here's how it works:
- The fire breaker trip is installed in series with the electrical circuit and is designed to detect the temperature of the conductor or the surrounding air.
- When the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold (usually around 200°F to 250°F or 93°C to 121°C), the fire breaker trip trips, interrupting the electrical circuit.
- The trip is usually instantaneous, meaning it occurs within a few milliseconds of the temperature exceeding the threshold.
- The fire breaker trip is designed to be resettable, allowing the circuit to be re-energized once the fault has been cleared.
Fire breaker trips are often used in conjunction with other OCPDs, such as circuit breakers or fuses, to provide additional protection against electrical faults. They're an important safety feature in many industries, as they can help prevent electrical fires and reduce the risk of damage to equipment and property.