Homemade motorized breaker

A homemade motorized breaker! That's an interesting project. Here's a basic guide to help you get started:

What is a motorized breaker?

A motorized breaker, also known as a motorized circuit breaker or motorized switch, is an electrical device that automatically disconnects power to a circuit when a fault or overload occurs. It's essentially a combination of a circuit breaker and a motorized switch.

Why build a homemade motorized breaker?

Building a homemade motorized breaker can be a fun and educational project. It can also be a cost-effective solution for small-scale applications, such as a home workshop or a small business. Additionally, a homemade motorized breaker can be customized to meet specific requirements and can be a great way to learn about electrical circuitry and automation.

Components needed:

To build a basic motorized breaker, you'll need the following components:

1. Circuit breaker: You can use a standard circuit breaker or a custom-made one using a thermal-magnetic trip unit.
2. Motor: A small DC motor or a stepper motor can be used to operate the breaker.
3. Gearbox: A gearbox is needed to reduce the motor speed and provide the necessary torque to operate the breaker.
4. Mechanical linkage: A mechanical linkage is required to connect the motor to the breaker and transfer the motion.
5. Electronics: You'll need a simple electronic circuit to control the motor and monitor the breaker's status.
6. Power supply: A DC power supply is needed to power the motor and electronics.

Design considerations:

When designing your homemade motorized breaker, consider the following:

1. Voltage and current rating: Ensure that your breaker is designed to handle the maximum voltage and current of your circuit.
2. Trip threshold: Determine the trip threshold for your breaker, which is the maximum current or voltage that will trigger the breaker to trip.
3. Motor speed: Choose a motor speed that is sufficient to operate the breaker quickly and reliably.
4. Gearbox ratio: Select a gearbox ratio that provides the necessary torque and speed for the motor to operate the breaker.
5. Mechanical linkage: Design a mechanical linkage that is robust and reliable, and can withstand the forces and stresses involved in operating the breaker.

Example circuit:

Here's a simple example circuit to get you started:

Motor control circuit:

• Motor: DC motor (e.g., 12V, 100mA)
• Power supply: 12V DC power supply
• Motor driver: L293D motor driver IC
• Control circuit: Arduino or a simple transistor-based circuit

Breaker control circuit:

• Breaker: Custom-made or standard circuit breaker
• Trip threshold: 10A (adjustable)
• Monitoring circuit: Arduino or a simple analog circuit to monitor the breaker's status

Mechanical linkage:

• Gearbox: 1:10 gearbox ratio
• Mechanical linkage: Custom-made or 3D printed linkage to connect the motor to the breaker

Tips and variations:

• Use a more advanced motor control circuit, such as a stepper motor driver or a servo motor.
• Add a user interface, such as a button or a touchscreen, to control the breaker.
• Implement a more sophisticated monitoring circuit, such as a current sensor or a voltage sensor.
• Use a different type of motor, such as a brushless DC motor or a servo motor.
• Add a backup power source, such as a battery or a UPS, to ensure continuous operation.

Remember to always follow proper safety precautions when working with electrical circuits and to consult with a professional if you're unsure about any aspect of the project.