Type of operating mechanism in circuit breaker

There are several types of operating mechanisms used in circuit breakers, including:

  1. Spring-Operated Mechanism: This is the most common type of operating mechanism used in circuit breakers. It consists of a spring that is compressed when the breaker is closed and released when the breaker is opened. The spring is connected to a trip mechanism that is triggered by an overcurrent or overvoltage condition.
  2. Pneumatic Mechanism: This type of mechanism uses compressed air or gas to operate the breaker. The compressed air or gas is released when the breaker is opened, which causes the breaker to trip.
  3. Hydraulic Mechanism: This type of mechanism uses hydraulic fluid to operate the breaker. The hydraulic fluid is pumped into a cylinder when the breaker is closed and released when the breaker is opened, which causes the breaker to trip.
  4. Thermal-Magnetic Mechanism: This type of mechanism uses a combination of thermal and magnetic forces to operate the breaker. It consists of a thermal element that is triggered by an overcurrent condition and a magnetic element that is triggered by an overvoltage condition.
  5. Electromagnetic Mechanism: This type of mechanism uses an electromagnetic coil to operate the breaker. The coil is energized when the breaker is closed and de-energized when the breaker is opened, which causes the breaker to trip.
  6. Vacuum Mechanism: This type of mechanism uses a vacuum interrupter to operate the breaker. The vacuum interrupter is a type of switch that uses a vacuum to interrupt the electrical current.
  7. Arc-Quenching Mechanism: This type of mechanism uses an arc-quenching chamber to operate the breaker. The arc-quenching chamber is a type of switch that uses a gas or vacuum to extinguish the arc that forms when the breaker is opened.
  8. Magnetic-Hydraulic Mechanism: This type of mechanism uses a combination of magnetic and hydraulic forces to operate the breaker. It consists of a magnetic coil that is energized when the breaker is closed and a hydraulic cylinder that is released when the breaker is opened, which causes the breaker to trip.
  9. Thermal-Hydraulic Mechanism: This type of mechanism uses a combination of thermal and hydraulic forces to operate the breaker. It consists of a thermal element that is triggered by an overcurrent condition and a hydraulic cylinder that is released when the breaker is opened, which causes the breaker to trip.
  10. Microprocessor-Based Mechanism: This type of mechanism uses a microprocessor to control the operation of the breaker. The microprocessor monitors the electrical current and voltage and trips the breaker when an overcurrent or overvoltage condition is detected.

Each type of operating mechanism has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of mechanism depends on the specific application and requirements of the circuit breaker.