Undervoltage breaker

An undervoltage breaker, also known as a low-voltage breaker or undervoltage release (UVR), is a type of electrical breaker designed to trip or open when the voltage at a specific point in a circuit drops below a certain threshold. This is typically used to protect equipment or systems from damage caused by low voltage, which can occur due to various reasons such as:

  1. Faulty or malfunctioning equipment
  2. Overloading or excessive current draw
  3. Power supply issues or grid instability
  4. Weather-related events (e.g., lightning strikes, severe storms)

Undervoltage breakers are commonly used in industrial, commercial, and residential applications, including:

  1. Power distribution systems
  2. Industrial control systems
  3. Building management systems
  4. Data centers and server rooms
  5. Medical equipment and hospitals

Types of undervoltage breakers:

  1. Time-delay undervoltage breakers: These breakers trip after a specific time delay (e.g., 1-10 seconds) to allow for temporary voltage fluctuations.
  2. Instantaneous undervoltage breakers: These breakers trip immediately when the voltage drops below the set threshold.
  3. Undervoltage release (UVR) breakers: These breakers are designed to trip when the voltage drops below a specific threshold, but can be reset manually or automatically.

Key features of undervoltage breakers:

  1. Adjustable setpoint: The voltage threshold can be adjusted to suit specific application requirements.
  2. High-speed tripping: Undervoltage breakers can trip quickly to prevent damage to equipment or systems.
  3. Self-resetting: Some undervoltage breakers can automatically reset after the voltage returns to normal.
  4. Integration with other protection devices: Undervoltage breakers can be used in combination with other protection devices, such as overcurrent breakers, to provide comprehensive protection for electrical systems.

Benefits of undervoltage breakers:

  1. Equipment protection: Undervoltage breakers help prevent damage to equipment and systems caused by low voltage.
  2. Improved reliability: By detecting and responding to undervoltage conditions, undervoltage breakers can help ensure reliable operation of critical systems.
  3. Reduced downtime: By quickly tripping and isolating the affected circuit, undervoltage breakers can minimize downtime and reduce the risk of equipment failure.
  4. Enhanced safety: Undervoltage breakers can help prevent electrical shock and other safety hazards associated with low voltage conditions.