Fuse, breakers and panel

boards
Introduction to Electrical Protection
• Importance of electrical protection in preventing accidents and
equipment damage.
• Overview of the three main components: fuses, breakers, and
panel boards.
Understanding
Fuses
• Fuses are safety devices
that protect electrical circuits
from overcurrent conditions.
• Function: They interrupt the
circuit when excessive
current flows through them.
• Types of fuses: Cartridge,
blade, plug, and thermal
fuses.
• Ratings: Current and
voltage ratings determine
the maximum capacity of
fuses.
 • Fuses operate by melting a metal strip or wire when
Operation of excessive current passes through.
Fuses • Melting of the fuse element causes an open circuit,
interrupting the flow of current.
• Protection against overloads and short circuits.
• Fuse element materials: Copper, silver, or alloy.
Advantages of Fuses
• Cost-effective solution for circuit protection.
• Simple design and easy installation.
• Provides reliable protection against overcurrent conditions.
• Wide range of types and sizes available for different
applications.
• Requires no maintenance once installed.
Disadvantages of Fuses
• One-time use; must be replaced after tripping.
• Slower response time compared to circuit breakers.
• Limited overload protection capability.
• Voltage drop across the fuse during operation.
• Susceptible to ambient temperature variations.
 • Circuit breakers are electromechanical devices used for
Introduction to electrical protection.
Circuit Breakers • Function: Automatically interrupt the circuit during faults.
• Types of circuit breakers: Thermal, magnetic,
thermal-magnetic, and residual current devices (RCDs).
• Operation: Tripping mechanism based on heat, magnetic
forces, or both.
Thermal Circuit
Breakers
• Thermal circuit breakers operate
based on the heat generated by
overcurrent.
• Bimetallic strip heats up and bends,
causing the breaker to trip.
• Suitable for protecting against
moderate overloads.
• Commonly used in residential and
light commercial applications.
Magnetic Circuit
Breakers
• Magnetic circuit breakers operate
based on the magnetic field
generated by high currents.
• Rapidly trips in response to short
circuits.
• Ideal for protecting against sudden
high-current faults.
• Used in conjunction with thermal
breakers for comprehensive
protection.
Thermal-Magnetic
Circuit Breakers
• Thermal-magnetic circuit breakers
combine the features of both thermal
and magnetic mechanisms.
• Provide comprehensive protection
against both overload and
short-circuit conditions.
• Widely used in industrial,
commercial, and residential
applications.
• Available in various trip
characteristics for different
requirements.
Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
• Residual Current Devices (RCDs) detect leakage currents and
provide protection against electric shock.
• Trips when a difference in current flow between the live and
neutral conductors is detected.
• Commonly used in areas where electrical safety is critical, such
as bathrooms and outdoor circuits.
• Types: Fixed and portable RCDs.
Advantages of Circuit Breakers
• Resettable after tripping, eliminating the need for replacement.
• Provide superior overload and short-circuit protection.
• Faster response time compared to fuses, reducing downtime.
• Can be selectively coordinated for optimal system protection.
• Offer additional features such as ground fault protection.
Disadvantages of Circuit Breakers
• Higher initial cost compared to fuses.
• More complex design and installation requirements.
• Limited to indoor use in some cases due to environmental
considerations.
• May require periodic testing and maintenance.
• Potential for nuisance tripping under certain conditions.
Introduction to Panel
Boards
• Panel boards serve as distribution
centers for electrical power within a
building or facility.
• Components: Main breaker, branch
circuit breakers, bus bars, neutral
bus, and grounding system.
• Types of panel boards: Main lug and
main breaker panels.
• Importance of proper sizing and
installation for electrical safety.
Main Lug Panel Boards
• Main lug panel boards do not have a main breaker and are
powered directly from the main service.
• Branch circuit breakers provide protection for individual circuits.
• Suitable for applications where a separate main disconnect is
provided.
• Often used in residential and light commercial installations.
Main Breaker Panel Boards
• Main breaker panel boards include a main circuit breaker for
disconnecting power to all branch circuits.
• Offer enhanced safety and convenience by providing a central
disconnect.
• Suitable for larger installations requiring multiple branch circuits.
• Often used in commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential
buildings.
Panel Board Ratings
• Panel boards are rated based on their
current-carrying capacity, voltage
rating, and interrupting capacity.
• Ratings ensure that the panel board
can safely handle the connected load
and fault currents.
• Sizing considerations: Total connected
load, diversity factor, and future
expansion.
• Compliance with relevant codes and
standards is essential.
Calculating Total
Connected Load
• Determining the total connected load
involves adding up the power
consumption of all connected loads.
• Factors to consider: Lighting,
appliances, equipment, and HVAC
systems.
• Diversity factor accounts for
simultaneous operation of multiple
loads.
• Proper calculation ensures that the
panel board is not overloaded.
Diversity Factor
• The diversity factor accounts for the
likelihood that not all connected
loads will operate at maximum
capacity simultaneously.
• Helps in sizing the panel board
conservatively to accommodate
variations in load demand.
• Factors influencing diversity:
Occupancy patterns, equipment
usage, and peak demand periods.
Future Expansion
• Considering future expansion is crucial when sizing panel
boards.
• Allowance for additional circuits and capacity ensures that the
electrical system can accommodate growth.
• Flexible design and ample space for additional breakers
facilitate future modifications.
• Coordination with building plans and anticipated load growth is
necessary.
Panel Board
Installation Guidelines
• Proper installation of panel boards is
essential for electrical safety and
performance.
• Selecting a suitable location:
Accessibility, ventilation, and
environmental considerations.
• Mounting requirements: Secure
attachment to structural supports.
• Clearances: Maintain adequate space
around the panel board for safety and
maintenance.
Mounting Requirements
• Secure mounting ensures stability and prevents accidental
displacement.
• Follow manufacturer's instructions for mounting hardware and
techniques.
• Considerations: Structural integrity, load-bearing capacity, and
seismic requirements.
• Professional installation by qualified electricians is
recommended.
Clearance Requirements
• Adequate clearance around the panel board is essential for safe
operation and maintenance.
• Clearance distances: Front, sides, top, and bottom of the panel
board.
• Ensure unobstructed access for servicing and emergency
operations.
• Compliance with local electrical codes and regulations.
Grounding and Bonding
• Proper grounding and bonding are critical for electrical safety
and performance.
• Grounding provides a path for fault currents to safely dissipate.
• Bonding ensures continuity of electrical conductors and
eliminates potential voltage differences.
• Compliance with grounding and bonding requirements is
mandatory.
Grounding Electrode System
• Grounding electrode system consists of grounding electrodes
installed in the earth.
• Types of electrodes: Ground rods, ground plates, and
concrete-encased electrodes.
• Purpose: Provide a low-impedance path for fault currents to
dissipate.
• Proper installation and maintenance are essential for effective
grounding.
Grounding Conductor
• Grounding conductor connects the panel board to the grounding
electrode system.
• Sized according to the maximum fault current expected.
• Material: Copper or aluminum.
• Termination: Connected to the panel board grounding bus bar.
 • Bonding conductor ensures continuity of electrical conductors
throughout the electrical system.
Bonding • Connects metal parts of the electrical system to prevent potential
voltage differences.
Conductor • Material: Copper or aluminum.
• Termination: Connected to the panel board bonding bus bar.
Panel Board
Maintenance
• Regular maintenance of panel boards is
essential for safety and reliability.
• Inspection of connections: Tighten loose
connections to prevent overheating.
• Cleaning: Remove dust and debris to
maintain proper ventilation.
• Testing: Verify proper operation of breakers
and components.
• Schedule: Follow manufacturer's
recommendations for maintenance
intervals.
Tightness of Connections
• Loose connections can lead to resistance, arcing, and
overheating.
• Periodic inspection and tightening of connections are
necessary.
• Use appropriate tools and techniques to ensure proper torque.
• Follow safety protocols to prevent electrical hazards.
Condition of Breakers
• Inspect circuit breakers for signs of wear, damage, or
malfunction.
• Check for proper operation: Tripping mechanism, contact
resistance, and mechanical integrity.
• Replace faulty breakers promptly to maintain electrical safety.
• Perform routine testing and maintenance as recommended by
the manufacturer.
Cleanliness of Panel Boards
• Dust and debris accumulation can impair the performance of
panel boards.
• Regular cleaning ensures proper ventilation and heat
dissipation.
• Use compressed air or soft brushes to remove dust from
components and surfaces.
• Avoid using liquids or abrasive materials that may damage
electrical components.
Electrical Safety Training
• Proper training on electrical safety practices is essential for
personnel working with electrical systems.
• Training topics: Hazard recognition, safe work practices,
emergency procedures, and PPE usage.
• Ongoing training and refresher courses are recommended to
reinforce safety awareness.
• Compliance with regulatory requirements and industry
standards.
Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
provides an additional layer of
protection against electrical hazards.
• Types of PPE: Insulated gloves,
safety glasses, arc flash suits, and
hearing protection.
• Selection criteria: Voltage rating,
material, and fit.
• Proper usage and maintenance of
PPE are essential for effectiveness.
Adherence to Safety Protocols
• Adhering to safety protocols and procedures is critical for
preventing accidents and injuries.
• Lockout/tagout procedures: Isolate energy sources during
maintenance and servicing.
• Arc flash mitigation: Use engineering controls and
administrative measures to reduce arc flash hazards.
• Job hazard analysis: Identify and mitigate risks associated with
specific tasks.
Continuous Maintenance
• Continuous maintenance of electrical systems ensures reliability
and safety.
• Routine inspections: Identify potential hazards and issues
before they escalate.
• Preventive maintenance: Lubrication, calibration, and
component replacement as needed.
• Emergency response: Develop and practice emergency
procedures for rapid intervention.
Collaboration with Professionals
• Collaboration with qualified electrical professionals and
engineers is essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of
electrical systems.
• Design phase: Consultation with engineers for system design
and layout.
• Installation phase: Supervision by licensed electricians to
ensure compliance with codes and standards.
• Maintenance phase: Regular inspections and testing by
qualified technicians.
Compliance with Codes and Standards
• Compliance with electrical codes and standards is mandatory to
ensure the safety and reliability of electrical systems.
• National Electrical Code (NEC): Establishes minimum
requirements for electrical installations.
• Industry standards: ANSI, IEEE, and NFPA standards provide
guidelines for equipment design and installation.
• Local regulations: Adherence to local building codes and permit
requirements.
Conclusion
• In conclusion, understanding the principles of fuses, breakers,
and panel boards is essential for ensuring the safety and
reliability of electrical systems.
• Proper selection, installation, and maintenance of these
components are crucial for protecting personnel and equipment
from electrical hazards.
• Continuous training and collaboration with professionals are key
to maintaining compliance with codes and standards.