4430.179 Circuit Protection

Circuit breakers are an integral part of workplace safety, protecting workers and equipment from potential electrical hazards and providing continuity of power. 4430.179 represents one of the most common circuit breaker designs and is characterized by a two-pole design, where current is alternately switched between two closely-spaced contact points within an enclosure. This particular circuit breaker is rated for a maximum current of 240 amperes (amps) for single-phase AC applications, and 480 amps for three-phase AC applications. It is UL listed and CSA/UL certified.

The 4430.179 circuit breaker is composed of a series of components, all working together to ensure the safety and longevity of the device. At the center of the unit are two bimetal thermostats, which control the flow of current by expanding and contracting in reaction to temperature changes. An operating handle is attached to the thermostats, and serves to initiate the open or close the device. Additionally, an air-gap interrupter prevents back-to-back arcing in the event of a sustained current interruption. The entire unit is encased in a composite housing, designed to dissipate thermal energy and protect the internal components from dust and dirt.

When a 4430.179 is installed, the user must first ensure that their wiring is of suitable amounts and length to carry the intended current flow. To energize the circuit breaker, the user must ensure that all connections to the unit are correct, then rotate the operating handle clockwise to the “ON” position. To disconnect the breaker from its circuit, the user must rotate the operating handle counter-clockwise to the “OFF” position. If a fault is detected, resulting in overcurrent, excessive temperature, or excess voltage, the bimetal thermostats expand in reaction to the conditions, thereby opening the contacts to safely disconnect the power. The thermostats reset, or return to their original position, when the overload has been removed.

The 4430.179 is an excellent choice for residential and commercial applications where overcurrent protection is required. This breaker is rated for a maximum of 10 kilo-volts (kV) maximum working voltage, and can be used as a direct replacement in circuits previously protected by other two-pole breakers. With a proven track-record of reliable performance, users can depend on this device to keep their equipment and personnel safe for years to come.