UPG6-27822-4 Circuit Protection

Circuit breakers are indispensable tools used in all types of electrical infrastructures, from domestic services to industrial plants, to protect people and equipment against the potentially destructive effects of electricity. UPG6-27822-4 is an example of an air circuit breaker, a specific kind of breaker that draws air inside to help break an electrical arc. This article will explore the application fields and working principles of such a device.

Application Fields

UPG6-27822-4 air circuit breakers are designed for use in three-phase systems, i.e. systems that incorporate three electrical wires. Generally they are used in medium-voltage systems, where the primary task of the breaker is to limit the current if faults occur on the system, and also to clear them. In particular they are suitable for general applications on systems ranging between 1000 and 1250 volts, for protected loads up to 2000 Amps.

UPG6-27822-4 breakers are widely used in industrial plants, such as generating station, substation, various kind of industrial factories, and many other applications with similar conditions. They are also suitable for operation in wind farms, solar plants, and other renewable energy sources. This is due to their capability to automatically disconnects and reconnect high load currents, even in the presence of high ambient temperature and frequent switching.

Working Principle

UPG6-27822-4 air circuit breakers are composed of an electrical current breaking system, which is controlled by a mechanical actuator. The circuit breaker includes a number of stationary contacts, which form an arcing chamber that contains air at atmospheric pressure. When the main contacts are opened, the air inside the chamber is rapidly compressed to form a spark of very high temperature. This spark serves to extinguish any existing arcs between the contacts. During operations, the breaker is able to dissipate energy within safe limits avoiding any damage, simply by pushing the operating mechanism.

In the case of arc faults, the current crossing the contacts drops drastically, gradually cooling the arc and allowing the contact surfaces to be re-welded. This process is known as arc chute and includes the same movement pattern as when the breaker is operated manually. This ensures the same safety results when the fault occurs, as when the breaker is manually operated.

UPG6-27822-4 air Circuit Breakers, thanks to their capabilities to automatically disconnect and reconnect high electrical currents, are becoming increasingly popular in industrial and renewable energy plants. Their simple structure, and ability to protect people and equipment from faults in an efficient and safe way, makes them one of the most reliable and suitable circuit breakers for these kinds of applications.