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Introduction To LVSG

The document provides an overview of Low Voltage Switchgear (LVSG) devices, including High Rupturing Capacity (HRC) fuses, contactors, overload relays, and Motor Protection Circuit Breakers (MPCB). Each device is detailed with its construction, working principle, advantages, and applications, highlighting their roles in protecting electrical circuits and equipment. The information is essential for understanding the functionality and importance of these devices in industrial and commercial electrical systems.

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K SD
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7 views8 pages

Introduction To LVSG

The document provides an overview of Low Voltage Switchgear (LVSG) devices, including High Rupturing Capacity (HRC) fuses, contactors, overload relays, and Motor Protection Circuit Breakers (MPCB). Each device is detailed with its construction, working principle, advantages, and applications, highlighting their roles in protecting electrical circuits and equipment. The information is essential for understanding the functionality and importance of these devices in industrial and commercial electrical systems.

Uploaded by

K SD
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Table of Contents

2. Low Voltage Switchgear (LVSG) Devices .................................................... 2


2.1 High Rupturing Capacity (HRC) fuses......................................................... 2
2.1.1 Construction.......................................................................................... 2
2.1.2 Working Principle .................................................................................. 2
2.1.3 Advantages ........................................................................................... 2
2.1.4 Applications .......................................................................................... 3
2.2 Contactor .................................................................................................... 3
2.2.1 Construction.......................................................................................... 3
2.2.2 Working Principle .................................................................................. 4
2.2.3 Advantages ........................................................................................... 4
2.2.4 Applications .......................................................................................... 4
2.3 Overload Relay........................................................................................... 4
2.3.1 Construction.......................................................................................... 5
2.3.2 Working Principle .................................................................................. 5
2.3.3 Advantages ........................................................................................... 5
2.3.4 Applications .......................................................................................... 6
2.4 Motor Protection Circuit Breaker (MPCB) .................................................... 6
2.4.1 Construction.......................................................................................... 6
2.4.2 Working Principle .................................................................................. 7
2.4.3 Advantages ........................................................................................... 8
2.4.4 Applications .......................................................................................... 8
2. Low Voltage Switchgear (LVSG) Devices

2.1 High Rupturing Capacity (HRC) fuses


These are a type of fuse used for protecting electrical circuits from
overcurrent’s and short circuits. They are designed to safely interrupt
high fault currents without causing damage to the electrical system.

2.1.1 Construction

 Fuse Element: Made of materials like silver or copper, designed to


melt and break the circuit when the current exceeds a certain level.
 Ceramic Body: Encases the fuse element, providing high thermal
and mechanical strength.
 Filler Material: Typically sand, which absorbs energy from the arc
produced when the fuse blows, helping to extinguish it safely.

2.1.2 Working Principle


 When an overcurrent or short circuit occurs, the fuse element
heats up and melts, breaking the circuit. The sand filler absorbs
and dissipates the heat and energy, preventing any explosion or
fire.

2.1.3 Advantages
 High Interrupting Capacity: Can handle very high fault currents
without damaging the surrounding equipment.
 Reliable Protection: Provides consistent protection against
overloads and short circuits.
 Safe Operation: Designed to prevent arcing and explosions when
the fuse operates.
2.1.4 Applications
 Commonly used in industrial installations, motor protection, power
distribution systems, and other applications where high fault levels
are expected.

2.2 Contactor
A contactor is an electrically-controlled switch used for switching an
electrical power circuit. It is commonly used in industrial and commercial
electrical systems to control large loads, such as motors, lighting
systems, heating equipment, and other heavy machinery.

2.2.1 Construction
 Electromagnet (Coil): When energized, it creates a magnetic field
that pulls the contactor’s movable contacts together.
 Contacts: These are conductive materials that close or open the
Electrical circuit when the contactor is activated. They include main
contacts (for the main circuit) and auxiliary contacts (for control
circuits).
 Housing: An insulating enclosure that protects the internal
components and ensures safety.

2.2.2 Working Principle


 When the contactor's coil is energized by a control signal (typically
from a low-voltage circuit), the electromagnet pulls the contacts
together, closing the circuit and allowing current to flow to the load.
When the coil is de-energized, the contacts open, disconnecting
the load.

2.2.3 Advantages
 High Capacity: Capable of switching high currents and voltages.
 Remote Control: Can be operated remotely via a control circuit.
 Durability: Designed for frequent switching operations and can
handle heavy-duty cycles.

2.2.4 Applications
 Widely used in motor control systems, HVAC systems, lighting
control, and other automated industrial processes where frequent
switching of power circuits is required.

2.3 Overload Relay


An overload relay is a protective device used to prevent electric motors
and other equipment from overheating due to excessive current. It
operates by detecting when the current flowing through a motor exceeds
a preset limit and then disconnecting the power to prevent damage.

2.3.1 Construction

 Sensing Elements: Typically bimetallic strips or electronic


sensors that detect excessive current.
 Relay Contacts: Open or close to disconnect the motor from the
power supply when an overload is detected.
 Reset Mechanism: Allows the relay to be manually or
automatically reset after tripping.

2.3.2 Working Principle


 Thermal Overload Relay: Uses bimetallic strips that bend when
heated by excessive current, eventually triggering the relay to
open the circuit.
 Electronic Overload Relay: Uses current sensors and electronic
circuits to detect overloads and trip the relay.
 Time Delay: Includes a time delay feature to prevent nuisance
tripping from temporary current surges.

2.3.3 Advantages
 Motor Protection: Prevents motors from overheating and
potentially failing due to excessive current.
 Adjustability: Can be adjusted to different current settings to
match the motor's specifications.
 Automatic Reset Options: Some models can automatically reset
Once the overload condition is cleared.
2.3.4 Applications
 Commonly used in motor control circuits, HVAC systems,
conveyors, and other equipment where protecting motors from
overload is critical.

2.4 Motor Protection Circuit Breaker (MPCB)


 A Motor Protection Circuit Breaker (MPCB) is a specialized circuit
breaker designed to protect electric motors from damage due to
overcurrent, short circuits, and phase failures. It combines the
functions of a circuit breaker and an overload relay in a single
device.

2.4.1 Construction
 Thermal Overload Protection: Includes a bimetallic strip that
reacts to prolonged overcurrent, similar to an overload relay.
 Magnetic Protection: Provides instantaneous protection against
short circuits by using an electromagnet to trip the breaker.
 Manual Control: Includes a switch for manual operation and
resetting after a trip.
2.4.2 Working Principle
 Overload Protection: If the motor draws too much current over a
period, the thermal element heats up, causing the MPCB to trip
and disconnect the motor.
 Short Circuit Protection: In the event of a short circuit, the
magnetic trip mechanism activates instantly to protect the motor
and circuit.
 Phase Failure Protection: Detects and trips if there is a loss of a
phase, preventing motor damage due to unbalanced operation.
2.4.3 Advantages
 Comprehensive Motor Protection: Protects against overloads,
short circuits, and phase failures.
 Compact Design: Combines multiple protection features in a
single, space-saving device.
 Adjustable Settings: Allows for fine-tuning the protection to match
the motor's specific requirements.

2.4.4 Applications
 Widely used in industrial motor control centers, HVAC systems,
pumps, fans, and any application where motors need reliable
protection.

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