Breakers

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anbm

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1. Do they make branch breaker with integral meter and meter display (to read amp. that breaker draws when facing the breaker), what is technical term for this type of breaker?

2. Are above breakers available with only electronic type breakers or it can be available with thermal mag. breaker (fixed trip)?

Thanks!
 
anbm said:
1. Do they make branch breaker with integral meter and meter display (to read amp. that breaker draws when facing the breaker), what is technical term for this type of breaker?

2. Are above breakers available with only electronic type breakers or it can be available with thermal mag. breaker (fixed trip)?

Thanks!
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Yes, usually you see this on a breaker that has an external trip unit, 480V draw out class stuff and insulated case breakers. It can also be done to any molded case breaker but the modification cost more than most MCCB's so it is not done often.

Give me some more specifics on what you want to do, why you want to do it, and what type of system you are asking about. "Breaker" can be a small 100A 120V resi or a 230,000V GSB, or anything in between.
 
As posted above, large circuit breakers are available with a display showing the load in amps.
I have never seen a small a small circuit breaker as would be used for branch circuits, with this facility.
I have however seen specialy built panels, with an ammetter installed for each branch circuit, very expensive.

Used in data centers to monitor load and avoid tripping vital circuits due to accidental overload.

Also used in high security applications to monitor current used by floodlights, any reductions indicating the failure/breakage/sabotage of a lamp.
 
If the swbd has its main meter, can that meter reads the amps. for branch CBs in same board?
 
anbm said:
1. Do they make branch breaker with integral meter and meter display (to read amp. that breaker draws when facing the breaker), what is technical term for this type of breaker?

2. Are above breakers available with only electronic type breakers or it can be available with thermal mag. breaker (fixed trip)?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
No, you will not get that in a Thermal Mag breaker, they have zero intelligence. It will be the high end electronic trip circuit breakers that can do this. There are a few manufacturers than now have that option for sizes as low as 15A 3 pole, but again, you gave no clue as to what size you are looking for.

That said, it is going to be less expensive to use a stand-alone power meter than it is to upgrade to the highest price breaker just to get a display of current.
 
Typically the CTs have to be at the load, the meter for these CTs can be anywhere. We have installed several of these systems at panels some read only at the panel others are part of a EMS and can be read anywhere you have a internet connection.
 
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