Testing Breakers

[zog]

zog: got any loose Masterpact test sets the one we use broke $13,000.00 for a new one 8 weeks for repair.

We use the small phenix, small a EIL and several small AVO's for GFP testing need more current and we bring out the HEAVY boys.

The phenix with CB bolted to the output bus and heavy cable on the other connection MIGHT test a 200 amp MCCB. 150 fer sure, what can be a problem is the long time test, this set has a limited time frame for current.

Single CB ship it out, even if there is a local test company they would most likely take the CB to their shop than lug the test set there. Mail it to me I'll test it no charge (ONE CB RIGHT not a panel worth).

Yep, check your PM

 

[Lxnxjxhx]

Never is a long long time

Never is a long long time

So, these breakers cost more than fuses, they cost more to replace than fuses, the in-service condition of breakers cannot be determined to any reasonable level of certainty and once you're locked into breakers it's not easy to vote with your feet and walk over to the store that sells fuses.

I think the breaker people have some 'splainin' to do.

 

[jim dungar]

I think that would be the Interrupting Capacity rating test, not the Instantaneous Trip test. In the IC test you are right, there is no expectation of being able to reset it. All it has to do is stop the fault even if it results in its destruction (without too much collateral damage).

I don't have my UL489 specs with me at this PC, but that's how I remember it. I'll check later when I have access to my full system.

I just looked at an old (1986) publication. At that time a <= 100A frame breaker was tested for 50 operations at 6x rated current (150A minimum).

 

[brian john]

So, these breakers cost more than fuses, they cost more to replace than fuses, the in-service condition of breakers cannot be determined to any reasonable level of certainty and once you're locked into breakers it's not easy to vote with your feet and walk over to the store that sells fuses.

Breakers can be tested, to include high current testing, megger testing and DLRO/DUCTOR (contact resistance) large frame MCCBs can be visually inspected.