What Are the Characteristics and Operating Principles? Where is it used?
Switchgear products are the devices used to control, protect and isolate electrical circuits. There are many different types such as circuit breakers, fuses, contactors, relays, disconnectors and leakage current protection switches. These devices are used in energy distribution systems, industrial facilities, power grids, and motor and generator protection. Switchgear products ensure safe and efficient management of energy distribution and play a critical role in electrical systems.
Circuit Breakers
Functions:
Circuit breakers protect electrical systems by automatically disconnecting the circuit in abnormal conditions such as excessive current or short circuit that may occur in the electrical circuit. Circuit breakers play a major and critical role in energy distribution systems.
Types:
Mini Circuit Breakers (MCB):
- Areas of Use: They are usually used in residential and commercial applications.
- Specifications: They provide overcurrent protection and react quickly in short-circuit situations. With their compact structures, they can be easily installed even in tight spaces.
Molded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCB)
- Areas of Use: They are widely used in industrial applications and large commercial facilities.
- Specifications: They have high current capacities and provide protection over a wide current range. They are also equipped with thermal and magnetic protection properties.
Air Circuit Breakers (ACB):
- Areas of Use: They are used in medium and high voltage systems.
- Specifications: They have a high breaking capacity and undertake critical tasks in energy distribution facilities and large power plants. They provide flexibility with their adjustable protection settings.
High Voltage Circuit Breakers:
- Areas of Use: They are used in power grids and power plants.
- Specifications: They offer the possibility of safe and fast circuit breaking at very high voltages. There are gas insulated, vacuum and SF6 gas types.
Fuses
Functions:
The fuses melt in case of over-current and break the circuit, protecting the related devices and systems. Fuses are the most basic and widely used protection elements.
Types:
Cartridge Fuses:
- Areas of Use: They are used in residential and commercial electrical installations.
- Specifications: They contain a melting wire that melts in case of an over-current and opens the circuit.
Cartridge and Blade Fuses:
- Areas of Use: They are used in old type electrical installations.
- Specifications: They have replaceable fuse elements and can easily be replaced with their specific cartridge structure.
High Voltage Fuses:
- Areas of Use: They are used in high voltage lines and large energy systems.
- Specifications: They are resistant to high voltage and current capacities and have a fast response time.
Contactors
Functions:
Contactors are electromagnetic switches used to turn large electrical loads on and off. They are used for controlling the electrical circuits in high power applications.
Areas of use:
- Motor Control: Starting and stopping of industrial motors.
- Lighting Circuits: Control of large lighting systems.
- Heating Systems: Control of electric heating devices.
Relays
Functions:
Relays are used to control a big electrical signal in one circuit by using a smaller electrical signal in another circuit. They are used to provide remote control in electrical circuits.
Types:
Protection Relays:
Specifications: They protect electrical systems from situations such as over-current, low voltage and frequency deviations.
Areas of Use: Electrical distribution systems, generators and motors.
Time Relays:
Specifications: They work with adjustable time delay and turn the circuit on or off after a certain period of time.
Areas of Use: Automation systems and applications that require timely control.
Thermal Relays:
Specifications: They break the circuit by using a thermal element in case of overload.
Areas of Use: Motor protection circuits and industrial equipment.
Overcurrent Protection Relays
Fonksiyonu:
Aşırı akım koruma röleleri, devredeki aşırı akımı algılayarak devreyi kesen cihazlardır. Elektrik sistemlerinin aşırı yüklenme durumunda korunmasını sağlar.
Kullanım Alanları:
- Motor Koruma: Motorların aşırı yüklenme ve aşırı akım durumlarında korunması.
- Jeneratör Koruma: Jeneratörlerin aşırı akım ve kısa devre durumlarında korunması.
Separators (Isolators/Disconnectors)
Functions:
Separators ensure complete isolation of the electrical circuit during maintenance or repair works. They create a safe working environment by cutting off the energy flow.
Types:Load Separators:
Areas of Use: Electricity distribution panels and networks.
Specifications: They can open/close under load.
Earthing Separators:
Areas of Use: High voltage lines and electrical switchgear sites.
Specifications: They provide safe operation by earthing the circuit.
Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
Functions:
Residual current protection switches cut off the circuit by detecting earth leakage currents, thereby reducing the risk of electric shock. They increase the electrical safety.
Areas of use:
- Domestic Electrical Installations: They are used to reduce the risk of electric shock in houses.
- Commercial Electrical Installations: They provide security in office buildings and commercial areas.
Motor Koruma Şalterleri (Motor Protection Circuit Breakers)
Functions:
Motor protection circuit breakers protect the motors against situations such as overcurrent, short circuit and phase loss. They ensure the safe and efficient operation of the motors.
Areas of use:
- Industrial Motors: They provide motor protection at factories and manufacturing facilities.
- Pumping Systems: Protection of water pumps and other pumping systems.
Fuse Bases and Terminal Blocks
Functions:
Fuse bases and terminal blocks are used for mounting fuses and making their electrical connections. They provide a secure and reliable connection.
Types:
Screw Terminal Blocks:
Specifications: They provide a solid and secure connection with their screw structure.
Areas of Use: Industrial control panels and electrical distribution systems.
Spring-Loaded Terminal Blocks:
Specifications: They provide fast and secure connection with their spring mechanism.
Areas of Use: Automation systems and electrical panels.
Switchgear Panels and Distribution Panels
Functions:
Switchgear panels and distribution panels are the panels where switchgear devices are gathered and electricity distribution is performed. They provide safe and regular distribution of electrical energy.
Types:
Low Voltage Distribution Panels:
- Areas of Use: They are used in residential, commercial and industrial facilities.
- Specifications: They provide low voltage electricity distribution.
Medium Voltage Switchgear Panels:
- Areas of Use: They are used at power plants and large industrial facilities.
- Specifications: They provide medium voltage electricity distribution and control.
These details comprehensively describe the various types of switchgear products as well as their areas of use. These devices are critical for the safe and efficient management of energy distribution and have a wide range of uses in electrical systems.
