PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG VALENZUELA

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

EE 17 – ELECTRICAL APPARATUS AND DEVICES

WITH LAB
FINAL TERM- ACTIVITY

UNIT 8

OTHER ESSENTIAL SAFETY ELECTRICAL APPARATUS

SCORE

NAPILI, JOSHUA, C.

BSEE 3-2

DATE: JANUARY 12, 2023 STUDENT NO. 20-0269

ELECTRICAL SAFETY APPARATUSES

1. Lightning Arrester

a. Definition

This sort of device, also known as a surge diverter or a

lightning arrester, is used to safeguard the machinery at
substations from traveling waves. In other words, a lightning
arrester redirects unusually high voltage to the ground without
compromising supply reliability. It is parallel to the equipment at
the substation that needs to be protected, connected between the
line and the earth.
b. Principle of operation
The voltage surge first travels through the conductor before arriving at the position of the
lightning arrestor, where it is mounted. As a result, the lightning arrestor's insulation will
temporarily be compromised, allowing a voltage surge to be discharged toward the earth. Insulation
between the ground and conductor will be restored once the system's voltage drops below the
predetermined level. Additionally, the flow of the water downward will stop.
c. Purposes/applications

Arresters are frequently placed close to important devices or points of entry, like a generator
or an electrical panel. The arrester acts when potentially hazardous lightning strikes and directs the
lightning to the earth, where it will harmlessly scatter.
2. Air Circuit Breaker

a. Definition

Electric lines between 800 and 10K amps can be protected

from overcurrent and short circuits using an electrical device called
an air circuit breaker (ACB). These are typically applied in low
voltage settings with voltages below 450V. These systems are
located in distribution panels (below 450V). We will talk about how
the air circuit breaker operates in this article.
b. Principle of operation

• Compared to other types of CBs, the functioning concept of an air circuit breaker is unique.
We are aware that the primary purpose of a CB is to prevent the return of arcing in situations
where the space between contacts will cause the system's recovery voltage to be insufficient.
• The air circuit breaker operates similarly yet differently. It creates an arc voltage in place of
the voltage supply while interrupting an arc. This voltage can be thought of as the lowest
voltage required to keep the arc going. A circuit breaker has three different ways to boost the
voltage supply.
• By cooling the arc plasma, the arc voltage can be increased.
 • Additional voltage gradient will be required to maintain the arc after the temperature of the
arc plasma and particle velocity are reduced. By dividing the arc into many series, the arc
voltage can be raised.
• Arc voltage can be increased when the arc route is lengthened. Arc voltage can be increased
because as soon as arc path length is extended, the route of resistance that is employed across
the arc path will also grow.
• The operational voltage range is up to 1KV. It has two sets of contacts where the copper
contacts and the primary pair both use current. Carbon can be in touch with another pair of
atoms. The first primary contact unlocks when the circuit breaker is turned on.
• The arc contact remains linked while the primary contact is opened. Arcing begins whenever
arc contacts are split apart. For average voltage, the circuit breaker is out of date.

c. Purposes/applications

Air Circuit Breakers are utilized to control the industrial facilities and auxiliary equipment of
power plants. Industrial facilities, electrical equipment like transformers, capacitors, and generators
are all protected by them.
• They are primarily utilized to safeguard plants in areas where there is a risk of fire or
explosion.
• DC and AC circuits up to 12KV use the air brake principle of the air breaker circuit arc.
• The high resistance power of air circuit breakers aids in splitting, cooling, and prolonging the
arc to increase resistance.
• The electricity sharing system and NGD utilize air circuit breakers as well.

3. MCB

a. Definition

A miniature circuit breaker (MCB) is an electrical switch

that automatically shuts off the electrical circuit when the
network experiences an abnormal state, such as an overload or a
fault. The six categories of MCBs are as follows:
• A Type
• B Type
• C Type
• D Type
• K Type
• Z Type
b. Principle of operation
The bimetallic strip is heated and bent when a continuous overcurrent passes through an
MCB. This bi-metallic strip's deflection releases a mechanical latch. The micro circuit breaker (MCB)
turns off as soon as this mechanical latch engages with the operational mechanism, closing the
contacts and stopping current flow in the circuit. The MCB needs to be manually turned ON in order
to resume current flow. This mechanism guards against faults brought on by overload, overcurrent,
and short circuit. However, in a short circuit scenario, the current rises sharply, causing the plunger
connected to a solenoid or tripping coil to move electromechanically. The latch mechanism is
instantly released when the plunger meets the trip lever, opening the circuit breaker contacts as a
result. This brief description explains the basic operation of a little circuit breaker.
c. Purposes/applications

The MCB is a self-operating electrical switch that is necessary to safeguard people and
electrical equipment from electrical shocks brought on by current overload or short circuits. An
electrical network has a rated amount of current flowing through it under typical operating
circumstances.

4. MCCB

a. Definition

An electrical protection device known as a moulded case circuit

breaker (MCCB) is used to safeguard an electrical circuit from excessive
current, which can result in overload or short circuit. MCCBs have changeable
trip settings and a current rating of up to 2500A, making them suitable for a
variety of voltages and frequencies. For system isolation and protection,
MCCB are utilized in place of tiny circuit breakers (MCBs) in large-scale PV
systems.
b. Principle of operation
A circuit is shielded from fault current by an MCCB. It breaks the fault currents through
magnetic and thermal methods. While the magnetic mechanism is utilized for short circuit protection,
the thermal mechanism is employed for overload protection.
Overload Protection
It is usual for electrical devices to experience brief periods of overloading; nevertheless, this
should not be interpreted as a fault current. Since the MCCB contains a time delay, the overload
current might flow for a little period of time before the circuit is tripped.
Short Circuit Protection
Using an electromagnetic force-producing solenoid, MCCB safeguards against short
connections. The solenoid that pulls and pushes a plunger that trips the breaker receives the majority
of the current. A modest magnetic force generated by the solenoid prevents the plunger from being
drawn in if the current stays below the threshold. A extremely high current passes through the
solenoid under short circuit conditions, producing a highly potent magnetic force. The plunger is
drawn to it, tripping the circuit.
c. Purposes/applications

MCCBs are frequently utilized in heavy-duty applications, including adjustable trip settings
for low current applications, safeguarding motors, capacitor banks, welding machines, protecting
generators, and protecting electric feeders.

5. GFCI

a. Definition

A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is a safety tool created to

guard against ground-fault currents on either a complete 120-volt, two-wire
circuit, or a single outlet. It is a particular electrical outlet or receptacle that, as
a safety measure, has a millisecond response time.
b. Principle of operation

A GFCI continuously tracks the amount of current in a circuit. The GFCI

cuts power faster than the blink of an eye to stop a lethal dosage of electricity if
the current entering the circuit differs from the returning current by a very small amount (as little as
0.006 amperes). Before the electricity may harm your heartbeat, GFCIs are built to operate. Even two-
slot outlets can use GFCIs.
c. Purposes/applications
GFCIs are typically installed in places like the bathroom, kitchen, garage, basement, and
outdoors where water and electricity are close by. They are especially helpful for equipment and
appliances with cords that are used outside or close to water.

6. AFCI

a. Definition

A new safety feature known as an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter

(AFCI) offers improved defense against extra fire risks known as arc
faults. In the electrical service panel, it takes the place of a regular
circuit breaker.

b. Principle of operation

The arc-fault circuit interrupter samples the electrical current

and employs electronic circuitry to identify waveforms caused by arc
faults caused by a nail striking a cable inside a wall, a cable or cord overheating, a cable or cord being
pinched, or a staple being driven into a cable. A poor waveform has specific frequencies attached to
it and is nonrepetitive and nonperiodic. The AFCI will sample each piece of data and, if necessary,
open the circuit. Along with a microprocessor, nonvolatile memory, and current and temperature
sensors, the AFCI also has these components. In the case of a circuit overload or short circuit, the
current and temperature sensors allow the AFCI to function as a standard circuit breaker. While
continuously monitoring the current, the CPU compares the waveform to the data in the memory.
Instead, then looking for a specific waveform, the microprocessor is watching the current for its size,
duration, and time between pulses. As a result, some appliances have the potential to produce
waveforms that resemble those of an arc fault and could set off the AFCI. Similar waveforms are
produced by devices like vacuum cleaners and hand drills that have motors that use brushes and a
commutator.
c. Purposes/applications
The series and parallel arcs that could ignite a fire in the house wiring and extension cables
are what the AFCI is designed to find. Arcing is the cause of fifty percent of electrical fires. In order to
avoid any damage, the circuit is interrupted by an arc fault circuit interrupter while it is arcing. The
NEC also stipulates that every outlet installed in a bedroom in a house must be AFCI protected. This
applies to all trash cans, including those in the kitchen and bathroom.

7. Oil Circuit Breaker

a. Definition

An Oil Circuit Breaker, also known as

an OCB, is a type of circuit breaker that
securely breaks the circuit by quenching the
arc using insulating oil as a dielectric medium.
The oil used is insulating oil, which has more
dielectric strength than air and is typically
used in transformer oil. A hydrogen gas bubble
forms around the arc as a result of the heat the
arc generates vaporizing the oil. The gas bubble becomes more dielectrically strong due to the oil's
pressure-induced compression, which puts an end to the arc during the zero-crossing.
b. Principle of operation
The current-carrying contacts split inside the insulating oil when a fault condition arises. The
large voltage difference between the contacts causes the medium around it to ionize when the
contacts separate, which causes an arc to be struck. The oil surrounding the contacts is vaporized by
the intense heat produced by the arc. Methane, ethylene, and acetylene, together with a minor
quantity of hydrogen gas, are produced when the oil breaks down. The gases that have broken down
create a gas bubble that envelops the contacts.
The hydrogen gas disintegrates into its atomic components, generating a tremendous amount of heat
that raises the arc's temperature. As a result, there is an increase in oil vaporization. One thousand
times more gas is created than oil is broken down, in terms of volume. High temperatures cause the
gas bubble's volume to grow quickly. The gas bubble is under considerable pressure from the
surrounding oil inside of a closed container. The ionized medium surrounding the contacts begins to
de-ionize as a result of compression. The medium quickly de-ionizes when the pressure rises as a
result of the arc's heat, which boosts the medium's dielectric strength. At the subsequent current
zero-crossing, the arc is extinguished.
c. Purposes/applications

In high voltage applications, such as power grids, substations, powerlines, and transmission
and distribution systems for up to 220 kV, oil circuit breakers are employed.

8. Fuse

a. Definition
Zinc, copper, aluminum, silver, and other
elements are used to make electric Fuses. When there is
a defect in the circuit due to an excessive current flow,
this works as a circuit breaker and shuts off the circuit.
Since the material used to make the electric fuse has a
very low melting point and a high resistance, it
overheats and melts when there is an increase in current
flow. A safety device called an electric fuse can limit the current flowing through a circuit, preventing
electrical harm or fire. This device protects the circuit against overloading and short-circuit.
b. Principle of operation
The electric fuse is comprised of a thin metallic wire and is non-combustible. It is always
connected in series with the circuit at both ends of the terminal. Because of the excessive current
flow in a circuit, heat will be produced, melting the fuse because its melting point is low. In addition
to melting the fuse, this also opens the circuit. The high current flow will result in breakdown and
may possibly cause the current to stop flowing. If this occurs, the fuse needs to be swapped out or
replaced with a new one.
c. Purposes/applications
Electrical fuses will be available in almost all electrical or electronic circuits, systems, and
applications. Some of those applications include:

• Transformers
• Home electrical wiring
• All electrical appliances like air conditioners, TV, washing machines.
• Mobile phones
• Laptops
• Cameras
• All vehicles like cars, bikes, trucks, and buses
• Gaming console
• Printers and scanners.
9. Thermal Overload Relay
a. Definition

A thermal overload relay is a type of relay used to guard against

overheating in electrical circuits. Instead of cutting off the circuit's
power, it detects when the current has increased sufficiently and opens,
enabling the motor to keep running.

b. Principle of operation

The amount of current flowing through the connected motor or circuit determines how the
thermal overload relay operates. It is intended to simulate the heat produced by the appliance using
this current in order to ascertain when an overload may result in damage. The relay expands as it
senses a rise in temperature and is yanked out of the mounting base. As a result, it allows push-on
contacts that close when connections are withdrawn to maintain contact.
c. Purposes/applications
Thermal overload relays are cost-effective electromechanical main circuit protection devices.
When a phase fails or there is an overload, they provide dependable protection for motors. Together
with contactors, the thermal overload relay can form a small beginning solution. Thermal overload
relays protect motors, transformers, and other electrical components from overheating. These relays
are commonly positioned at areas where there is an electric circuit with numerous devices on it. One
of these components may damage itself or other elements of this circuit if it overheats.

10. Solid State Relay

a. Definition

An electronic switching device called a Solid State Relay (SSR)

turns on or off when an external voltage (AC or DC) is applied across its
control terminals. They perform the same task as an electromechanical
relay but are more durable because solid-state electronics don't have
any moving parts. SSRs are made up of a sensor that reacts to the
proper input (a control signal), an electronic switch that changes
power to the load circuitry, and a coupling mechanism that enables the
control signal to activate the switch without using any mechanical components. They could be made
to switch AC or DC loads.
b. Principle of operation
SCR or TRIAC relays in AC circuits automatically shut off when the load current is zero at the
points of the AC zero cross. The huge transient voltages that would otherwise happen as a result of
the abrupt collapse of the magnetic field surrounding the inductance are avoided since the circuit
will never be disrupted in the middle of a sine wave peak. At the beginning of a new wave, the
individual SCRs can be turned back on with the inclusion of a zero-point detector. Zero-crossing, or
zero-crossover, switching is the name of this functionality.
c. Purposes/applications
The solid-state relay is a very complicated device, but it serves the straightforward function
of turning on a single output load when powered. They do the job well and efficiently, sometimes
allowing very big loads to run with very precise control voltages.

11. Instrument Transformers

a. Definition

An instrument transformer is one that is used to measure

electrical quantities such as current, voltage, power, frequency, and
power factor. Relays and these transformers are primarily employed to
safeguard the electrical system.

b. Principle of operation

A transformer that uses the electromagnetic induction principle

to convert current and voltage is known as an Instrument Transformer.
The transformer transfers power data in a proportionate ratio from the primary circuit to the
secondary circuit and provides it to secondary equipment such measuring instruments and relay
protection devices in order to monitor, measure, and protect the system. Due to enough insulation
between the primary and secondary windings of the transformer and a point where the secondary
side of the transformer is grounded, the secondary equipment and personnel can be electrically
insulated from the primary high voltage.
c. Purposes/applications
Because the level of voltage and current in a power system is extremely high, the purpose of
the instrument transformer is to step down the voltage and current of the AC system. Therefore, it is
difficult and expensive to design measuring devices with high voltage and current. These instruments
are often made to work with 5 A and 110 V. A tool called an instrument transformer can be used to
measure high-level electrical quantities. In today's electrical grids, these transformers are crucial.
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https://www.elprocus.com/what-is-lightning-arrester-working-principle-and-its-types/
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