DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND

ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING BASIC ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Circuit Breaker:
Electrical circuits breaker is a switching device which can be operated manually and automatically for the
controlling and protection of electrical power system, respectively. The modern power system deals with a
huge power network and huge numbers of associated electrical equipment. During shirt circuits fault or any
other type of electrical fault, this equipment, as well as the power network, suffer a high stress of fault
current, which in turn damage the equipment and networks permanently. For saving this equipment and the
power networks, the fault current should be cleared from the system as quickly as possible. Again, after the
cleared, the system must come to its normal working condition as soon is possible for supplying reliable
quality power to the receiving ends. The circuits breaker is the special device all the required switching
operations during current carrying condition.
A circuits breaker essentially consists of fixed and moving contacts, called electrodes. Under normal
operating conditions, these contacts remain closed and will not open automatically until and unless the
system becomes faulty. The contacts can be opened manually or by remote control whenever desired. When
a fault occurs in any part of the system, the trip coils of the breaker get energized and the moving contacts
are pulled apart by some mechanism, thus opening the circuits.
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The main types of circuits breakers are

i. Miniature circuits breakers (MCB)
ii. Earth leakage circuits breakers (ELCB) or Residual Current Breaker (RCCB)
iii. Air blast Circuits Breaker (ACB)
iv. Molded Case Circuits Breakers (MCCB)
v. Vacuum Circuits Breaker (VCB)
vi. SF6 Circuits Breaker

Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB):

Minimum circuits breakers are electromechanical devices which protect an electrical circuit from over
currents. Over currents in an electrical circuit may results from short circuits overload, or faulty design. An
MCB is better alternative than fuse, since it does not require replacement once an overload is detected. An
MCB functions by interrupting the continuity of electrical flow through the circuits once a fault is detected.
In simple terms, MCB is a switch which automatically turns off when the current flowing through it passes
the maximum allowable limit. Generally, MCB is designed to protect against over current and over
temperature faults (over heating).
Working Principle:
There are two contact - one is fixed and the other is moveable. When the current exceeds the predefined
limit, a solenoid forces the moveable contact to open (i.e., disconnect from the fixed contact) and the MCB
turns off, thereby stopping the current from flowing in the circuits.
Operation:
An image of MCB is shown in figure (12.10) and internal parts of an MCB are shown in figure (12.11). It
mainly consists of one bi- metallic strip, one trip coil and one hand operated on-off lever. Electric current
carrying path of a MCB is as follows - first left hand side power terminal-then bimetallic strip - then current
coil - then moving contact - then fixed contact and - lastly
right hand side power terminal, and all are arranged in series.

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if circuits is overload for a long time, the bi -metallic strip becomes over heated and deformed. This
deformation of bi-metallic strip causes displacement of latch point. The moving contact of the MCB is so
arranged by means of spring, with this latch point, that a little displacement of latch causes releases of
spring and makes the moving contact to move for opening the MCB. The current coil or trip coil placed in
such a manner that during SC faults, the MMF of that coil causes its plunger to hit the same latch point and
force the latch to be displaced. Hence, the MCB will open in the same manner. Again when operating lever

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of the MCB is operated by hand, that means when we make the MCB at off position manually, the same
latch point is displaced as a result moving contact separated from fixed contact in same manner. So,
whatever may be the operating mechanism, i.e., may be due to deformation of bi-metallic strip or may be
due to increased MMF of trip coil or may be due to manual operation - actually the same latch point is
displaced and the deformed spring is released, which is ultimately responsible for movement of the moving
contact. When the moving contacts is separated from fixed contact, there may be a high chance of arc. This
are then goes up thorough the arc runner and enters into arc splitters and is finally quenched. When we
switch on the MCB, we actually reset the displaced operating latch to its previous on position and make the
MCB ready for another switch off or trip operation.
These are available in single pole, double pole, triple pole, and four pole versions with neutral poles, if
required. The normal current ratings are available from 0.5-63 A with a symmetrical short circuit rupturing
capacity of 3-10kA, at a voltage level of 230/440v. MCBs are generally designed to trip within 2.5
millisecond when an over current fault arises. In case of temperature rise or over heating it may take 2
seconds to 2 min. For the MCB to trip.
Advantages:
i. MCBs are replacing the re-wireable switch i.e., fuse units for low power domestic and industrial
applications.
ii. The disadvantages of fuses, like low SC interrupting capacity (say 3kA), Etc. Are overcome with high
SC breaking capacity of 10kA.
iii. MCB is combination of all three functions in a wiring system like switching, overload and short circuits
protection. Overload protection can be obtained by using bi-metallic strips whereas shorts circuits
protection can be obtained by using solenoid
Earth Leakage Circuits Breaker (ELCB):
None of the protection devices like MCB, MCCB, etc. Can protect the human life against electric shocks or
avoid fire due to leakage current. The human resistance noticeably drops with an increase in voltage. It also
depends upon the duration of impressed voltage and drops with increase in time. As per IS code, a contact
potential of 65V is within tolerable limit of human body for 10 seconds, whereas 250V can be withstood by
human body for 100 milliseconds. The actual effect of current thorough human body varies from person to
person with reference to magnitude and duration. The body resistance at 10V is assessed to be 19 kΩ for 1
second and 8kΩ for 15 min. At 240V, 3 to 3.6 kΩ for dry skin and 1-1.2 kΩ for wet skin.
An Earth Leakage Circuits Breakers (ELCB) is a device used to directly detect currents leaking to earth
from an installation and cut the power. There are two types of ELCBs:

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(i) Voltage Earth Leakage Circuits Breaker (voltage -ELCB)

(ii) Current Earth Leakage Circuits Breaker ( Current -ELCB)
(i) Voltage Earth Leakage Circuits Breaker (voltage -ELCB):
Voltage –ELCB is a voltage operated circuits breaker. The device will function
when the current passes thorough the ELCB. Voltage-ELCB contains relay coil and one end of the coil is
connected to metallic load body and the other end is connected to ground wire as shown in figure (12.12). If
the voltage of the equipment body rises (by touching phase to metal part or insulation failure of equipment),
which could cause the difference between earth and load body voltage and the danger of electric shock will
occur. This voltage difference will produce an electric current from the load metallic body and phase
through the loop to the Earth. When voltage on the equipment metallic body rises to danger level i.e., which
exceed to 50V, the flowing current through relay loop could move the relay contact by disconnecting the
supply current avoid from any danger electric shock. The ELCB detects fault currents from line to the earth
(ground) wire within the installation it protects. If sufficient voltage appears across the ELCB’s sensing
coil, it will switch off the power, and remain off until manually reset. A voltage –sensing ELCB does not
sense fault current from line to any other earthed body.

(ii) Current Earth Leakage Circuits Breaker ( Current -ELCB):

Current –ELCB is a current operated circuits breaker which is a commonly used ELCB. Current-ELCB
consists of a 3- winding transformer, which has two primary windings and 1 secondary winding as shown in
figure (12.13). Neutral and line wires act as the two primary windings. A wire wound coil is the secondary
winding. The current thorough the secondary winding is zero at the balanced condition. In the balanced
condition, the flux due to current through the phase wire will be neutralized by the current through the

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neutral wire, since the current which flows from the phase will be returned back to the neutral. When a fault
occurs, a small current will flow to the ground also. This makes an unbalanced between line and neutral
currents and creates an unbalanced magnetic field. This induces a current through the secondary winding,
which is connected to the sensing circuits. This will sense the leakage and send a signal to the tripping
system and trips the contact.

Safety precautions in Handling Electrical Appliance:

It is essentially important to take precautions when we are working with electricity and using electrical
appliances. Here, some of the basic precautions are mentioned for safe usage of electrical appliance :
(i) Follow the manufacturer’s instructions :
Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using a new appliance.
(ii) Replace or repair damaged power cords :
Exposed wiring is a danger that cannot be ignored. If you see the protective coating on a wire is stripped
away, be sure to replace it or cover it with electrical tape as soon as possible.
(iii) Keep electrical equipment or outlets away from water:
Avoid water at all times when working with electricity. Never touch or repairing any electrical equipment or
circuits with wet hands. It increases the conductivity of electrical current. Keep all electrical appliance away
from water such as sinks, bathtubs, pools or overhead vents that may drip.
(iv) use insulated tools while working:
Always use appropriate insulated rubber gloves, goggles, protective clothes and shoes with insulated soles
while working on any branch circuits or any other electrical circuits. Use only tools and equipment with
non-conducting handles when working on electrical devices. Never use metallic pencils or rulers or wear

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rings or metal watchbands when working with electrical equipment as they cause a strong electric shock.|

(v) Don’t overload your outlets:

Every outlet in your home is designed to deliver a certain amount of electricity; by plugging too many
devices into it at once, you could cause a small explosion or a fire. If you have a lot of things to plug in, use
a power strip that can safely accommodate your needs.
(vi) Shut-off the power supply:
Always make sure that the power source should be shut-off before performing any work related to
electricity. For example; inspecting, installing, maintaining or repairing.
(vii) Avoid extension cords as much as possible:
Running extension cords through the house can trip up residence; this can cause injury and damage to the
wire or outlet if it causes the cord to be ripped out of the wall. If you find yourself using extension cords
very often, consider having an electrician install new outlets throughout your home.
(viii) When to repair:
Everyone want to have the safe electrical environment. Equipment producing “tingle” sound should be
disconnected and reported promptly for repair.
(ix) Avoid the usage of flammable liquids:
Never use highly flammable liquids near electrical equipment. Never touch another person’s equipment or
electrical control devices unless instructed to do so.
(x) Use electric tester:
Never try repairing energized equipment. Always check that it is de-energized first by using a tester. When
an electric tester touches a live or hot wire, the bulb inside the tester lights up showing that an electrical
current is flowing through the respective wire. Check all the wires, the outer metallic covering of the service
panel any other hanging wires with an electrical tester before proceeding with your work.
(xi) In case of electric shock:
If an individual comes in contact with a live electrical conductor, do not touch the equipment, cord person.
Disconnect the power source from the circuits breaker or pull out the plug using a leather belt. By enclosing
all electric conductors and contacts can save people from getting the electric shock. Use three-pin plugs,
which have earth wire connection which prevents electrical shock.
(xii) Display danger board :
Danger board should be displayed at the work place. We should not allow any unauthorized person to enter
in the working place and we should not put any new equipment into the service without necessary testing by
the concern authority.

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(xiii) Usage of proper ladder:

Never use an aluminium or steel ladder if you are working on any receptacle at height in your home. An
electrical surge will ground you and the whole electric current will pass through your body. Use a bamboo,
wooden or a fiberglass ladder instead.
(xiv) Usage of circuits breaker or fuse:
Always use a circuits breaker or fuse with the appropriate current rating. Circuits breakers and fuses are
protection devices that automatically disconnect the live wire a condition of short circuits or over current
occurs. The selection of the appropriate fuse or circuit breaker is essential. Normally for protection against
short circuits a fuse rated of 150% of the normal circuit current is selected. In the case of a circuit with 10
amperes of current, a 15 ampere fuse will against direct short circuits a 9.5 amperes fuse will blow out.
(xv) Use ceiling on live wire :
Always put a cap on the hot/live wire while working on an electric board or service panel as you could end
up short circuiting the bare ends of the live wire with the neutral. The cap insulates the copper ends of the
cable thus preventing any kind of shock even if touched mistakenly.
(xvi) Precaution during soldering:
Always take care while soldering your circuits boards. Wear goggles and keep yourself away from the
fumes. Keep the solder iron in its stand when not in use; it can get extremely hot and can easily cause burns.
(xvii) Things to remember:
The circuits is bad, electricity appliances are not working well, and lights are fluctuating. It means you need
an electrical inspection or repair. In this case, either you’ll call an electrician or do it yourself. So if you are
trying to repair, always remember that your hands are well dry, you have essential tools, rubber gloves &
shoe are good, As all these acts as an insulator. Do not wear loose clothing or tied near electrical equipment.
(xviii)Keep heaters away from bedclothes, clothing and curtains to avoid risk fire. Be extra careful when
using electrical appliances attached to power outlets near kitchen or bathroom sinks, tubs, swimming pools,
and other wet areas. Don’t cover an electric heater with clothing or other items.

Energy Consumption Calculation:

Energy and power are closely related. Electrical energy can be measured only when electrical power is
known. So first we understand the electrical power. Electrical power it the amount of electrical current that
results from a certain amount of voltage or we can say that power is the rate which energy is delivered. It is
measured in watts. Mathematically it is written as
Power = Voltage × Current
The measurement of electrical energy is completely dependent on power which is measured in watt,

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kilowatts, megawatts, gigawatts, and time which is measured in an hour. Joule is the smallest unit of energy.
But for some bigger calculation, some better unit it required. So, the unit used for electrical energy is watt-
hour.
Electrical energy is the product of electrical power and time, and it measured in joules. It is defined as “1
joule of energy is equal to 1 watt of power is consumed for 1 second”. I.e.,
Energy = Power × Time
1 Joule = 1 watt × 1 second
Watts are the basic unit of power in which electrical power is measured or we can say that rate at which
electrical current is being used at a particular moment.
Watt-hour is the standard unit used for measurement of energy, describing the amount of watts used over a
time. It shows how fast the power is consumed in the period of time.
Energy in watt hours = Power in watts × Time in hours
Kilowatt-hour is simply a bigger unit of energy when large appliance drawn power in kilowatts. It can be
described as one kilowatt hour is the amount of energy drawn by the 1000 watts appliance when used for an
hour.
Where, One kilowatt = 1000 watts
Energy in kilowatt hours = Power in kilowatts × Time in hours
The electrical supply companies take electric energy charges from their consumer per kilowatt hour unit
basis.
This kilowatt hour is board of trade (BOT) unit.
Illustration for Energy Consumption:
A consumer uses a 10 kW geezer, a 6 kW electric furnace and five 100 W bulbs for 15 hours. How many
units (kWh) of electrical energy have been used?
Explanation : Given that
Load – 1 = 10 kW geezer
Load – 2 = 6 kW electric furnace
Load – 3 = 500 watt (five 100 watt bulbs)
Total load = 10kW + 6kW + 0.5kW = 16.5kW
Time taken = 155 hours
Energy consumed = Power in kW × Time in hours
= 16.5 × 15 = 247.5 kWh
For above electrical energy consumption, the tariff can be calculated as follows :
1 unit = 1kWh

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So, the total energy consumption = 247.5 units

If the cost per unit is 2.5, then the total cost of energy consumption
̇ 247.5 × 2.5 = 618.75/-
=

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