Shunt trip breakers are a type of circuit breaker that are commonly used in buildings to provide additional safety and convenience. These breakers are designed to trip or disconnect the power supply to a circuit when an overcurrent or fault occurs. The shunt trip mechanism allows the breaker to be tripped remotely when necessary. In this article, we will discuss the shunt trip breaker wiring diagram and its functionality.
What is a Shunt Trip Breaker?
A shunt trip breaker is a type of circuit breaker that is equipped with an additional trip mechanism. This mechanism allows the breaker to be tripped remotely in the case of an emergency. The shunt trip mechanism works by energizing a coil that is connected to the breaker. When the coil is energized, it causes the breaker to trip and disconnect the power supply to the circuit. This is done to protect the circuit from damage and to prevent electrical hazards.
How Does a Shunt Trip Breaker Work?
A shunt trip breaker works by using a separate coil that is connected to the breaker. The coil is energized by a separate power source, which is typically a control panel or switch. When the coil is energized, it creates an electromagnetic field that pulls the breaker’s trip mechanism. This causes the breaker to trip and disconnect the power supply to the circuit. The shunt trip mechanism can be activated remotely using a switch or a computer control system.
A shunt trip breaker can be used in a variety of applications where remote tripping is necessary. For example, in a commercial building, a shunt trip breaker can be used to disconnect the power supply to a gas supply valve in the case of an emergency. This can help prevent gas leaks and fires.
What are the Components of a Shunt Trip Breaker?
A shunt trip breaker consists of several components that work together to provide the desired functionality. These components include:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Coil | The coil is the component that creates the electromagnetic field that trips the breaker. |
| Control Circuit | The control circuit is the circuit that provides power to the coil and controls the shunt trip mechanism. |
| Trip Mechanism | The trip mechanism is the mechanism that disconnects the power supply to the circuit when the breaker is tripped. |
| Switch | The switch is the component that is used to activate the shunt trip mechanism. |
Shunt Trip Breaker Wiring Diagram
The shunt trip breaker wiring diagram is a diagram that shows the connection between the control circuit, the coil, the switch, and the trip mechanism. The wiring diagram is typically found on the breaker itself or in the manufacturer’s installation manual.
Steps to Wiring a Shunt Trip Breaker
The following are the steps to wiring a shunt trip breaker:
- Turn off the power supply to the circuit that the breaker is going to be installed in.
- Remove the cover from the breaker panel.
- Identify the circuit breaker that the shunt trip breaker is going to be installed in.
- Remove the existing breaker from the panel.
- Connect the control circuit wires to the control circuit terminals on the shunt trip breaker.
- Connect the coil wires to the coil terminals on the shunt trip breaker.
- Connect the switch wires to the switch terminals on the shunt trip breaker.
- Connect the trip mechanism wires to the trip mechanism terminals on the shunt trip breaker.
- Install the shunt trip breaker in the panel.
- Replace the cover on the panel.
FAQs
What is the purpose of a shunt trip breaker?
The purpose of a shunt trip breaker is to provide additional safety and convenience. The shunt trip mechanism allows the breaker to be tripped remotely when necessary, which can help prevent electrical hazards and protect circuits from damage.
Where is a shunt trip breaker typically used?
A shunt trip breaker is typically used in commercial and industrial applications where remote tripping is necessary. Examples include buildings with emergency gas shut-off valves, elevators, and large industrial equipment.
Can a shunt trip breaker be used in a residential setting?
While shunt trip breakers are not typically used in residential settings, they can be used in certain applications where remote tripping is necessary. However, it is important to consult with a licensed electrician before installing a shunt trip breaker in a residential setting.
Is it necessary to use a shunt trip breaker in every circuit?
No, it is not necessary to use a shunt trip breaker in every circuit. Shunt trip breakers are typically used in circuits where remote tripping is necessary or where there is a risk of electrical hazards. However, it is important to consult with a licensed electrician to determine if a shunt trip breaker is necessary for a particular circuit.
How does a shunt trip breaker differ from a regular circuit breaker?
A shunt trip breaker differs from a regular circuit breaker in that it has a separate trip mechanism that allows it to be tripped remotely. This mechanism is activated by a coil that is energized by a separate power source. Regular circuit breakers do not have this mechanism and are tripped manually or automatically when an overcurrent or fault occurs.
