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Circuit Switcher vs Circuit Breaker Pros and Cons

Circuit Switcher vs Circuit Breaker Pros and Cons

Circuit Switcher vs Circuit Breaker Pros and Cons

(OP)
Does any have any document showing pros and cons of using Circuit Switcher vs Circuit Breaker?

Thanks

RE: Circuit Switcher vs Circuit Breaker Pros and Cons

Document, no.  But you can kick around the list.  I'll start it.

CB - has CT's, faster clearing time (for GCB, could be slower for OCB at low fault levels), roughly the same cost (10% depending on how many CT's and/or trip coils), w/CT's provides protection for power transformer tank-mounted arrester failure or high-side bushing failure.

C/S - less expensive, can have integral disconnect switch, may take up less space (candlestick versions) vs. CB.

For power transformer protection, given the increasing costs, lead-times and asset values I'm going to specifying all CB's for protection on power transformers.  The only time I'll use circuit switchers is when I have space restrictions or I have bus CB's for backup protection available at the specific site.

Others?

RE: Circuit Switcher vs Circuit Breaker Pros and Cons

(OP)
apowerengr,

Thanks for your response. It is my understanding that Circuit Switchers come in handy whenever frequent switching is required. Also, I believe they are rated for lower amp usage and have lower interrupting ratings as well?

However I admit that it didn't even occur to me that mounting CT's would be an issue, but it makes sense. I wonder if using a Southern States CMD CT would solve this problem.

Once again, thanks for your valuable comments.
I will wait to hear from others as well.

zazmat
 

RE: Circuit Switcher vs Circuit Breaker Pros and Cons

Yes, depending on the fault currents available on your system and the fault current rating of the circuit switcher, you may have some problems.  In fact, we have had to block tripping for high current faults (and wait for a circuit breaker upstream to clear the fault) on a few circuit switchers in areas where we know there are higher fault currents available than they can withstand breaking.  

Also, the CMD while an interesting technology, has its own unique issues that may or may not be a problem that has to be considered against any CT mounting issues.

RE: Circuit Switcher vs Circuit Breaker Pros and Cons

I've used the CMD's and also stand-alone external CT's but find the costs allow the purchase and installation of a breaker in most cases.

RE: Circuit Switcher vs Circuit Breaker Pros and Cons

Circuit switchers do no have reclosing capability.

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