Bolt-on v/s Plug-in type circuit breaker applications
Bolt-on v/s Plug-in type circuit breaker applications
(OP)
Hello,
I wanted to inquire about general opinion about typical applications for Bolt-on and Plug-in type circuit breakers.
I understand that typically bolt-on type breakers are preferred in commercial/industrial applications where vibration may be an issue whereas the plug-in type breakers are typically used for residential applications. Would there be any other specific considerations where bolt-on type are preferred or required over plug-in type circuit breakers?
Thank you.
I wanted to inquire about general opinion about typical applications for Bolt-on and Plug-in type circuit breakers.
I understand that typically bolt-on type breakers are preferred in commercial/industrial applications where vibration may be an issue whereas the plug-in type breakers are typically used for residential applications. Would there be any other specific considerations where bolt-on type are preferred or required over plug-in type circuit breakers?
Thank you.






RE: Bolt-on v/s Plug-in type circuit breaker applications
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Bolt-on v/s Plug-in type circuit breaker applications
In a commercial / industrial setting with established safety procedures and professional electricians, you are going to have a coordinated distribution SYSTEM, so a load center with those bolt-on breakers will be fed by Feeder Circuit Breaker in another larger panelboard up stream. Therefore, needing to make contact with the bus bars to replace or add a breaker can be done more easily by opening and locking out the FCB for that panel. You will not generally find many large commercial or industrial facilities that would allow plug-in load centers because their insurance carriers will forbid it.
Keith,
I think he means the type that bolt on to the bus bars, not the mounting panel. Bolt-on breakers still need bus bars, so still end up with the redundant box if going in a control panel. The term used for what you are referring to is a "panel mount" breaker, lug in, lug out, no bus.
"You measure the size of the accomplishment by the obstacles you had to overcome to reach your goals" -- Booker T. Washington
RE: Bolt-on v/s Plug-in type circuit breaker applications
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Bolt-on v/s Plug-in type circuit breaker applications
RE: Bolt-on v/s Plug-in type circuit breaker applications
The truth is a plug in breaker system is not as reliable as a bolt on under heavy loads going on over the years. This does not usually hold true for light commercial and residential, but does so for industrial.
RE: Bolt-on v/s Plug-in type circuit breaker applications
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Bolt-on v/s Plug-in type circuit breaker applications
RE: Bolt-on v/s Plug-in type circuit breaker applications
"Throughout space there is energy. Is this energy static or kinetic! If static our hopes are in vain; if kinetic ù and this we know it is, for certain ù then it is a mere question of time when men will succeed in attaching their machinery to the very wheelwork of nature". û Nikola Tesla
RE: Bolt-on v/s Plug-in type circuit breaker applications
.1 to 150 Amp ratings
They plug in and a screw down faceplate ensures they stay there..
The meet office vibration all the way to Zone 4 earthquake testing..