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Josh111
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do air rated breakers still have interrupting ratings?
An interrupting rating for air rated breakers is the maximum amount of current that the breaker can safely interrupt without causing damage. It is typically measured in kiloamps (kA) and is an important factor to consider when selecting a breaker for a specific application.
The interrupting rating for air rated breakers is determined through rigorous testing procedures by the manufacturer. These tests involve simulating different fault conditions and measuring the ability of the breaker to safely interrupt the current flow. The results of these tests are used to assign a specific interrupting rating to the breaker.
Short-circuit current refers to the maximum amount of current that can flow through a circuit when there is a direct connection between two points of different potential. Fault current, on the other hand, refers to the current that flows when there is an unintended path for current to flow, such as through a faulty component or damaged insulation. Both of these currents are important to consider when determining the interrupting rating for a breaker.
The interrupting rating is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a breaker for a specific application. If the interrupting rating of the breaker is not high enough, it may not be able to safely interrupt the current during a fault or short-circuit event, potentially causing damage to the breaker or other equipment. It is important to choose a breaker with an interrupting rating that exceeds the expected fault or short-circuit current in the circuit.
No, the interrupting rating of a breaker cannot be increased. It is determined by the manufacturer during testing and cannot be changed. However, it is possible to select a breaker with a higher interrupting rating to ensure safety and reliability for a specific application.