2023 Author: Douglas Hoggarth | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-24 11:23
ABB S230R Series
Price: S231R C16 Single Pole Switch - $ 3.3
Circuit breakers for overcurrent protection (Russia - Germany)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BREAKING CAPACITY: 4.5 kA.
TYPE OF SHUT-OFF CHARACTERISTICS: P.
RATED AC VOLTAGE: 230/400 V.
RATED CURRENT: 6-40 A.
NUMBER OF POLES: 1, 2, 3, 4.
WEAR RESISTANCE (at rated current): 10000 cycles.
DIMENSIONS: single-pole switch - 17.5x85x68 mm (the last figure is from the plane of the DIN rail); for the rest, the width is a multiple of 17.5 mm.
FEATURES: metal parts of the release mechanism, copper-plated plates of the arcing chamber; groove for the nameplate; the ability to connect the cable and busbars both from the top and from the bottom of the device simultaneously.
CONSUMER ANALYSIS
The series consists of 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-pole circuit breakers for rated currents from 6 to 40 A. The number of poles, or elementary modules, connected together, indicates the last digit in the marking.
In the multi-pole design, the levers are held together by a bar to form one wide handle. In addition, a plate invisible from the outside passes through the release mechanisms, which opens all modules at once when the protection in any of them is triggered.
Noteworthy is the release mechanism, which consists only of metal parts, and the arc chute of "plump" copper-plated plates. This material is considered to be best suited for breaking and extinguishing the arc.
In general, when looking at the internal structure of the switch, one would like to exclaim: "This is real German quality!" However, do not look for machines of this series made in Germany or Italy - they are not on our market. Only from St. Petersburg, which are produced on an assembly line created by ABB. There are also forgeries, "slapped" in an underground workshop in the wide Russian or Chinese spaces. They are distinguished from the original by a number of features. The most "weighty" is that a real switch with copper parts cannot be light - the S231R type C40 weighs 125 g.
General Electric G60 Series
Price: C16 single pole switch - $ 3.8.
Circuit breakers for overcurrent protection (Hungary)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BREAKING CAPACITY: 6 kA.
TYPE OF SHUT-OFF CHARACTERISTICS: B, C, D.
RATED AC VOLTAGE: 230/400 V.
RATED CURRENT: 2-63 A.
NUMBER OF POLES: 1, 2, 3, 4.
WEAR RESISTANCE (at rated current): 10000 cycles.
DIMENSIONS: single-pole switch - 18x90x68 mm (the last figure - from the plane of the DIN rail); for the rest, the width is a multiple of 18 mm.
FEATURES: the ability to connect to the bottom terminals of both cable and busbars.
CONSUMER ANALYSIS
The General Electric device is the same as that of most analogues. That is, they have a bimetallic plate with a reverse current-time tripping characteristic, an electromagnetic release and an arc chute. But…
In a conventional design, with a short circuit, at the first moment, the current continues to follow the same path, only an air gap between the contacts is added, filled with an arc discharge. Then the arc is displaced into the chamber, and until it is extinguished, the current will flow through the bimetallic plate, solenoid and chamber. The peculiarity of the G series is that due to the different arrangement of these elements, the solenoid not only mechanically disconnects the contacts, but with its electromagnetic field "blows" the arc from them onto a metal strip along which it "slides" into the chamber. Albeit microscopic, there is a decrease in the arc burning time at the contacts. When the discharge enters the chamber, the path of the short-circuit current changes. It no longer runs over the bimetallic plate, which also improves the breaking capacity and, of course,has a positive effect on the reliability of the device. On the positive side, these "machines" are also characterized by a large number of plates in the arc chute - there are 13 of them.
Kopp Green Electric Series
Price: single pole B16 switch - $ 3.3.
Circuit breakers for overcurrent protection (Germany)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BREAKING CAPACITY: 10 kA.
TYPE OF DISCONNECTING CHARACTERISTICS: B, C.
RATED AC VOLTAGE: 230/400 V.
RATED CURRENT: 6-63 A (type B); 0.5-63 A (type C).
NUMBER OF POLES: 1, 2, 3, 4.
WEAR RESISTANCE (at rated current): 20,000 cycles.
DIMENSIONS: single-pole switch - 18x90x68 mm (the last figure - from the plane of the DIN rail); for the rest, the width is a multiple of 18 mm.
FEATURES: combined unit of thermal and electromagnetic releases; lack of flexible connections; lever with intermediate position; color indication of the position of the contacts of the main circuit; arc chute copper plates; groove for the nameplate; the ability to connect both cable and busbars.
CONSUMER ANALYSIS
Kopp specialists have created a circuit breaker, the design of which is significantly different from the traditional one. Outwardly, it is the same as its counterparts, but, considering the internal structure, we will not find the usual bimetallic plate. And this despite the fact that the "machine" contains both thermal and electromagnetic circuit breakers.
The trick is this. There is still a small bimetallic plate, it is located at the base of the electromagnetic coil. The current does not pass through it, it is heated by the heat generated by the solenoid windings. This solution excludes flexible conductors from the design, reduces heating of the circuit breaker and reduces power losses in the device itself by about 30%.
In practice, it often happens that the traditional thermal release of the intermediate pole (module) is switched off in nominal mode only due to heating of the adjacent poles. Kopp's Green Electric models do not have this disadvantage.
Another feature is the three-position lever. With manual shutdown, it is fixed in the "OFF" position, and if the "automatic" is triggered by an overload or short circuit, it stops in the intermediate position "Reset".
Legrand Lexic DX Series
Price: 2-pole switch (current 16 A, leakage 30 mA) - $ 42.4.
Residual current circuit breakers with built-in overcurrent protection (France)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BREAKING CAPACITY: 6 kA.
TYPE OF SHUT-OFF CHARACTERISTICS: P.
RATED AC VOLTAGE: 230/400 V.
RATED CURRENT: 10-63 A.
NUMBER OF POLES: 2, 4.
WEAR RESISTANCE (at rated current): 10000 cycles.
RATED BREAKING DIFFERENTIAL CURRENT: 10, 30, 300 mA.
DIMENSIONS: double-pole switch - 71x83x70 mm; four-pole (with rated current up to 32 A) - 71x83x70 mm; four-pole (with a rated current of 40, 50 and 63 A) - 125x83x70 mm (the last figure in dimensions is from the plane of the DIN rail).
FEATURES: combination of circuit breaker and residual current device; a transparent window for a label on the entire width of the device; the ability to connect to the bottom terminals and cable, and current buses; a shutter that covers the live parts of the terminal when it is tightened.
CONSUMER ANALYSIS
These combination devices contain in one housing a conventional overload and short-circuit breaker and a leakage-sensitive residual current circuit breaker. Leakage is understood as the difference between the values of the current supplied to the consumer and the current returned to the network.
In a properly designed home wiring diagram, each line is protected by an "automatic" and an RCD. Therefore, it is logical that devices appear on the market that combine the functions of both. The Lexic DX also benefits from the fact that the four-pole versions with rated currents up to 32 A take up minimal space in the control cabinet - only four standard modules of 17.5 mm each. The more powerful models in this series are already seven modules wide.
Moeller Xclear CLS6 Series
Price: CLS6 C16 single pole switch - $ 3.4.
Circuit breakers for overcurrent protection (Germany or Austria)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BREAKING CAPACITY: 6 kA.
TYPE OF SHUTDOWN CHARACTERISTICS: B, C.
RATED AC VOLTAGE: 230/400 V.
RATED CURRENT: 6-63 A (type B); 2-63 A (type C).
NUMBER OF POLES: 1, 2, 3, 4.
WEAR RESISTANCE (at rated current): 8000 cycles.
DIMENSIONS: single-pole switch - 17.5x80x66 mm (the last digit is from the plane of the DIN rail); for the rest, the width is a multiple of 17.5 mm.
FEATURES: lever with intermediate position; color indication of the position of the contacts of the main circuit; the ability to connect both cable and busbars.
CONSUMER ANALYSIS
The Moeller concern recently acquired the Felten & Guillaume company, known in Russia since pre-revolutionary times. Therefore, the labeling of the "machine" also has the "F&G" badge.
The internal parts are of high precision and good workmanship. The developers did not seek to save on materials - current-carrying conductors are made of copper. Even the outlet grille is made of it, limiting the emission of sparks. The temperature resistance and invariability of the geometry of the arc chute is ensured by a fluoroplastic plate holder.
The terminals have a "two-story" look, which allows for the simultaneous connection of cable and bus. They are sprayed on, allowing the use of both copper and aluminum wires.
The lever of the device with manual shutdown clearly takes the "OFF" position, and with automatic shutdown - a non-fixed position between the extreme points.
VA 24-29
Price: C16 single-pole switch - $ 0.9.
Circuit breakers for overcurrent protection ("Electroavtomat", Russia)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BREAKING CAPACITY: 4.5 kA.
TYPE OF SHUT-OFF CHARACTERISTICS: B, C, D.
RATED AC VOLTAGE: 230/400 V.
RATED CURRENT: 5-63 A.
NUMBER OF POLES: 1, 2, 3.
WEAR RESISTANCE (at rated current): 10000 cycles.
DIMENSIONS: single-pole switch - 17.5x85x66 mm (the last figure is from the plane of the DIN rail); for the rest, the width is a multiple of 17.5 mm.
SPECIAL FEATURES: an adapter plate for mounting the circuit breaker not on a DIN rail, but instead of an old-generation automatic machine of the AE series.
CONSUMER ANALYSIS
Ordinary consumers now have the opportunity to use the products of the enterprise, which for many years worked only for the aviation and space industry. Today, his "automatic machines" and RCDs save houses, the lives of our fellow citizens, and at the same time the budget of "Electroavtomat".
VA 24-29 outwardly not as elegant as foreign counterparts (in particular, the marking leaves much to be desired), but inside everything is done soundly. Although the materials are not used the most modern, in some cases the design only benefits from this. The "obsolete" copper plates of the arc chute are what you need for a reliable working device. They did not save it - there are 11 plates in the chamber. We did not regret silver for the main contact.
By the way, in 2000, the developers' efforts were awarded the "Silver Sign" at the All-Russian Mark exhibition-competition.
VA 60-26
Price: C16 single-pole switch - $ 1.3.
Circuit breakers for overcurrent protection ("Tiraspol Electrical Apparatus Plant", Moldova)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BREAKING CAPACITY: 3 kA.
TYPE OF SHUT-OFF CHARACTERISTICS: B, C, D.
RATED AC VOLTAGE: 220/440 V.
RATED CURRENT: 6.3-40 A.
NUMBER OF POLES: 1, 2, 3.
WEAR RESISTANCE (at rated current): 10000 cycles.
DIMENSIONS: single-pole switch - 12.5x85x61 mm (the last digit is from the plane of the DIN rail); for the rest, the width is a multiple of 12.5 mm.
FEATURES: reduced body width; metal parts of the release mechanism.
CONSUMER ANALYSIS
The Moldavian VA 60-26 repeats some solutions embodied in the Siemens device of the old design, which currently differs from the generally accepted one. In particular, it is not the core that moves in the electromagnetic release, but the plate attracted by it. Another point: if usually the arc chute is located away from the main contact, then here it surrounds it on three sides. The volume of the chamber is much more modest than that of most other "automata" and contains only four plates.
The release mechanism is metal, solid, and inspires confidence.
"Automata" are not devoid of typical "Soviet" shortcomings. There are no notches or ribs on the terminal pads for better wire retention. Flat head screws are used, although Phillips have become common. (It should be especially noted that the company also produces the VA 66-29 series with a module width of 17.5 mm, in which these drawbacks are no longer present.) Another point concerning installation. Any devices from other manufacturers, mounted on a DIN rail, are lined up, which allows you to cover all the inside of the switch cabinet with a decorative panel, leaving only the central parts with controls accessible. And only VA 60-26 are located with a significant downward displacement, completely not fitting into the panel cutouts.
However, these products also have a big "plus" - narrow "machines" will help you get out of the situation when there is not enough space in the switchgear.
DEK Series VA-101 (Elf) / INTES Series AV 47-60 / IEK Series VA 47-29
Price: C16 Single Pole Switch - $ 1.0 / $ 1.1 / $ 1.45.
Circuit breakers for overcurrent protection (Russia - China)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BREAKING CAPACITY: 3/6 / 4.5 kA.
TYPE OF SHUT-OFF CHARACTERISTICS: B, C, D.
RATED AC VOLTAGE: DEK - 230/400 V; INTES - 240/415 V; IEK - 230/400 V.
RATED CURRENT: 1-63 A.
NUMBER OF POLES: 1, 2, 3, 4.
WEAR RESISTANCE (at rated current): 6000 cycles.
DIMENSIONS: single-pole switch - 18x77x70 mm (the last figure - from the plane of the DIN rail); for the rest, the width is a multiple of 18 mm.
FEATURES: traditional design; adapter bar (offered by IEK and DEK firms) for mounting the circuit breaker not on a DIN rail, but instead of the old-generation "automatic machine" of the AE series.
CONSUMER ANALYSIS
The descriptions of the circuit breakers of the three brands had to be combined, because upon "opening" it turned out that they were exactly the same inside (the samples were provided by the brand holders themselves, so there can be no question of fakes). Moreover, it can be seen from the certificates of conformity: they are produced in China, in the same city, although it is not a fact that at the same enterprise.
Only small differences in the materials used are noticeable. For example, the stationary contact area for INTES is copper, while for DEK and IEK it has a "silver" coating of tin-bismuth. The plate, along which the arc slides into the chamber, for the DEK is steel, covered with copper, and for the rest it is "iron".
To find out how the plastic of the release mechanisms will behave at high temperatures, a simple test was carried out - three samples were boiled in boiling water for an hour (by the way, almost according to GOST, according to which the thermal resistance is checked in a hot chamber at a temperature of 100 degrees for the same period of time). This test had no negative consequences.
It remains unclear why manufacturers declare different breaking capacity values. By the way, the Russian GOST requires that the circuit breaker withstand 4000 manual opening-closing cycles under load with a rated current.
Outwardly, the "automata" look like twins. The housings differ only in markings. Manufacturers have tried and embossed additional information on the side surface - individual for each customer.
