4 Pole ACBs with double rated neutral switching
September 2013
Electrical Power & Protection
ACDC Dynamics offers the full range of Terasaki low voltage circuit breakers in the local market. Terasaki introduced fully rated neutrals on its ACB range more than 20 years ago, which, at the time, was labelled as an over specification as the majority of installations were using half rated neutral conductors.
However, very few people expected the phenomenal growth in nonlinear loads and resulting harmonics that occurred during the last decade. Low voltage networks incorporating half rated neutrals now carry loads incorporating hundreds of PCs, variable speed drives and UPSs. These systems are becoming dangerously close to overheating, particularly on the neutral conductor.
The problem with harmonic profiles is trying to predict how these will evolve over the years. Today, many installations require reliable power supply 24/7 and all design parameters must work to achieve this. Industries requiring such ‘always-on’ infrastructure include:
* Financial institutions.
* Broadcasting companies and television studios.
* Telecommunication and Internet data centres.
•* Commercial properties.
The Copper Development Association (CDA), during a series of lectures on harmonics, recently highlighted the demand for a 4 pole ACB with a double rated neutral in power system applications. David Chapman, project manager at CDA, advises that today’s neutral currents in installations such as these can easily approach twice the phase currents. Hence the requirement for the double rated neutral.
Terasaki offers one of the widest ranges of double rated neutral ACBs on the global market with solutions from 800 to 6300 A. Key benefits include:
* High short time withstand to provide superior selectivity and match busbar ratings.
* Early make late break neutral to eliminate abnormal line to neutral voltage and provide a stable voltage reference point for sensitive electronic equipment.
For more information contact Rudy Raath, AC/DC Dynamics, +27 (0)10 202 3400, [email protected], www.acdc.co.za
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