What is a panel mounted circuit breaker?

1, Definition of panel mounted circuit breakers
Panel mounted circuit breakers, as the name suggests, refer to circuit breakers designed for direct installation on electrical control panels, distribution boxes, or cabinets. This type of circuit breaker typically has standardized dimensions and installation interfaces, making it easy to install and disassemble quickly, and also facilitating integration and interoperability with other electrical components. Panel mounted circuit breakers not only have basic overload and short-circuit protection functions, but may also include other additional functions such as ground fault protection, leakage protection, overvoltage protection, etc., to meet the needs of different electrical systems.
2, Function of panel mounted circuit breaker
The main functions of panel mounted circuit breakers include:
Overload protection: When the current in the circuit exceeds the rated value, the circuit breaker will automatically trip, cut off the power supply, and prevent damage to the circuit and equipment due to overheating.
Short circuit protection: In the event of a short circuit in the circuit, the circuit breaker can quickly respond, cut off the power supply, and prevent the short circuit current from causing damage to the circuit and equipment.
Ground fault protection (optional): For circuits that require ground fault protection, panel mounted circuit breakers can detect ground current and cut off power when the set threshold is exceeded to prevent electric shock accidents.
Leakage protection (optional): In applications that require leakage protection, panel mounted circuit breakers can detect leakage current in the circuit and cut off power when leakage is detected, protecting personnel and equipment safety.
Overvoltage protection (optional): For circuits that may be subject to overvoltage impact, panel mounted circuit breakers can be equipped with overvoltage protection function to cut off power in the event of overvoltage, protecting circuits and equipment from damage.
3, Types of panel mounted circuit breakers
Panel mounted circuit breakers can be classified into various types based on factors such as current type, number of poles, tripping method, and additional functions:
Classified by current type: including alternating current (AC) circuit breakers and direct current (DC) circuit breakers. AC circuit breakers are suitable for AC circuits, while DC circuit breakers are suitable for DC circuits.
Classified by pole number: single pole circuit breaker, double pole circuit breaker, three pole circuit breaker, and four pole circuit breaker. The number of poles represents the number of phases or lines that a circuit breaker can control.
Classified by tripping method: thermal magnetic circuit breaker, electronic circuit breaker, and magnetic blow circuit breaker. Thermal magnetic circuit breakers achieve overload and short circuit protection through the synergistic effect of thermal and magnetic components; Electronic circuit breakers use electronic components for current detection and trip control; Magnetic blow circuit breakers use magnetic field force to quickly blow off short-circuit current.
Classified by additional functions: including circuit breakers with leakage protection function, circuit breakers with ground fault protection function, circuit breakers with overvoltage protection function, etc.
4, Application of panel mounted circuit breakers
Panel mounted circuit breakers are widely used in various electrical equipment and systems, including but not limited to:
Residential and commercial buildings: used for distribution boxes, lighting systems, socket circuits, etc., providing overload and short circuit protection to ensure electrical safety.
Industrial equipment: In automated production lines, mechanical equipment, control systems, etc., panel mounted circuit breakers are used to protect electrical components such as motors, heaters, sensors, etc., preventing equipment damage or shutdown caused by electrical failures.
Data centers and communication networks: In critical infrastructure such as data centers, server rooms, and communication networks, panel mounted circuit breakers are used to protect equipment such as power distribution units (PDUs) and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), ensuring data security and communication continuity.
New energy vehicle charging station: In new energy vehicle charging stations, panel mounted circuit breakers are used to protect electrical components such as charging piles and battery management systems, ensuring the safety and reliability of the charging process.