A generator or other current source is used to power electrical devices and mechanisms so that they, in turn, perform a certain job. A complete electrical circuit contains more than just a power source and a load. An important element is the switching device. It carries out the inclusion of different loads in the circuit. One such device is a packet-type switch.
What is this?
A device whose electrical solution is implemented in such a way that allows it to perform the function of connecting and disconnecting the load to a source of electrical energy, as well as redistributing it, is called a switch (switch). The package switch is called because its working elements have a typical design, but they are assembled in one stack or package.
The greater the number of circuit elements, the more switching positions the device has. A circuit breaker with more than two switching positions is called a stack type multiposition switch. Package devices can work with both AC circuits and circuits withDC.
Switch assignment
The permissible electrical parameters of the circuit where switches and pack-type switches can operate are alternating current with a voltage not exceeding 380 volts with a frequency of 50, 60 and 400 hertz, direct current with a voltage of 220 volts. The functions performed by the devices are as follows:
- As devices at the input of circuits (input switches) that control electrical power distribution installations.
- Switching devices with manual control in conditions where connection and disconnection of the circuit will be infrequent.
- For controlling asynchronous motors powered by alternating current when connecting and disconnecting manually.
Batch switch device
Switches and switches, assembled according to the type of packages, have two basic units in their design - this is a contact system and switching mechanics. Contact system includes:
- Insulating base with grooves in which fixed contacts are placed.
- Motionless contacts, equipped with threaded terminals for connection to the circuit.
- Screws for fixing wires.
- Movable contacts with spring design.
- Spark arresters.
The whole device can be assembled from a different number of separate sections, which are mounted on a metal bracket with threaded studs. The bracket itself is provided with grooves. Due to them, the package switchmounted to the body or panel. Also, installation can be carried out due to the upper brackets fixed on the case.
Contact groups of switches and switches of package type are sliding. Fixing contacts with each other is carried out under the action of the springy design of the movable contact.
The mechanism for switching between contacts is located in the cavity of the hardware cover. It is built in such a way that it provides instant switching, which means that the speed of movement of the contacts of the device does not depend on the speed of turning the handle.
The design of the switching mechanism contains:
- Cranking spring.
- Handle on shaft.
- Spring washer (emphasis).
- Protrusions for fixing the position when switching.
Batch-type switching devices have a clear fixation of positions when the handle is turned, which prevents spontaneous switching of modes and freezing of contacts between fixed plates. At the same time, in normal operation, turning the handle, not exceeding an angle of 45 degrees, should not lead to switching the position of the contacts, turning more than 120 degrees should allow changing the contact group.
Types of package switches
Packets produce different models that differ from each other in the following ways:
- The location of the pins where external electrical wires should be connected - back, front.
- Quantityswitching positions - two for switches, up to twelve for multi-position switches.
- The level of protection from the harmful effects of the environment on structural elements - open design, medium level of protection, moisture-proof sealed.
- The design solution of the switching mechanism is a drum type switch, package-cam.
- Method of attachment to the dashboard - rear or front bracket, front flange, front or rear body.
Marking
The symbol for package switches of domestic production has an encoding consisting of letters and numbers: P X X-XXX XX XX XXX X. The designation can be deciphered as follows, starting from left to right:
- P – device series (batch);
- X - letters B or P for switches and switches, respectively;
- X - the number of circuits that are available for switching;
- XXX - rated current for which the device is designed for a rated voltage of 220 volts, for example, a package switch 16a;
- XX - the number of directions when connecting electrical lines;
- XX - type of execution according to climatic parameters;
- ХХХ - code of the degree of protection for devices placed in the shell;
- X - how the bag is attached during installation.
Specifications
- Direct current of the rated value - the working current indicator allowed for switching by the device at a specific valuevoltage.
- AC rated value - the same, only for AC circuits.
- The rated DC voltage is the operating value of the amount of electricity allowed to withstand the insulating materials of the batch switch.
- Voltage rated value.
- Number of switching positions.
- Climatic version.
- Degree of protection.
- Permissible switching frequency per unit of time.
- Device resource.
How to connect the switch?
Besides the body of the device, the package switch can be easily installed in the junction box to connect to the mains. For this you need:
- Turn off the electricity and check the absence of it on the wires in the instrument panel.
- Determine if there is a free DIN rail in the box.
- To fasten the package switch of a modern design directly to the rail with a latch. Fasten devices of the old design to the rail using self-tapping screws.
- Twist the ends of thin wires into a loop and tin with solder.
- Put special tips on the ends of thick wires.
- Wipe the contacts of the device from protective grease with a rag and connect the packet switch to the wires.
Each input terminal of the bag terminal must be connected to the phase and neutral wires coming out of the electric meter. The output terminals of the circuit breaker go to the inputshield machines. When replacing a batch breaker, the first thing to do is turn off the power to it.
Benefits
Batch switches in switching devices have been used for decades. This is due to the presence of parameters that give them some advantages over other types of switches:
- Devices have compact dimensions, which allows them to be advantageously located even in small boxes and cases.
- Easy to install and replace the package switch. Thanks to the brackets with mounting holes in the dashboard, it is enough to drill similar holes and connect the elements with screws.
- Quick extinguishing of the electric arc due to the original shape of the moving contact and an additional spring that helps to quickly switch from position to position.
- Effortless maintenance due to a good design solution that allows you to simply replace failed modules with new ones.
- Durability. All elements of the circuit breaker are made of materials that withstand long-term mechanical stress in terms of switching and vibrations.
- Wide range of use of devices due to a large selection of switches in terms of technical parameters and climatic design.
