Bulletin 1492
Control Circuit and Load Protection
General Information
Technical Information: The Benefits of Limiting Let-Through Energy
Energy Limiting Circuit Breakers Versus Conventional Breakers
The Bulletin 1492-SP line features the unique ability to achieve short circuit interruptions far more effectively than conventional circuit
breakers. In conventional circuit breakers, the short circuit interruption time required is approximately one or two half cycles of an AC sine
wave. When the contacts are open, the resulting arc continues to burn until the current level passes through zero. The arc may re-ignite
because of the insufficient width of the contact gap. The current that flows until the arc is extinguished produces a heating effect proportional
to the I2t value (let-through-energy) of the fault current.
0
1
These devices are designed to substantially reduce the amount of let-through-current and the resulting let-through-energy that can damage
protected components. They have the ability to interrupt short circuit current within the first half cycle of the fault. Limiting let-through-energy
will protect against the harmful effects of over-current and is focused primarily on avoiding the following:
ꢀ Excessive heat
ꢀ Mechanical damage
2
Both of these factors are proportional to the square of the current. Thermal energy is proportional to the square of the RMS value and
magnetic forces are proportional to the square of the peak value. The most effective way to provide protection is to subtantially limit let-
through-energy.This provides the following advantages:
ꢀ Far less damage at the location of the short circuit.
ꢀ Fast electric separation of a faulty unit from the system, especially power supplies connected in parallel that are switched off when the
voltage of the power bus drops below a certain level.
ꢀ Far less wear on the miniature circuit breaker itself. This means more safe interruptions.
ꢀ Better protection of all components in the short circuit path.
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ꢀ Far wider range of selective action when used with an upstream protective device. (No nuisance shut downs from feeder line interruptions
causing a blackout in all connected branches.)
4
Short Circuit Interruption 10 kA - 120V AC
Instant of initiation: 15˚ after voltage zero
5
6
Max Arc Voltage
Recovery Voltage
7
8
9
A
B
C
C
B
A
A = Instant when the short is initiated
B = Instant when the contacts open and the arc is initiated
C = Instant when the arc extinguished and the current ceases to flow
10
11
12
13
79,000 A2 S
3,500 A2 S
www.ab.com/catalogs
Preferred availability cat. nos. are bold.
7-5
Publication A117-CA001A-EN-P