A generator or other current source serves to power electrical appliances and mechanisms, so that they, in turn, perform a certain job. A full-fledged electrical circuit contains not only 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 batch type switch.
What it is?
A device whose electrical solution is implemented in such a way that allows you to perform the function of connecting and disconnecting a load to an electric energy source, as well as redistributing it, is called a switch (switch). A package switch is called because its working elements are of a typical design, but they are assembled in one stack or package.
The larger the number of circuit elements, the more switching positions the device has. A switch with more than two switching positions is called a batch type multi-position switch. Packet devices can work both with alternating current circuits and with direct current circuits.
The purpose of the switch
Permissible electrical parameters of the circuit where the packet-type switches and circuit breakers can operate are alternating current with a voltage not exceeding 380 volts with a frequency of 50, 60 and 400 hertz, and direct current with a voltage of 220 volts. The functions performed by the devices are as follows:
- As devices at the input of the circuits (introductory switches) that control the electrical energy distribution plants.
- Switching devices with a manual control method in conditions when connecting and disconnecting the circuit will be infrequent.
- To control AC induction motors, when connected and disconnected in manual mode.
Batch switch device
The switches and switches assembled by type of packages have two basic units in the design - this is a contact system and switching mechanics. The contact system includes:
- An insulating base having grooves in which the contacts are fixedly mounted.
- Fixed contacts equipped with threaded terminals for connection to a circuit.
- Screws for fixing wires.
- Movable contacts with spring design.
- Spark washers.
The whole device can be assembled from a different number of separate sections, which are mounted on a metal bracket with threaded rods. The bracket itself is provided with grooves. Due to them, the package switch is mounted to the case or panel. Also, installation can be carried out due to the upper brackets mounted on the housing.
The contact groups of package switches and switches are sliding. Fixing contacts with each other is carried out under the action of the spring structure of the movable contact.
The mechanism for switching between the contacts is located in the cavity of the hardware cover. It is built in such a way that provides instant switching, from which there is no dependence of the speed of movement of the contacts of the device on the speed of rotation of the handle.
The design of the switching mechanism contains:
- Clockwork spring.
- The handle on the shaft.
- Spring washer (emphasis).
- Lugs for fixing the position when switching.
Batch-type switching devices have a clear fixation of positions when turning the handle, which prevents spontaneous switching of modes and freezing of contacts between the 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 contacts to which external electrical wires should be connected is at the rear, at the front.
- The number of switching positions is two for switches, up to twelve for multi-position switches.
- The level of protection from the harmful effects of the environment on structural elements is open execution, the average level of protection, and waterproof, airtight.
- The design of the switching mechanism is a drum-type switch, packet-cam.
- The method of attachment to the dashboard is with a rear or front bracket, a front flange, behind the case front or rear.
Marking
The symbol of domestic manufactured package switches has an encoding of letters and numbers: - . The designation can be decoded as follows, starting from left to right:
- P - device series (batch);
- X - letters B or P for switches and switches, respectively;
- X is the number of circuits that are available for switching;
- - rated current for which the device is designed for a rated voltage of 220 volts, for example, a packet switch 16a;
- XX - the number of directions when connecting electrical lines;
- - type of execution according to climatic parameters;
- - code of degree of protection for devices placed in a shell;
- X is the method of fastening the bag during installation.
Specifications
- Constant current of the rated value is the working indicator of the current allowed for switching by the device at a specific voltage value.
- The alternating current rating is the same, only for alternating current circuits.
- Constant voltage of the rated value is a working indicator of the amount of electricity that is acceptable for the insulating materials to withstand a batch switch.
- Alternating voltage rated value.
- The number of switching positions.
- Climatic performance.
- Degree of protection.
- Permissible switching frequency per unit time.
- Device resource.
How to connect a switch?
In addition to the device case, the package switch is easy to install in the junction box to connect to the network. To do this, you need:
- Turn off the electricity and check its absence on the wires in the shield by the device.
- Determine if there is a free DIN rail in the box.
- Fasten the package switch of modern design directly to the rail using a latch. Attach old-style devices to the rail using self-tapping screws.
- Twist the ends of the wires of thin section into a loop and tin with solder.
- On the ends of thick wires to put on special tips.
- Wipe the contacts of the device from protective grease with a rag and connect the packet switch to the wires.
At the same time, each input terminal of the packet terminal must be connected to the phase and neutral wires emerging from the electric meter. The terminals of the output destination of the switch go to the input automatic devices of the panel. When replacing a batch switch, you first need to turn off the electricity on 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:
- The devices are compact in size, which makes it possible to advantageously place them even in small-sized boxes and cases.
- Easy to install and replace batch 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 extinction of the electric arc due to the original form of the movable contact and an additional spring, which helps to quickly switch from position to position.
- No labor-intensive maintenance, caused by a successful 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 can withstand long mechanical loads in terms of switching and vibration.
- A wide range of use of devices thanks to a large selection of circuit breakers in terms of technical parameters and climatic design.