From Volume 2 Issue 3 of Connected.
At a basic level, circuit breakers are essential switching devices used to protect electrical circuits from being damaged by excess current, such as overloads or short circuits. From residential to commercial and industrial applications, the same technology and wiring is used.
At an industrial level, circuit breakers are a little more complicated. They are a key component to any power distribution plan and work within switchgear to keep power systems safely working. Industrial circuit breakers are smart too. They can collect and monitor data in real time to control load, temperature and other system information.
The circuit breaker market is projected to reach nearly $14 billion with a 7.4 percent growth rate by 2031, according to Transparency Market Research. This rapid growth can be contributed to a range of factors, such as the rising adoption of renewable energy sources, upgrading aging electrical infrastructure and improving safety standards. With the increasing focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, the demand for modern and advanced circuit breakers is also on the rise.
Innovative companies like Siemens are becoming heavily involved in the growth of the circuit breaker market by developing new ways to increase product safety, efficiency, sustainability and versatility. For example, Siemens is expanding and growing their advanced product line of 3VA Molded Case Circuit Breakers. According to Siemens Principal Solutions Engineer Dave Bradley, “3VA circuit breakers offer coordinated protection with smarter and more controllable designs for the distribution of electricity. For Engineers, this will make it easier to design a complete and energy-efficient distribution system. This is the product with versatility to bring us into the future.”
The is a complete circuit breaker system that is modular, variable and ideally suited for standard applications in infrastructure and industry. More than 500 accessory components are available to fit any application. Internal accessories such as shunt trip, auxiliary contacts, undervoltage release, short circuit alarm switch and communication modules expand the breaker's functionality so the exact task needed can be completed. The operation of the breaker spans from motor operated to sidewall mounted rotor operated and more. It's also small, making it perfect for tight spaces.
Siemens 3VA breakers are capable of communication, system monitoring and metering, making it easy to identify potential energy savings opportunities. Each breaker also has a QR code that can be scanned to access instant information about installation and product details.
Circuit breakers with advanced diagnostics and user-friendly capabilities will help provide reliable and customizable solutions for managing electrical systems into the future.