Remote Reset for circuit breaker

[eric34]

In are sawmill we have several VFD's with multable motors on them. If one of the curcuit breaker tripss and an electrican has to open the cabinet and reset it. I am looking for a breaker that can be reset from the outside of the door. Does anyone know if there is any reliable units out there? All I can find is overloads and I would have to fuse them if I whent that way.

Thanks Eric34

 

[ScottyUK]

Revealing the type of circuit breaker might be a useful piece of information. Then we won't have to guess.


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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!

 

[eric34]

currently We are using a telemecanie but I am looking for a difernet type that can be rest from the outside of the door.

 

[ScottyUK]

Does it have a part number? Or a current rating? There are plenty MCCBs designed to have a rotary actuator fitted, most of which can be fitted through the door. Look at Merlin Gerin, Siemens, ABB for a start. Without a lot more information I'm afraid you're on your own with this one.


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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Why can't you open the door and reset it??

 

[jraef]

If the VFDs have what are called Molded Case Circuit Breakers, or MCCBs as Scotty referred to, then I do not know of any mfr that does not have an external handle operator option for it. If however your VFDs have Miniture Circuit Breakers, or MCBs, then you likely have 2 problems, because most of the time if you have a VFD in a sawmill, your available fault current will grossly exceed the interrupt rating of an MCB. Because MCBs are not intended for this kind of application, most mfrs do NOT offer a thru-door operator for them. Hence as was suggested, post the model numbers or a photo of the breakers and we will help you out.

There is no simple "push button" reset type circuit breaker for this king of application. There are motorized operator attachments that you can wire up yo a control button, but that would be grossly expensive, probably more than the entire breaker.

If you are in the US, the situation you describe of having to open the door to reset it would now require some serious PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) to be worn, something that OSHA and other inspectors are on the lookout for. You need to address this sooner than later.

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[cranky108]

Maybe someone should look into why the circuit breakers are tripping. That is the reason resetting them is intended to be difficult.

 

[Sparweb]

You're asking for a "Remote Control Circuit Breaker". They are much more expensive than normal circuit breakers. One-package deal that trips your fault circuit and at the same time pops a button or switch (as the case may be) on the control panel. When the button control is reset, the signal is sent to the RCCB unit to reset itself, too.

Once the CB control is outside the locked panel, you don't need an electrician to reset the circuit. Anyone can reset it, even hold it in. Sometimes it is better, taking the long view, to inconvenience the electrician and not risk a worse situation.



Steven Fahey, CET

 

[ScottyUK]

Over here in the Old World 'RCCB' also means Residual Current Circuit Breaker, more commonly known as an RCD (Residual Current Device) or to those in the New World a GFCI. Be careful if you're going shopping for an 'RCCB'.


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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!