Buying circuit breakers and switchgear need not be complicated, though it does help to know what questions to ask. Circuit breakers come in two configurations: draw-out circuit breakers that rack out of their cells, and bolt-in breakers that connect directly to the bus. These breakers can be hard to remove.
Once you’ve narrowed your selection to a certain manufacturer and model number, some questions remain. For example, 480 V, 5 kV, and 15 kV circuit breakers all have their differences: 480 V breakers are either manually or electrically operated, whereas 5 kV and 15 kV circuit breakers are always electrically operated.
If a circuit breaker is electrically operated, we make sure we have the close and trip voltage for the device, and we also request its wiring diagram. An internal wiring schematic or connection diagram is the key to understanding how the breaker closes and trips, and what path all the wires take. Most switchgear manufacturers provide standard wiring diagrams for their products anyway. But it is wise nevertheless to work from an internal wiring schematic or connection diagram.
Contact CBS Northeast to learn about our extensive inventory of new and remanufactured circuit breakers and switchgear.