How to connect an electric machine. Detailed instructions on how to connect a circuit breaker. Educational program on machine markings, selection of the right model

In general, all work carried out in the electrical panel should be classified as work that requires special attention and care. It’s not for nothing that many people associate electrical panels with stern warning signs with a danger sign attached to them.

Shield equipment

A power panel is a common means of supplying electrical power to any consuming sub-network. And this is the only means of connecting the internal network with the external power grid.

Our external electrical network supplies us - consumers - with alternating current electricity with a frequency of 50 Hz and three phases. The amplitude in each phase reaches 220 V, the phases are shifted in time relative to each other by 120°, that is, the maximum and minimum voltage ripples do not coincide in time. And if you add voltage fluctuations in two different phases to each other, you will get a curve that gives an amplitude of 380 V. A voltage of 220 V is life-threatening, but 380 V is higher and therefore even more dangerous.

In this case, both apartment 1 (input switch QF1) and apartment 2 (QF2) are connected to the same phase L1 (red wire), although a different phase distribution is possible

As you can see, this diagram shows only apartment meters and two-pole circuit breakers that turn off both the meters and the entire apartment electrical network at once. The following diagram shows an approximate set of all equipment supplying one apartment.

General package - at the entrance
After the meter there is an RCD that protects the entire residential network
of 3 subnetworks, each of which has a circuit breaker corresponding to the current load calculated based on the maximum power of each subnetwork

There are five machines shown here, but there may be more. For example, in the food system of a private house with a developed economy. Such a consumer has several shields: a common one, in the house and also in the garage, in the workshop, etc. And everywhere, to ensure safety with maximum accuracy, safety switches are used at the location of a possible problem.

Circuit breakers

As a matter of fact, such switches have always been automatic. And fuses are still used, in which the sensitive element - a wire of a calculated cross-section - simply melts when the current exceeds the rated value, and this ensures automatic protection.

In current machines, two circuit breakers are installed: a slow one, which is triggered by the thermal effect of a current that exceeds the nominal value (by 40–50%), on a bimetallic plate, and a fast one, which works as an electromagnetic tripping relay (exceeding by 100–200% or more, depending on class). If the first one does not allow excessive load to be connected to the network, then the second one will quickly react to a short circuit.

After the machine is triggered, it is necessary to find the cause and eliminate it: turn off unnecessary electrical appliances, find the short circuit and repair the wiring. After which the machine can be turned on again, since it is reusable, unlike fuses.

On power supply panels, fuses are usually installed in a row, this makes it more convenient to connect them to the network and work with them: turn off the subnetworks they serve as needed or turn them on. The machine, therefore, can also be used as an ordinary switch. And for this reason, they are often installed separately, directly next to some powerful consuming devices.

The panel today uses mounting of automatic machines and other equipment on DIN rails. It's convenient, you can do it yourself, even without tools - just snap the installation plate into place. The machines in the row are oriented the same way, there is no other way to place them: the input terminal is on top, the output terminal is on the bottom. They are called upper and lower, the input is also called a fixed contact, the output is movable, that is, openable.

How to connect machines correctly

This point cannot be ignored, since it is specifically mentioned in the PUE - Electrical Installation Rules - the “Bible” of the electrician.

Clause 3.1.6 of the PUE regarding the correct connection of machines in the panel

The concern about fuses and plugs in the PUE is the same as in the case of a light bulb socket, for example. The voltage must be supplied so that the phase wire is hidden away from a person’s fingers - to the central contact of the cartridge, and not to the thread of the base. The fusible plug has a socket exactly the same as a light bulb.

But for automatic machines, one-way power supply probably means that the incoming phase wires are located on one side when connecting the automatic machines in a row. For automatic machines these are the top terminals. Thus, all suitable phases should be on top, and those leaving the apartment should be on the bottom. This is what the installation of the machine on the DIN rail in the panel provides us with.

The direction of connection of the machine on the panel in accordance with the PUE and the circuit diagram of the machine

All equipment, if there is not much of it, can be assembled in a panel on one DIN rail, and this is convenient, and therefore understandable and the safest.

Installation of circuit breakers

All input wires coming from the phase wires of the entrance are connected on one side - from above, and from below, then it is very convenient to do the wiring to apartment subnets for everyone in turn. With a single-phase connection, the circuit is the simplest.

With three-phase voltage supplied to the apartment, it is better to divide the machines into groups belonging to different phases, and be sure to mark the phases. This is best done using a standard phase marking that everyone understands using the color of the wire insulation:

• zero phase - blue wire;
• grounding - yellow-green striped;
• phases 1, 2, 3: red, white, black, etc.

However, if the electrical wiring goes from one panel device to another, for example, from a packager or a two-pole machine to a meter, after the meter to an RCD, then to three distribution machines on a subnetwork, then you can place several DIN rails in the panel and place the machines after the meter level below. The main thing is that it is simple and clear.

Circuit breaker connection

The machines differ in the number of open lines. The simplest is a single-pole circuit breaker; it is installed to open the subnetworks connected in the apartment: lighting, sockets, and so on. A two-pole machine disconnects phase and zero; this is done when connecting the entire single-phase power supply along with the meter, so that it is possible to completely electrically break the connection with the external network.

A four-pole circuit breaker is usually needed when installing powerful three-phase equipment in an apartment or house or when connecting a three-phase network.

If there is an RCD in the circuit in the switchboard, then it should be installed in the same way as a two-pole circuit breaker or as a circuit breaker with a large number of poles - 3, 4.

Correct connection of wires to machines

The wire in the terminals is clamped with a screw; its end must be processed.

The insulation is cut to the depth of the terminal socket. This is approximately 10 mm. The insulation can be removed by first cutting it with a knife, preferably a special one for removing insulation.

The wire tucked into the terminal should be visible, because there is absolutely no point in tucking insulation into the terminal, but on the outside, if there is 1-2 mm of bare wire left, then this is not a problem.

The wire can be bent into a horseshoe for better adhesion to the pressure plate in the terminal. Copper metal is quite soft and viscous, it clamps well in the terminal. However, there is no need to overdo it; if the core is flattened too much, it may break off with slight deformation. But you can’t under-press, the contact must be good and reliable. After you finish tightening the terminal screw, you need to make sure that the connection is secure - tug lightly.

Stranded wire: how to install a machine with your own hands

If the wire is multi-core, then it is better to seal the end thoroughly.

Because twisting and tinning cannot be done.

If a twisted strand is clamped in a terminal, then only part of the strands will be clamped, and the compression will deform them so that they can easily be bitten: the thin strands of the wire are each individually very fragile. As a result, the entire connection will become “torn”. The contact as a result of the rupture of some veins will become noticeably worse; the broken veins will inevitably give rise to sparking, perhaps even imperceptible at first. Purely physically, such a connection will be bad. And over time it will deteriorate, burn, burn and...

Soldering the end or tinning is also bad. First, solder is an even worse metal to clamp than stranded copper. It will immediately crumble into pieces due to deformation. The contact will become bad, it will heat up, spark at the cracks, and the solder doesn’t need much to melt. And it will gradually begin to “float”, flow down under the wire, increasingly worsening the contact, and...

The stranded wire must be properly prepared for contact. The best way to do this is to put on an NShVI crimp tip with an insulating cap and crimp with pliers. Uniform crimping produces a nice, professional, strong wire end that can be clamped into any terminal.

The lugs are selected according to the parameters of the wires, which are designed for current loads.

It is best to purchase a wire and suitable lugs for it at the same time, along with all purchased equipment. Then this will be the culture of do-it-yourself electrical work.

Indeed, for this you only need good hands and good crimping pliers - crimpers (their types are indicated for the tips on the right side of the table).

Preparing the wire for crimping

Preparing the wire for machines in the distribution panel for crimping consists of stripping the end of the wire from insulation to a length equal to the length of the metal sleeve of the tip. After this, the wire is carefully straightened, you can twist the veins a little so that the tip is a neat, dense flagellum, but not too much. Now you need to thread the wire into the tip. With a measured, calm movement, you can screw it in a little, and push the wire into the bushing - the conical expanding part of the exit from the bushing hole will calmly compress the wire harness, and it will be tightly tucked into the hole. At the same time, we do not allow the veins to bend back - all the veins must be inside the cap. It is important that it reaches the end of the sleeve.

Now we thread the wire with the tip on into the hole of the pliers - crimpers, corresponding to the dimensions of the NShVI. Crimping is done with one movement of compression pliers. They work on dosed compression - a force is created that is necessary, but also sufficient. By squeezing the handles of the pliers, we achieve a click. This means that the spring-lever mechanism has reached a certain degree of compression and fixed the tip. Now you can safely remove it from the socket; the tip sits absolutely securely on the wire. It is disposable and cannot be removed.

If you can remove it by applying force, then something is wrong: most likely, the tip is not selected for the cross-section of the wire. Or the end of the wire was already damaged - the insulation was carelessly removed, the conductors were bent or tangled, the end was taken from the old one, from which the tip was removed. After all, the wire went in almost freely, admit it, remember how you pushed it in with your own hands! There is no need to feel sorry for such a tip, the contact from it would still be unreliable, fading, gradually deteriorating and...

To change the tip for another - if they took it and crimped it, but it was not necessary! - It is best to cut off the end of the wire and repeat everything again. You need to get rid of that end of the wire and use a fresh one.

Connecting multiple wires to one terminal

The circuit breaker wiring diagram at the top contains an interesting detail. The row of top circuit breakers in the distribution box must be connected to the same wire. The same phase wire goes to three machines (or more) at once. And the thought immediately arises: how to connect the circuit breaker with one wire!

Or should I use some other additional terminal blocks or switches in the machine’s connection diagram when turning them on?

There is a simple and clear way.

A bus is produced for connecting several devices to one wire at once - a comb in common parlance. Its main “body” is insulated; the contacts that need to be connected to the machines are movable and made in the form of plates made of good brass, ensuring perfect contact.

There are tires with a monolithic comb, where the contacts are located at a certain distance, and there are also sliding contacts

Or you can make such a comb with your own hands.

A comb made from a long unbroken wire is better because you don’t have to push two ends from different wires into each contact of the machine. True, on the first or last machine you still have to plug the second wire into the terminal. Or you will need to make a comb like this at the end of the wire itself, which comes from another machine, meter or some kind of terminal block. Which, you see, is somehow ridiculous and not very beautiful.

When connecting two conductors into one terminal, remember that only WIRES of the same thickness and type can be PLUGED INTO ONE TERMINAL. In no case:

• not different sections,
• not different metal,
• not different in “vein density” - not single-core with multi-core.

If the two conductors are incorrectly selected, the contact plate may become skewed when the terminal is tightened.

This results in poor contact of one or both conductors, local overheating during operation, sparking, burning, and...

Well, now - how to connect a single-pole circuit breaker? Anyone will say: wow, it’s a little simpler than connecting an outlet.

The process of installing machines in an electrical panel is quite simple and does not take much time. The only problem is to do everything correctly, because when connecting wires, many novice electricians make small mistakes that can damage the device in a short period of time. In this article we will look at how to connect a circuit breaker with your own hands, providing installation rules, basic errors and diagrams.

Typical installation mistakes

Most often, when connecting, and in particular connecting a machine, the following errors are made:

Another important point on which there is a lot of discussion is whether it is possible to connect the machine in front of the electricity meter or is this done only after it? The answer is that it is possible, and even necessary, the main thing is to buy a special box, which is sealed by energy sales representatives. Installing an input machine in front of the electric meter will allow you to safely replace the electricity control device both in a private house and in an apartment.

Here, in fact, are the rules for installing and connecting an electrical machine with your own hands. Now let's move on to the main topic of the article.

Main process

So, in the initial position we have an electrical panel in which the products will be installed, as well as all the wires (input and outgoing to consumers).

Let's look at the instructions for dummies using the example of connecting a two-pole circuit breaker in a panel:

1. The first step is to turn off the power and check its presence using a multimeter or an indicator screwdriver. we provided to the readers!
2. The machine is installed on a special mounting DIN rail and snapped into place with a latch. You can do without a DIN rail, but it is less convenient.
3. The conductors of water and outgoing conductors are stripped to 8-10 mm.
4. You need to connect the input zero and phase to the two upper terminals (do not forget about the recommendations indicated above).
5. Accordingly, the outgoing zero and phase (those that go to electrical appliances, sockets and switches) are fixed in the two lower holes.
6. After this, the place must be checked manually for reliability. To do this, you need to carefully take the conductor and move it in different directions. If the core remains in place, then the connection is reliable, otherwise be sure to tighten the screw again.
7. After all electrical installations, the robot is supplied with voltage to the network and the functionality of the product is checked.

That's all the instructions for connecting a circuit breaker in a single-phase circuit. As you can see, there is nothing complicated, you just need to be careful. We also recommend watching the video tutorial, which discusses the connection process in more detail:

Visual video instructions

Installation of a low-quality single-pole circuit breaker

Connection diagrams

The video examines in more detail the connection diagrams for a single-pole, two-pole, three-pole and four-pole circuit breaker:

Overview of circuits

Automatic switches, called automatic machines or switches in everyday life, refer to switching devices and are intended to supply electric current to any object. The main function of these devices is to automatically turn off the current supply in the event of an emergency or network malfunction. The machine protects the electrical circuit from short circuits, overloads and voltage drops above the permissible value.

In old houses, in the power supply system the neutral wire was not only working, but also at the same time performed a protective function. In modern buildings there is a clear separation according to the purpose of working and protective conductors. In this regard, the question often arises of how to connect a circuit breaker, since all European-style electrical installation products are equipped with terminals for connecting a ground wire. In addition, the machines themselves can be mounted in a distribution cabinet by mounting them on a DIN rail or on a special mounting panel.

Device and principle of operation

Before connecting the machine, you need to understand the features of its design and the operating principle. The circuit breaker consists of a housing, a switching device, a control mechanism in the form of a button or handle, an arc chute and screw terminals located at the top and bottom.

Durable plastic that does not support combustion is used to make the housing and control mechanism. The switching device consists of moving and fixed contacts. Each pole of the machine consists of a pair of these contacts and is equipped with its own arc chute.

The purpose of the arc chute is to extinguish the electric arc that appears when contacts under load are broken. The chamber itself is made in the form of a set of steel plates having a profile of a certain shape. They are isolated from each other and located at the same distance relative to each other. It is to these plates that the arc is attracted, which cools down and fades away. The number of pairs of contacts in different models of machines ranges from 1 to 4. The devices have position indicators. Red indicates on and green indicates off. In this way, the current state of the circuit breaker can be determined very quickly.

All parts are hidden inside the case; only the upper and lower screw terminals, control handle and indicator are visible from the outside. There is a lock on the body that allows you to quickly install the machine on and just as easily dismantle it.

To turn off the machine, there is a special mechanism called a release. Each type of release has its own design. For example, in conventional automatic machines the function of a disconnecting device is performed by a coil with a winding and a core. Insulated copper wire is used for winding. The coil is connected to the electrical circuit in series with the contacts, since it is through it that the load current moves. If this current exceeds the established permissible value, then under the influence of the magnetic field of the coil the core moves and has a mechanical effect on the disconnecting device. As a result, the contacts of the circuit breaker open.

The design of the thermal release has its own characteristics. It consists of a special bimetallic plate. For its manufacture, two types of metals are used, dissimilar in composition and with different linear expansion coefficients. The plate is connected in series with the load. During operation of the machine, it is heated by the current passing through it. In case of overload, the plate bends towards the metal with the lowest expansion coefficient. The trigger mechanism comes into action, turning off the machine. The more the current exceeds the rated value, the faster the thermal release operates.

Installation of circuit breakers

The connection of circuit breakers in the distribution cabinet is carried out in a certain sequence. A cable connected to an external current source is inserted from above, and through the output holes located below, the wiring is routed to its objects, in accordance with the electrical diagram.

At the beginning of installation, the input circuit breaker is connected. If there are several lines in the circuit, isolated from each other, they are separated from the input circuit breaker. Its power must be no less than the total power of the machines connected to separate lines. For this purpose, two- or four-pole devices of group D are selected, resistant to the inclusion of power tools and other powerful equipment.

The most widespread are those suitable for any power supply schemes for apartments and private houses. Modular circuit breakers are installed on a DIN rail and connected by conductors with a current carrying capacity exceeding the operating current of the switch. A more convenient connection of several machines in one row can be done using a special connecting bus. A piece of the required length is cut from it and secured in the terminals. This connection is possible due to the distance between the bus contacts corresponding to the standard width of modular machines. The switch is installed per phase, and the neutral conductor is supplied from the input device directly to the devices.

• Single pole The switch is used when installing sockets and lighting systems.
• Bipolar The machine is suitable for high-power appliances such as an electric stove or boiler. In case of overload, it is guaranteed to break the circuit. The connection diagram of such switches is practically no different from single-pole models. For more efficient use, it is recommended to connect them to a separate line.
• Three-pole a circuit breaker should be installed only in cases where it is planned to use electrical appliances operating at a voltage of 380 V. In order to eliminate the load, the load is connected in a delta pattern. This connection does not require a neutral conductor, and the consumer is connected to its own switch.
• Four-pole A circuit breaker is most often used as an input switch. The main condition for connection is the uniform distribution of the load on all phases. When connecting equipment in a star configuration or three separate single-phase wires, excess current will flow through the neutral conductor.

With all loads evenly distributed, the neutral wire begins to perform a protective function in the event of unexpected power imbalances. To ensure a normal connection, only high-quality materials should be used. All connections must be securely fastened to the terminals. If several cables are connected at once, their contacts must be thoroughly cleaned and tinned.

The procedure for connection can be considered using the example of a two-pole circuit breaker installed in the panel. First of all, the power is turned off to completely de-energize the network. The absence of electricity is checked using an indicator screwdriver or a multimeter. Then the machine must be installed on the DIN rail and snapped into place. The absence of a mounting rail can create certain inconveniences. After this, the cores of the incoming and outgoing wires are stripped to a distance of 8-10 mm.

Input wires are connected to two clamps located on top -. The lower clamps hold similar outgoing conductors distributed to sockets, switches and electrical appliances. All wires are properly clamped into terminals using screws. Connections must be checked manually. To do this, the conductors need to be gently moved from side to side. If the connection is poor, the core will wobble in the terminal and may even jump out of it. In this case, the terminal screw needs to be tightened.

Upon completion of installation, voltage is supplied to the network and the functionality of the circuit breaker is checked.

How to choose the right machine

The correct choice of circuit breaker is of great importance. Each device has its own parameters, such as rated current, operating voltage, number of poles, maximum short circuit current, time-current characteristic and other important values.

The response time of the device has a digital designation indicating at what current the normal operation of the circuit breaker is maintained. In home electrical networks, machines with numbers of 4500, 6000 and 10000 amperes are most often used. All technical characteristics are indicated by manufacturers directly on the device body. This also includes the connection diagram, as well as the symbol of the machine.

The main criteria for choosing a circuit breaker are the load power and the cross-section of the wires used. In addition, overload current and short-circuit tripping current are taken into account. As a rule, network overloads occur when devices and devices with a total power are simultaneously turned on, causing excessive heating of conductors and contacts. Therefore, the shutdown current of the circuit breaker installed in the circuit must be greater than or equal to the calculated one. Its value is determined as the sum of the powers of all devices used, divided by 220.

The tripping current during a short circuit also causes the machine to shut down. It is selected by calculations for a specific circuit and depends on the loads used most often. In order to improve protection, they can be included in the electrical circuit.

Errors when installing a circuit breaker

When performing electrical installation work, serious mistakes are sometimes made that can lead to negative consequences during further operation.

1. The power cable is connected from below. Although this is not prohibited by the PUE, such a scheme will be inconvenient, since the installation and placement of machines in the panel is designed specifically for the top connection.
2. A common mistake is to over-tighten the contacts with fixing screws. This can lead not only to damage to the core, but also to deformation of the product body.
3. Sometimes the conductors are connected incorrectly to each other. It is necessary to pay close attention to the markings and connect the phase and neutral wires located on top with the same wires located below.
4. In some cases, one two-pole circuit breaker is replaced by two single-pole ones. This absolutely cannot be done, since they do not provide simultaneous separation of phase and zero.
5. Often, when fixing the core in contact, insulation gets into the seat. This leads to weakening of the contact, resulting in overheating of the core and other negative consequences. Therefore, it is imperative to protect the wire in accordance with the technical requirements of the specific machine model. This operation should be carried out using a stripping tool.

A negative role can be played by the incorrect choice of a circuit breaker, which subsequently is not able to withstand the planned loads. Therefore, it is recommended to first perform all the necessary calculations, especially. It should be remembered that when making calculations, the value of the machine must be rounded down. For example, with a current load of 20 A, the circuit breaker should be selected at 16 A, which will significantly increase the service life of the wiring.

A two-pole circuit breaker, which is designed for the protective function of the electrical network, consists of 2 single-pole circuit breakers that have a common switch lever and an internal locking system. In the article below we will look at information about such machines, and also discuss what is special about the operation of the machine, and we will also talk about the differences between these machines.

Double-pole switch: capabilities and purpose

The main characteristic of all machines is the speed of shutdown in emergency situations and the shutdown ability. All circuit breakers can be triggered by 2 types of tripping mechanisms, namely: thermal and electromagnetic. The electromagnetic mechanism opens the voltage circuit when a short circuit occurs, and the thermal mechanism turns off if there is a continuous load in the network that exceeds the permissible limit.

It is also possible to use a machine instead of a switch.

Installing a machine that has 2 poles makes it possible to control some parameters.

Namely:

• With such an automatic machine, it is possible to control 2 electrical wiring circuits independent from each other, with their simultaneous shutdown in the event of a breakdown of any circuit;
• You can also control the parameters of each of the circuits, but if one of the circuits fails, the voltage supply to the second circuit is also turned off;
• Control of DC lines that have similar tripping.

Based on such characteristics, it is better to install a minimum two-pole circuit breaker in your home, since in the event of a breakdown, such a circuit breaker will de-energize not only a specific circuit, but also all electrical circuits in the house. With such a machine, you can turn it off manually if you need it.

Time-current characteristics: two-pole circuit breaker

In the event that there is uneven power consumption, which will cause a load during the time the networks are turned on or off, the machine may turn off without signs of an accident, that is, it will falsely operate. This operation is characterized by an increase in the rated current on one of the circuits.

To reduce the likelihood of such a shutdown, use a machine with a specified current time.

This parameter shows the shutdown delay time at a certain ratio of current to the rated network voltage.

The time and current characteristics are as follows:

• An electromagnetic circuit breaker that operates after 0.015 seconds with a threefold increase in current, when compared with the rated current, is designated - B;
• One of the most common characteristics is C, which is triggered when a current reaches 5 times greater than the rated power, such a machine is suitable for lighting and electrical appliances, but the devices must have a moderate starting current;
• Characteristic D is mainly used for increased starting voltage.

For example, to turn on an electric boiler, electric motor and other equipment that operate on 3-phase voltage, the use of such a machine is optimal for industrial purposes.

Connecting a machine: what are the disadvantages

Each equipment has its own weak points, so the 2-pole circuit breaker is no exception. Although 2-pole circuit breakers have a small number of negative sides, they still need to be known.

The main negative aspects of 2-pole circuit breakers are:

• If two voltage circuits are closed at the same time, then breakdown of the cable by electric currents occurs;
• A common occurrence in such machines is the failure of the thermal circuit breaker, and at this time the machine turns off, even if the voltage is at the rated power for the machine;
• In the event of an emergency, one of the poles may fail, and for this reason, after eliminating the accident, the operation of such a machine will be impossible, in this case it is necessary to replace the machine for further operation;
• Such machines have a high sensitivity to mechanical damage when compared with single-circuit machines.

Regardless of such shortcomings, 2-circuit automatic machines are popular because they perform operational control over several lines simultaneously. Such machines will protect the general power supply line in the event of a breakdown of your electricity line, to which powerful electrical devices are mainly connected.

How to connect the machine correctly: safety precautions

A 2-pole circuit breaker must be connected to a break in the voltage source and electrical wiring, which must be protected in emergency situations. The three-pole circuit breaker contains 3 contact groups, which are connected in series with an electromagnetic and thermal breaker.

Such a machine disconnects only the phases, but does not break the neutral connection to it. If there is a need to turn off and zero, then use a 4-circuit machine. Such machines are used at the main inputs.

For apartments or houses, class C machines are mainly used, which are designed for moderate loads. The power of such a machine is selected based on the power of the connected devices, where the threshold value is the maximum rating of 2 circuits, and this is necessary to avoid false shutdown of the machine and excess amperes.

When performing installation work in the field of electrical use, electrical safety rules must be observed regardless of the work performed. In any case, even a single-phase switch needs the correct sequence of actions, so you need a diagram.

Electrical safety rules are as follows:

• All installation work on electrical wiring must be carried out by at least 2 people, since in the event of an electric shock to one of the participants, the second must provide timely assistance to the victim;
• To protect against electric shock during installation work, it is necessary to use a dielectric mat, as well as special rubber gloves;

And yet, before carrying out manipulations with electrical networks, you must obtain a special permit that may allow you to carry out the work. Not everyone can correctly connect an automatic single-pole and two-pole unit for a meter on a panel. Even if you know how it is connected at the top and bottom, this does not give you permission to replace it.

How to connect machines after the meter (video)

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Automatic switches (in everyday life abbreviated as “automatic machines”) are a type of switching and control equipment that performs three functions: turning electrical equipment on and off (the task of a conventional switch); disconnecting operating equipment from the network during a sudden and sharp increase in current occurring in the electrical network during a short circuit; shutdown of operating equipment within a time that is safe for its operation when overload currents appear in the network and abnormal drops in voltage in the network appear during the connection of powerful electrical appliances and electric motors.

Switches of the first type, having a housing with ventilation holes, are used in normal conditions with low amounts of dust and moisture. The cast housing of the latter provides a higher level of protection, which allows the switches to be used in extreme conditions.

Modular is a dimensionally standardized version of air.

The dimensions of the modular switch are multiples of 17.5 mm along the width of the housing. Due to their versatility and ease of installation, modular circuit breakers are widely used in the power supply of residential premises.

How to connect the machine correctly - we do everything in order

In houses built 25-30 years ago, an electrical supply system was used in which the “zero” protective conductor was also the “zero” working conductor. In modern housing, the functions of protection and working wiring are separated. European plugs make the process of selecting machines dependent on the type of power supply system.

Circuit breakers can be mounted on a standard DIN rail or on a panel; distribution cabinets provide both options. For the first method, the modular AB is equipped with a mounting bracket and latch. For the second, mounting holes are provided on the body of the air circuit breaker - sockets for mounting with bolts.

The modular switch is attached with one click of the hand: hooked - pressed - the latch is locked.

For air, you need to drill holes for the bolts in the panel. The fasteners must have rubber gaskets and sealing washers. For powerful air switches, rubber gaskets can be made from plastic.

One option for using multi-tariff metering devices is installation. They allow you to control the costs of consumed electricity and, therefore, save on utility bills.

In the cabinet, the wiring diagram for circuit breakers is carried out according to a “hierarchy”. The cable from an external source is routed from the top, and the wires are routed throughout the area through the lower outlets.

If all loads are distributed evenly, then the neutral will have the function of protecting against unexpected power imbalances.

To properly connect the circuit breaker, it is recommended to use high-quality materials. All wire connections must be carefully tightened in the terminals. When connecting several cables, their contacts must be cleaned and tinned. For a better connection, sealing and insulation (plastic tips) are recommended. Don't skimp on the cost of circuit breakers and insulation.

Video with some nuances that should be taken into account when installing an AB