Seeking Roadtester Applicants for a 3-Phase Circuit Breaker with A High Level of Functionality

Thanks for the heads up Gough Lui.........

I can certainly test and inspect three phase breakers and compare them to other models. Eaton are not widely used in my industry sector in the UK, so it would likely be compared to another manufacturer. I doubt I would be able to install one in an in-service panel due to type approval issues. I have a couple of old panels around that I could use to demonstrate the mechanical aspects of a retrofit.

Frame size is an interesting question. These do not look to be standard breakers. The PDG1 frame is the smallest and is 5.5 inches tall. A standard miniature circuit breaker will be 3.5 inches tall, so they will not swap out in standard three phase distribution boards in the UK. The PDG1 also looks to have limited functionality, so if it is that aspect that is of more interest, then you are looking at least at a PDG2 frame or a PDG3 frame to get full functionality. These are 6 inches and 10.1 inches high respectively.

I was going to build up board with a three phase inverter for testing the Megger MTR105. I could use one for that, but it will be low amperage and a PDG2 or PDG3 frame would not provide the required electrical protection, but it would demonstrate the trip unit functionality. I do have three phase injection test sets, so a 60A three phase test is easy enough for me.

The old panel at work is a 500kVA unit, so probably looking at a PDG3 or PDG4 frame for that. I would need to verify before making any decisions if you wanted to go down that route. It is also an interlocked panel, so has a front handle mount to consider.

From my personal perspective, the PDG3 frame and above have an arc flash protection system option. I have a long established interest in arc protection and have installed and tested a number of systems in the UK. So I could look at that and see how the range could improve protection on a plant and look to demonstrate the tripping functionality in comparison to other relays, such as Micom that I have installed with a maintenance arc reduction facility before.

Looking at the units some more, it would appear that the trip unit is battery powered for backup. If that battery power provides full functionality of the trip unit, it may be possible to test the functionality of the unit without a three phase supply if someone was interested in the RoadTest, but does not have access to three phase power. Perhaps the manufacturer could confirm?

rscasny I am happy to help out along the above lines, if you decide to go down the RoadTest route, but am also happy to step aside and let others look at the breaker if you have more than enough interest.

Kind regards.

Hi Donald,

Thanks for this long and detailed post. We would send you the frame size that fits for you. And we would send you an electronic trip unit as well, to give you added functionality.

It might be useful to get a picture of the installation. Do you have one?

I'll give the supplier your commentary. Thanks.

Randall

Hi Donald,

Thanks for this long and detailed post. We would send you the frame size that fits for you. And we would send you an electronic trip unit as well, to give you added functionality.

It might be useful to get a picture of the installation. Do you have one?

I'll give the supplier your commentary. Thanks.

Randall

I do not have anything to hand, I will see what information I can get from the site, but it will take a few days. I could probably come up with a couple of different proposals, depending on what breaker the manufacturer would like to be reviewed and what else anyone else can offer.

Kind regards.