When selecting the right low voltage power circuit breaker for an application, it is important to consider both short-circuit current ratings and short-time current ratings. Understanding these performance characteristics will help you choose between the various circuit breaker designs.
This article has been updated March 2024, read the latest version here.
Daniel Lightsey ABB Ability Smart Power — Marcel E. Valdes, PE, IEEE Fellow Applications Engineering Manager
ABB Electrification Business
Short-circuit current ratings (SCCR) are a critical specification when designing industrial control panels. Determining the appropriate SCCR actually requires no calculations. Instead, there is a simple, four-step process to follow.
https://electricalengineeringresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Determine_SCCR-1.jpg9552157Liz Smithhttps://electricalengineeringresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EER-logo-1-300x138.pngLiz Smith2020-03-28 07:00:002026-05-19 17:31:454 Steps to calculate short circuit ratings in industrial control panels
A simpler safety fence solution for manufacturers that provides effective protection from danger. A new approach to fence design helps make it easier to design, purchase, install and maintain safety fence systems.
John Belshe Product Marketing Manager ABB Electrification Products Division
Your large (>400 HP) motors require special protection to ensure reliable operation and a long life. Learn how the features of today’s smarter motor-protecting circuit breakers are up to the task.
John Belshe & Kevin Jordan Product Marketing Managers ABB Electrification Products Division
More and more panels are incorporating smarter breakers with sensors that can provide alerts and take action when they detect an issue. Panel builders can choose from 3 levels of device monitoring, taking a good/better/best approach to providing their customers with these benefits.
William Lindstrom Global Product Manager ABB Electrification Products Division
Try to imagine doing business today without your cell phone. You probably can’t. In the same way, panel builders using communication-enabled devices like breakers and automatic transfer switches can’t imagine a panel without them.
https://electricalengineeringresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ABB-2177-WPO_blog-1.jpg402724Liz Smithhttps://electricalengineeringresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EER-logo-1-300x138.pngLiz Smith2019-10-28 16:51:442026-05-19 18:09:02The power of panels that can talk
Allen Austin Market Development Manager – Renewable Energy & Power Generation ABB Electrification Business
Both residential and commercial customers are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources that’s creating huge demand for energy storage systems. Panel shops should be looking at how they can be part of this growth.
If you appreciate the wisdom of combining the fax, scan, and copy functions into a single device, the benefits of combining the function of relays and meters in your breakers should be crystal clear. Read more about the benefits of smarter breakers and why you should throw away your relays.
Jonathan Doncet
Product Marketing Manager
ABB Electrification Products Division
The latest panel technology often offers big benefits. But depending on the application, the older technology may be better. Here are some factors to consider when selecting control panel components and the applications where traditional NEMA components can be a better choice than newer IEC technology.
When faced with a new or changed machine-safety risk, bolt-on solutions may seem like the easiest, cheapest approach. In most cases, it makes sense to consider a safety PLC, which can provide a far superior, lower-cost solution.
Power circuit breaker ratings explained
Darryl Moser
Read moreSales Enablement Manager
ABB Electrification Products Division
4 Steps to calculate short circuit ratings in industrial control panels
This article has been updated March 2024, read the latest version here.
Daniel Lightsey
ABB Ability Smart Power
—
Marcel E. Valdes, PE, IEEE Fellow
Applications Engineering Manager
ABB Electrification Business
Read moreA simpler safety fence solution
Darrell Burkeen
Read moreCertified Machinery Safety Expert (TÜV NORD)
ABB Jokab Safety Products
Bigger motors need better protection
John Belshe
Read moreProduct Marketing Manager
ABB Electrification Products Division
3 levels of device monitoring
John Belshe & Kevin Jordan
Read moreProduct Marketing Managers
ABB Electrification Products Division
The power of panels that can talk
William Lindstrom
Read moreGlobal Product Manager
ABB Electrification Products Division
Renewables generate opportunities
Allen Austin
Market Development Manager – Renewable Energy & Power Generation
ABB Electrification Business
Read more
Throw away your relays
Selecting control panel components
Jonathan Doncet
Product Marketing Manager
ABB Electrification Products Division
Think twice about bolt-on solutions
Rich Gibson
Certified Machinery Safety Expert (TÜV NORD)
ABB Jokab Safety Products