MODULE 11 – Engineering Utilities 1

Protection of Branch Circuit

November 17, 2021

Introduction.

The most fundamental requirement in any electrical system is proper overcurrent protection of
conductors and equipment. According to the NEC Article 100, overcurrent is the condition
where the current in amperes is greater than the rated current of the equipment or conductors,
resulting from an overload, short circuit, or ground fault.

As a rule, branch circuit should be protected from over current. Hence, an over all current
protective devices shall be installed in all branch circuitries.

Causes of Over Current. There are two principal causes of over current.
1. Overload in the equipment or conductors
2. Short circuit or ground fault.

Both were the results of excessive current flow in the circuit. The primary function of
the over-current devices is to protect the branch circuit and the load device against the
exercise current supply. However,

Regardless whether the excess current is being caused by an equipment problem of

overloading, or by a circuit problem such as un-intentional ground fault, the protective
devices has but one purpose – to interrupt the line, in case there is an excess flow in
the circuit.

When the over current protective device senses an excessive flow of current, it
automatically open the circuit or simply cut off the line to prevent the excessive flow
of current in creating damages to the circuit or to the equipment. The over current
device automatically opens the line to release the excessive current. The action of the
over current protective device is called “Clearing” because it clears the circuit of the
fault or over current load. It therefore acts in the same manner as the mechanical
device to relieve the machine from excessive pressure.

The over current protective devices are installed in circuits to protect the
following:

1. The wiring
2. The transformer
3. The lights
4. Appliances and other equipment’s.
 Overcurrent is just like it sounds: It's an excess of current—or amperage—in an
electrical circuit. An overcurrent occurs when the current exceeds the rated
amperage capacity of that circuit or of the connected equipment (such as an
appliance) on that circuit. An overcurrent can be caused by overloading the
circuit or by a short circuit, a ground fault, or an arc fault. Circuit breakers and fuses
protect circuit wiring from damage caused by overcurrent.

Electrical Equipment has its own rated ampacity. Similarly, electrical conductors have also
their respective allowable ampacity. Thus, any load in excess of their rated or allowable
ampacity could damage the circuit or the equipment.

OCPDs—Breakers and Fuses

Circuit breakers and fuses are two types of overcurrent protection devices or OCPDs. Every
electrical circuit in a home must be protected by its own OCPD that is properly rated for the
circuit wiring. Most homes today have circuit breakers, located in the home's main service
panel, or "breaker box." Older homes that haven't been updated may have service panels with
fuses instead of breakers. Fuses work just as well as breakers, but like breakers, they must be
properly sized for each circuit to protect against overcurrent.

0Circuit Overload

A circuit overload is an overcurrent that occurs when more current (amperage) is drawn
from a circuit than the wiring of the circuit can safely handle. If you've ever plugged in too
many holiday lights in the same outlet and caused the breaker to trip, you've overloaded the
circuit.

Short Circuits
Short circuits occur when a "hot" wire (an ungrounded wire, usually black or red) touches
another hot wire or comes in contact with a neutral wire (a grounded wire, usually white).
Shorts can also happen if there is a break in a wire in the circuit.

Ground Faults and Arc Faults

Ground faults and arc faults are similar to short circuits but have their own characteristics. A
ground fault commonly occurs when a hot wire contacts a grounded object, such as a metal
electrical box (when it is installed as part of a grounding system) or the metal case of a tool or
appliance.
 Fuse, Breaker and Panel Board

Fuse

Fuse is defines as an over all current protective device with a circuit opening fusible
element which opens (break) when there is over current in the circuit. The fuse is a
one time protective device to be replaced after the fault is cleared. It is the simplest and
most common type of circuit protective device used in most house wiring installation. It
is available in hundred design ratings and shapes but basically, the same in functions.

Generally, Fuse consist of a fusible link or wire that easily melt at low temperature
classified into two types:

1. The CARTRIDGE type which is enclosed in an insulating fiber tube.

2. The PLUG Fuse type enclosed in porcelain cap.

Circuit Breaker

The circuit breaker is an over-current protective

device design to function as switch. Basically, a
circuit breaker is equipped with an automatic
tripping device to protect the branch circuit from
overload and ground fault. Circuit breaker can be manually tripped, so that, in many
cases, it also acts as circuit switch.

Circuit Breaker Component

Advantages of Circuit Breaker Over the Fuse.

1. The circuit breaker acts as a switch aside from its being an over current protective
device.
2. Unlike the fuse that has to be discarded after it was busted due to an over current
flow, the circuit breaker trips off automatically and after correcting the fault, it is
again readily available for switch on.
3. The circuit breaker position is easier to detect. It could be closed, tripped, or open
right at the handle. On the contrary, the busted fuse could not be detected easily
because the melted fusible element is inside the fuse casing.
4. The circuit breaker can be manually tripped so that in many case, it also acts as the
circuit switch.
5. Circuit breaker respond quicker than fuses, more reliable and sensitive.

Advantages of Fuse over the Circuit Breaker.

Despite the advantages of the circuit breaker over the fuse, the later has also some
advantages over the circuit breaker enumerated as follows:

1. One major advantage of the fuse over the CB is its reliability and stability. The
fuse can stay on its position for years and act when called on to act as designed.
2. The cost of the fuse is very much lower compared to the CB.
3. CB has several moving parts, which requires maintenance and periodic testing to
be in good condition at all time.
 Panel board

A panel board is a component of an electrical distribution system which divides an

electric power feed into branch circuits, while providing a protective circuit breaker or
fuse for each circuit, in a common enclosure. A panel board services to protect branch
circuits from overload and short circuits.

Principles Applied in Installing Panel Board

1. The approach shall be accessible and more convenient.
2. The panel board is centrally located to shorten the home wiring runs.
3. It must be installed near the load center, as in most cases panel boards are mounted near the
kitchen and the laundry where heavy duty loads are expected.
4. To limit the voltage drop on the branch circuit, the panel board shall be located in such
manner that no circuit (wiring connections) exceed 35 meters long.
5. In the event that a circuit more than 35 meters long cannot be avoided, no. 10 AWG (55 mm2)
wire shall be used for runs up to 50 meters long and np. 8 AWG wire for longer circuits.

Branch Circuit Wiring

Feeder Load

Load

Panel Main CB Load

 Panel Branch
Circuit Breaker

Conventional Radial Wiring System: The Branch Circuit radiate from the panel to the load

Main CB Reduced Feeder Size

Feeder
Circuit Breaker mounted
In surface raceways

Loads Loads Loads

Alternative Wiring Methods

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

End of Module…. Thank you and stay safe.

Engr. GEORGE P. ALONZO

Professional Electrical Engineer