UNIT-5

Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering (BEE 101-201)

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS
( Unit 5)
Components of LT Switchgear: Switch Fuse Unit (SFU), MCB, ELCB, MCCB. Types of Wires and
Cables, Importance of earthing. Types of Batteries, Important characteristics for Batteries.
Elementary calculations
Bus bars, Lighting for energy
protection, ACBconsumption and savings, battery backup.

GAURAV SHRIVASTAVA SUBJECT HEAD (EE)

2019-20

BASIC ELECTRICAL
ENGINEERING KEE-101/201
 Unit-5
Components of L.T. Switchgear
Switch Fuse Unit (SFU)
Q. :- What is switch fuse unit (SFU)? State its advantages.

Ans.:-

➢ A fuse is a protective device which acts quickly. In abnormal condition, it blows and
disconnects the circuit from the supply. Thus it provides circuit protection by destroying
itself.
➢ A switch is used to isolate the circuit from the supply purposely for repair and
maintenance. Generally it is manually operated.
➢ A unit which consists of the combination of fuse and switch together is called switch fuse
unit. It is shown in the fig.

The advantages of such switch fuse unit are,

a. The number of joints in the circuit gets reduced.

b. Due to compact construction, less space is required.
c. Easy from handling point of view.

Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) AKTU (2018-19)

Q. :- Explain the necessity, construction and working of miniature circuit breakers (MCB).

Ans.-A miniature circuit breaker is an electromechanical device which makes and breaks the
circuit in normal operation and disconnects the circuit under the abnormal condition when
current exceeds a preset value.

➢ MCB is a high fault capacity current limiting, trip free, automatic switching device with
thermal and magnetic operation to provide protection against over load and short circuit.
➢ It is necessary to use MCB because of its following features,
a. Its operation is very fast and opens in less than one millisecond.
b. No tripping circuit is necessary and the operation is automatic.
c. Provide protection against overload and short circuit without noise, smoke or
flame.
 d. It can be reset very quickly after correcting the fault, just by switching a button.
No rewiring is required.
e. It can not be reclosed if fault persists.
f. The mechanical life is upto or more than one lakh operating cycle.
➢ Hence now a days MCBs are used rather than rewirable fuse.
➢ Generally MCBs are rated for a.c. voltage of 240 V for single phase, 415 V for three
phase or 220 V d.c. The current rating available is from 0.5 A to 63 A.
➢ The short circuit breaking capacity of MCBs ranges from 1 KA to 10 KA with 1-pole, 2-
pole, 3-pole or 4-pole configurations. Two-pole MCBs have a combined handle for two
poles that enables both legs of the MCB to trip if either side has an overload.
➢ A typical cross-section view of MCB and its practical appearance is shown in the fig.

Q. :- Compare MCB with fuse.

Ans.-

Sr.
Fuse MCB
No.
1. The operation of fuse is highly MCB instantly disconnects the supply
dependent on selection of its proper automatically in the event of short circuit or
rating. If fuse wire is not selected overload. It thus eliminates the risk of fire and
properly ten it results in non operation prevents damage to wiring system.
of fuse even in case of short circuit.
2. If the fuse wire after operation is
replaced with a newer one but go loose
then it may be dangerous. Also to Restarting the power supply after tripping due
replace a blown use in between current to overload or shrot is easy.
carrying points is dangerous specially in
dark.
3. During replacement of fuse wire, the No maintenance and repairs is required for
exact size of fuse wire may not be MCB. The distribution system employing
available. Also for replacement a kit of MCB provides satisfactory operation and lasts
hand tools has to be kept ready. for years.
 Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) AKTU (2018-19)
Q. :-Explain the construction and the working of MCCB.

Ans :- MCCB is similar to MCB but used when the load currents exceed the capabilities of
MCB. It is used for circuit having current ranges from 63A to 3000A.

➢ The fig shows the construction of MCCB.

➢ Its working is based on thermal mechanism. It has a bimetallic contact which expands
and contracts when there are changes in temperature. Under normal condition, the
contacts are closed allowing current to pass. Under over load or short circuit condition,
current exceeds its safe value. Due to this, heat is generated and the contacts are opened
to interrupt the circuit.
➢ Due to the interruption of high current, there is arc formation. Hence in MCCB there are
arc extinguishers which suppress the arc.
➢ There is a disconnection switch, with the help of which, the MCCB can be operated
manually.
➢ Practically it has adjustable trip settings and hence it can be used for high current
applications.
➢ It can be easily reset after the fault rectification. Thus it provides operational safely and
convenience.
➢ All the operating parts of MCCB are covered within a plastic moulded housing made in
two halves. The two halves are joined together to form the whole structure.
➢ The basic difference between MCB and MCCB is the current rating. Hence MCCBs are
used for industrial and commercial applications such as main feeder protection,,
generator and motor protection, capacitor bank protection, welding applications and
applications which require adjustable trip setting.
 Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB)
Q. :-Explain the working of ELCB with neat diagram.

Ans.- The ELCB is used to protect the circuit from the electrical leakage. When someone gets an
electric shock, then this circuit breaker cuts off the power at the time of 0.1 secs for protecting
the personal safety and avoiding the gear from the circuit against short circuit and overload.

ELCB is a security device used in electrical system with high Earth impedance to avoid shock. It
notices small stray voltages on the metal fields of electrical gear, and interrupt the circuit if an
unsafe voltage is detected. The main principle of Earth leakage protectors is to stop injury to
humans and nature due to electric shock.

The schematic of ELCB is as shown in the fig.

As shown in the Fig. ELCB consists of a small current transformer surrounding live and neutral
wire. The secondary winding of the current transformer is connected to relay circuit which can
trip the circuit breaker which is connected in the circuit.

Under normal conditions, the current in the line and the neutral conductor is same so that net
current (IL-IN) flowing through the core is zero. Eventually there will not be any production of
flux in the core and no induced e.m.f. So the breaker does not trip.

If there is a fault due to leakage from live wire to earth or a person by mistake touching to the
live terminal then the net current through the core will no longer remain as zero but equal to (IL-
IN) or If , which will set up flux and emf in C.T. As per the preset value, the unbalance in the
current is detected by C.T. and relay coil is energized which will give tripping signal for the
circuit breaker. As C.T. operates with low value of current, the core must be very permeable at
low flux densities.

Thus ELCB provides protection against electric shock when a person comes in contact with live
parts resulting in flow of current from body to earth. A properly connected ELCB detects such
small currents in mili amperes flowing to earth through human body or earth wire and breaks the
circuit to reduce the risk of electrocution to humans.

Types of Wires
Q. :- Explain the various types of wires used in electrical installation. AKTU (2018-19)

Ans.- The various types of wires which are used for various wiring schemes are:-

1. Vulcanised India Rubber wires (V.I.R.)

This type of wire consists tinned conductor coated with rubber insulation. This is further
covered with protective cotton and bitumen compound and finally finished with wax. This makes
it moisture and heat resistant. These are always single core wires. Though are covered with a
cotton layer it has tendency to absorb moisture and hence rarely used, now a days.

2. Cab Tyre Sheathed wires (C.T.S.)

In this type, ordinary rubber insulated conductors are provided with an additional tough
rubber sheath. The wire is also known as tough Rubber Sheathed (T.R.S.) wire. It provides
additional insulation and along with that a protection against moisture, chemical fumes and wear
and tear. These are also available in single core, double core and three core verities.

3. Poly Vinyl Chloride wires (P.V.C.)

These are most commonly used wires. These have conductors with P.V.C. insulation.
P.V.C. has following characteristics:

1. It is nonhygroscopic and moisture proof.

2. It is tough and hence durable.
3. Resistant to corrosion.
4. It is chemically inert.
5. As it is tough so additional covering is not required.

The only disadvantage is, it softens at high temperature and hence it avoided where extreme of
temperature may occur e.g. in heating appliances.

4. Flexible wires

• These are used very commonly in domestic wiring or for wiring of temporary nature.
• It consists of two separately insulated stranded conductors. The insulation is mostly
rubber and more commonly available in parallel or twisted twins.
• Due to its flexible nature, the handling of these wires becomes very easy.

Types of Cables

Q. :- Explain the construction of single core underground cable. AKTU (2018-19)

Ans.-An underground cable is defined as the group of individually insulated one or more
conductors which is put together and finally provided with number of layers of insulation to give
proper mechanical support.
 The fig shows the general construction of a cable. The cable shown is single conductor
underground cable. Its various parts are,

➢ Conductor of Core: This section consists of single conductor or more than one
conductor. The conductors are also called cores. Cables with three conductors used are
aluminium or annealed copper. The conductors are stranded conductors in order to
provide flexibility to the cable.

➢ Insulation: Each conductor or core is covered by insulation of proper thickness. The

commonly used insulating materials are varnished cambric, vulcanized bitumen and
impregnated paper.

➢ Metallic Sheath: The insulated conductors are covered by lead sheath or aluminium
sheath. This provides the mechanical protection but mainly restricts moisture and other
gases to reach to the insulation.

➢ Bedding: The metallic sheath is covered by another layer called bedding. The bedding
consists of paper type compounded with a fibrous material like jute strands or hessian
tape. The purpose of bedding is to protect the metallic sheath from corrosion and from
mechanical injury resulting due to armouring.

➢ Armouring: This layer consists of the layers of galvanized steel wires which provide
protection to the cable from the mechanical injury.

➢ Serving: The last layer above the armouring is serving. It is a layer of fibrous material
like jute cloth which protects the armouring from the atmospheric conditions.

Q. :-Explain the various types of cables with neat diagrams.

Ans.- The type of cable is basically decided on the voltage level for which it is manufactured and
the material used for the insulation such as cotton, paper, rubber etc.
Based on voltage level the various types of cables are,
1. Low tension cables: Used for the voltage levels upto 6.6.kV.
2. Medium tension cables: Used for 11kV level and are called belted cable.
3. High tension cables: Used for 22kV and 33kV levels. These are screened type cables
and further classified as:

i. H type cables and

ii. S.L. cables i.e. separate lead screened cables.
 4. Extra high tension cables: Used for voltage levels more than 33kV. These are pressure
cables which are further classified as:
i. Oil filled Cables
ii. Gas pressure cables.

The fig shows the constructional details of various types of cables.

Based on the cores, the various types of cables are,
i. Single core cable
ii. Two core cable
iii. Three core cable

Importance of Earthing

Q. :- What is earthing? Explain its importance. AKTU (2018-19)

Ans.-
• The connection of electrical machinery to the general mass of earth, with a conducting
material of very low resistance is called earthing or grounding.
• The earthing of electrical equipment brings the equipments to zero potential and avoid
the shock to the operator, under nay fault conditions.

Importance of earthing:
• Consider a machine which is not earthed. It is operated at supply voltage V.
• If a person touches to the outer part of the machine then as long as insulation of the
machine is perfect, person will not get a shock. The insulation resistance of perfect
insulation is infinite.
• But if there is some fault and insulation becomes weak or if one of the winding is
touching to the cover of the machine then insulation resistance becomes zero. If person
touches to such a machine, current flows through the body of the person towards the
earth. As body resistance is small, current through the body is high so that the person
receives a shock.
• To avoid such a situation, the body of the machine is connected to the earth with a very
low resistance. This is called earthing.
• If the machine is earthed and the person touches to a faulty machine then body resistance
and earthing resistance appears to be in parallel.
 • As earthing resistance is very small than the resistance of the body, hence almost entire
current flows through earthing connection.
• Thus current through the body of the person is almost zero and person does not receive
any shock.
• Similarly due to earthing, the tall buildings, structures and other machines are protected
from high voltage in overhead lines and the atmospheric lightening as high voltage and
lightening gets discharged to earth through earthing connection.
• Due to earthing the line voltage is maintained at constant value.
• Hence earthing is necessary for all domestic appliances, machines, buildings and
structures, equipments power stations etc.

Different types of earthing systems are available. Popular methods are:

Plate Earthing: A copper plate or galvanized plate is buried in an earth pit below ground level.
The plate electrode connects the electrical conductors to the earth.

Pipe Earthing: A galvanized steel perforated pipe inside the ground connects the electrical
conductors to the earth.

Rod Earthing: Similar to the Pipe earthing. A copper rod replaces the pipe electrode.

Chemical earthing: Similar to the pipe earthing. A chemical compound material replaces the
charcoal and salt layers.

Q. :- Explain the plate earthing in detail.

Ans.-
• The earth connection is provided with the help of copper plateor Galvanized Iron (G.I.)
plate. The copper plate size is 60 cm*60 cm*3.18 mm while G.I. plate size is not less
than 60 cm*60 cm*6.3 mm. The plates are commonly used now-a-days. The plate is
embedded 3 meters (10 feet) into the ground. The plate is kept with its face vertical.
• The plate is surrounded by the alternate layer of coke and salt for minimum thickness of
about 15 cm. The earth wire is drawn through G.I. pipe and is perfectly bolted to the earth
plate. The nut and bolts must be copper plate and must be of galvanized iron for G.I.
plate.
• The earth lead used must be G.I. wire or G.I. strip of sufficient cross sectional area to
carry the fault current safely. The earth wire is drawn through G.I. pipe of 19 mm
diameter, at about 60 cm below the ground.
• The G.I. pipe is fitted with a funnel on the top. In order to have an effective earthing, salt
water is poured periodically through the funnel.
• The earthing efficiency, increases with the increases of the plate area and depth of
embedding. If the resistivity of the soil is high, then it is necessary to embed the plate
vertically at a greater depth into ground.
• The only disadvantage of this method is that the discontinuity of the earth wire from the
earthing plate below the earth can not be observed physically. This may cause misleading
and may result into heavy losses under fault condition.
• The schematic arrangement of plate earthing is shown in the fig.
Q. :- Explain the pipe earthing in detail.
Ans.-
• In this method of earthing a G.I. pipe of 38 mm diameter and 2 meter (7 feet) length is
embedded vertically into the ground. This pipe acts as an earth electrode. The depth
depends on the condition of the soil.
• The earth wires are fastened to the top section of the pipe above the ground level with nut
and bolts.
• The pit area around the pipe is filled with salt and coal mixture for improving the
condition of the soil and earthing efficiency. The schematic arrangement of pipe earthing
system is shown in the fig.
• The contact surface of G.I. pipe with the soil is more as compare to the plate due to its
circular section and hence can handle heavier leakage current for the same electrode size.
• According to Indian standard, the pipe should be placed at a depth of 4.75 m.
Impregnating the coke with salt decrease the earth resistance. Generally alternate layers
of salt and coke are used for best results.
• In summer season, soil becomes dry. In such case salt water is poured through the funnel
connected to the main G.I. pipe through 19 mm diameter pipe. This keeps the sol wet.
• The earth wires are connected to the G.I. pipe above the ground level and can be
physically inspected from time to time. These connections can be checked for performing
continuity tests. This is the important advantage of pipe earthing over the plate earthing.
The earth lead used must be G.I. wire of sufficient cross-sectional area to carry fault
current safely. It should not be less than electrical equivalent of copper conductor of
12.97 mm2 cross sectional area.
• The only disadvantage of pipe earthing is that the embedded pipe length has to be
increased sufficiently in case the soil specific resistivity is of high order. This increases
excavation work and hence increased cost. In ordinary soil condition the range of the
earth resistance should be 2 to 5 ohms.
• In the places where rocky soil earth bed exists, horizontal strip earthing is used. This is
suitable as soil excavation required for plate or pipe earthing is difficult in such places.
For such soil earth resistance is from 5 to 8 ohm.
 Battery

A device that converts the stored chemical energy into electrical energy using chemical action is
called battery. The chemical action that takes place in the battery is the movement of electrons
from one terminal to another. Due to this chemical action, there exists a difference in charge
between two terminals that creates an electrical energy between them. A cell is a device that
consists of two electrodes and an electrolyte. But battery is a Single unit which comprises of two
or more cells which are connected together electrically.

Construction
The component of a battery that participates actively in a chemical reaction to generate electrical
energy is called the active component. The three main active components of a battery are:
Anode:-The electrode that oxidises and release electrons when an electrochemical reaction
occurs is called anode. Since it releases electrons, it is also called negative electrode or reducing
electrode. The common materials used as anode are zinc and lithium.
Cathode:-The electrode that acquires electrons during electrochemical reaction is called
cathode. Since it acquires electrons, it is also called positive electrode or oxidising electrode. The
common materials used as cathode are metallic oxides.
Electrolyte:- The medium through which electrons get transferred from anode to cathode is
called electrolyte. In general, electrolytes are in liquid from like water or other solvents in which
the material required for ionic conduction, i.e., salt, acid, or alkalis are dissolved.

Working
When a load is connected between the cathode and anode, due to electrochemical action, the
electrons get transferred from anode and cathode. Due to this movement of electrons, the current
starts flowing from cathode to anode through the connected load. The diagram explaining the
working of a battery is shown in Figure.
Advantages of Batteries over Other Energy Sources

The advantages of using batteries as energy sources are:

1. Energy can be stored for a long duration of time.

2. Delivers the energy effectively when compared to fossil fuels.
3. Response time oldie hearty is less when compared to other fossil fuels.
4. Efficiency of the battery is high.
5. Battery can be operated at any place as it offers good tolerance to shock and vibrations.
6. Operating cost of the battery is cheap.
7. Low- maintenance cost is required for the battery.

Classification of batteries

The two main categories of batteries are:

Primary batteries and Secondary batteries.

Primary Batteries

It is also called single-use or throw-away batteries as it cannot be recharged to reuse. It is

discarded after complete depletion of charge in it. Examples of primary batteries are alkaline
batteries, mercury batteries. silver-oxide batteries, and zinc carbon batteries.

Secondary Batteries

The batteries that can be electrically recharged again are called secondary batteries. By allowing
the cur-rent in the opposite direction, these batteries can be recharged. Nickel Cadmium, Lead-
Acid batteries and Lithium batteries fall into the secondary battery category.

Comparison between primary and secondary batteries :- AKTU (2018-19)

Primary Battery Secondary Battery

Initial cost is less. Initial cost is high.
Cost per kWh is high. Cost per kWh is less.
As these batteries are disposable, there is no As these batteries are rechargeable, regular
requirement of maintenance. maintenance is required.
Most suitable for portable application since it Less suited for portable applications.
is smaller and light weight in nature.
Has good charge maintenance Has poor charge maintenance
Not suitable for heavy load applications since Suitable for heavy load applications due to its
the discharge rate is poor. superior discharge rate.
In general, these batteries are limited to Due to inherent versatility, these batteries are
specific applications. used in most of the applications.
Examples:- Alkaline batteries, Mercury Example:- Nickel Cadmium, Lead-acid
batteries, Silver-oxide batteries, zinc carbon Batteries, Lithium batteries etc.
batteries etc.
 Types of Batteries

Q. :- State the various types of batteries and their applications.

Ans.-
Sr.
Types of battery Applications
No.
1. Lead acid battery In automobiles for starting and lighting, battery electric vehicles,
backup operations like rail road signals, air traffic controls and
critical systems in submarines, for lights and fans in trains etc.

2. Nickel-Cadmium In railways for lighting and air conditioning systems, for starting
battery engines and provide emergency power supply in military aero-
planes and helicopters, in movie cameras and photoflash, in
electric shower, variety of cordless electronic devices etc.
3. NiMH battery Cellular phones, portable computers and laptops, digital cameras,
(Nickel metal electronic toys, providing emergency supply to various
hydride) electronic instruments etc.

4. Lithium battery Consumer products such as camcorders, calculators, electric

(Lithium Ion) razors, medical equipments, portable radios, in traction
applications in electric and hybrid vehicles as standby power.

5. SMF battery (Sealed UPS systems, telecommunications equipments, fire alarms and
Maintenance free) security systems, office automation equipments, EPABX, solar
lantern, emergency lights, electronic weighing scale etc.

Important Characteristics of Batteries

Q. :- Explain the important characteristics for batteries.

Ans.- The various important characteristics for batteries are
1. Nominal voltage:It is indicated on a battery depending on the amount of cells connected
in series. It is open circuit voltage of a battery.
2. Battery capacity or battery life: It is specified in ampere-hours (AH).
• It indicates the amount of electricity which a battery can supply at the specified
discharge rate till its voltage falls to a specified value.
• Mathematically product of discharge current (ID)in amperes and the time for
discharge (TD) in hours till voltage falls to a specified value is the capacity of a
battery.
Battery capacity = ID*TD (AH)
3. Specific gravity of electrolyte: More the specific gravity of electrolyte, more is the
battery capacity. It decides internal resistance of a battery.
4. Specific energy: The battery capacity expressed in watt-hour per kg weight is called
specific energy. It is also called gravimetric energy density of a battery.
5. Electrical characteristics: These characteristics include the charging and discharging
curves for a battery. It is the graph of terminal voltage against charging or discharging
time in hours at normal rate. The fig shows such curves for a typical battery. From the
Q. :- States the application area of MCCB.
Ans.-
MCCB are used for high current protection such as,
i. .Generator protection
ii. Main feeder protection
iii. Motor protection
iv. Capacitor bank protection
v. Welding applications
vi. Applications which needs adjustable current trip settings.

Q. :- Names the various types of wires used in electrical installations. AKTU (2018-19)
Ans.-
i. Vulcanized India Rubber Wires (V.I.R.)
ii. Cab Type Sheathed Wires (C.T.S.)
iii. Poly Vinyl Chloride Wires (P.V.C.)
iv. Flexible Wires

Q. :- Why Earth pin is made thicker and bigger than line and neutral? AKTU (2018-19)

To avoid shock to human body,the machine body is connected to earth with a very low resistance
so the earth pin is made thicker and bigger than line and neutral.

Questions asked in AKTU Even Sem 2018-19

A. Describe the electrical characteristics of lead-acid battery.

B. Explain the construction, rating, specific applications of at least two types of wires and
cables used in electrical engineering.
C. Explain (i).MCB (ii).MCCB (iii).ELCB
D. Define The purpose of earthing the electrical appliances.
E. What is the difference between primary and secondary batteries?

Questions asked in AKTU Odd Sem 2018-19

A. Why Earth pin is made thicker and bigger than line and neutral?
B. Calculate the energy consumption per day in a house using 5 CFLs of 20 W each, 3
fans of 60 W each for 3 hrs a day.
C. Draw the characteristics of battery.
Calculate the backup of battery of 100AH connected to load of 100 watts and supply
voltage is 12V.
D. (a)Write short notes on the following:
(i) MCB (ii) MCCB (c) Fuse (d) Types of wires
E. Explain following:
(i) Need of Earthing
(ii) Battery backup
 Topics (UNIT-V)
Electrical Bus-Bar
An electrical bus bar is defined as a conductor or a group of conductor used for
collecting electric power from the incoming feeders and distributes them to the
outgoing feeders.
it is a type of electrical junction in which all the incoming and outgoing electrical
current meets. Thus, the electrical bus bar collects the electric power at one location.
The bus bar system consists the isolator and the circuit breaker. On the occurrence
of a fault, the circuit breaker is tripped off and the faulty section of the busbar is
easily disconnected from the circuit. The electrical bus bar is available in
rectangular, cross-sectional, round and many other shapes.
The various types of arrangements are used in the power system. The selection of
the bus bar is depended on the different factor likes reliability, flexibility, cost etc.
Single Bus-Bar Arrangement
The arrangement of such type of system is very simple and easy. The system has
only one bus bar along with the switch. All the substation equipment like the
transformer, generator, the feeder is connected to this bus bar only. The advantages
of single bus bar arrangement

Main and Transfer Bus Arrangement

Such type of arrangement uses two types of busbar namely, main busbar and the
auxiliary bus bar. The busbar arrangement uses bus coupler which connects the
isolating switches and circuit breaker to the busbar. The bus coupler is also used for
transferring the load from one bus to another in case of overloading. The following
are the steps of transferring the load from one bus to another.

Double Bus Double Breaker Arrangement

This type of arrangement requires two bus bar and two circuit breakers. It does not
require any additional equipment like bus coupler and switch.

Ring Main Arrangement

In such type of arrangement, the end of the bus bar is connected back to the starting
point of the bus to form a ring.

Mesh Arrangement
In such type of arrangement, the circuit breakers are installed in the mesh formed by
the buses. The circuit is tapped from the node point of the mesh. Such type of bus
arrangement is controlled by four circuit breakers.

Lightning Arrester
Lightning is a phenomenon of electric discharge of a charged cloud to ground.
During thunderstorms, the potential of the cloud is raised significantly higher than
the ground potential and the surrounding air loses its insulating property. we use
several protection schemes, techniques and equipment such as ground wires,
lightning rods, and lightning arresters to protect electric power equipment,
buildings, airplanes and boats.
For a lightning to occur, the potential gradient of the air must be broken, which is
around 30kV/cm. if the potential difference between the cloud and ground is high
enough to break the potential gradient of air, then a huge discharge occurs in the
form of lightning strike causes a significant overvoltage.
if it strikes a building, home or equipment, the huge potential can damage the
equipment or start a fire. The damage caused by lightning is destructive and these
techniques and equipment to protect against lightning are:
1. Lightning Rods
2. Ground Wires
3. Earth Screens
4. Lightning Arresters
Types of Lightning Arresters
Rod Gap Arrester (Spark Gap Arrester)
Sphere Gap Arrester
Horn Gap Arrester
Multigap Arrester

Expulsion Type Arrester

Electrolytic Type Arrester
Lead-Oxide Type Arrester
Valve Type Arrester
Thyrite Lightning Arrester
Impulsive Protective Gap with Electrolyte Arrester
Pellet Type Arrester
Metal Oxide Arrester
Working of Lightning Arrester
A Lightning Arrester is a protective equipment that protects electrical equipment
from high voltage surges caused by lightning strikes. They are usually installed at
the top of transmission poles and buildings and provide an easy path for the surge
voltage from lightning to flow to ground.
It consists of a spark gap and a series resistor. One end of the arrester will get
connected to the equipment while the other end is connected to ground through the
resistor.
this is not a regular resistor but a non-linear resistor as in its resistance is inversely
proportional to the voltage. So, during a lightning strike, the high surge voltage will
reduce the voltage of this resistor and makes it a low resistance path to ground. its
length is determined in such a way that the regular operating voltage and high
voltage that breaks the air insulation will not initiate an arc .
Normally, the lightning arrester doesn’t conduct any current as the spark gap is open
and also the resistance of the non-linear resistor is very high. But in the event of a
lightning strike, the high voltage will breakdown the air insulation and initiates an
arc and also the resistance of the non-linear resistor fall down. As a result, a low
resistance path is laid for the surge to flow to ground.
Lightning Arresters are also sometime known as Surge Arresters or Surge Diverters.
Air Circuit Breaker
An Air Circuit Breaker (also known as an Air Blast Circuit Breaker or ACB) is an
automatically operated electrical switch that uses air to protect an electrical circuit
from damage caused by excess current from an overload or short circuit.
Its primary function is to interrupt current flow after a fault is detected. When this
happens, an arc will appear between the contacts that have broken the circuit. Air
circuit breakers use compressed air to blow out the arc, the contacts are rapidly
swung into a small sealed chamber, the escaping of the displaced air, thus blowing
out the arc.
Types of circuit Breaker
1.Plain air circuit breaker.
2. Air blast Circuit Breaker
Types of Air blast circuit Breaker
Axial Blast ACB.
Axial Blast ACB with side moving contact.
Cross Blast ACB.

Working Principle
The main pair of contacts carries the current at normal load and these contacts are
made of copper. The additional pair is the arcing contact and is made of carbon.
When circuit breaker is being opened, the main contacts open first and during
opening of main contacts the arcing contacts are still in touch with each other.As
the current gets, a parallel low resistive path through the arcing contact during
opening of main contacts, there will not be any arcing in the main contact. The
arcing is only initiated when finally the arcing contacts are separated. The each of
the arc contacts is fitted with an arc runner which helps, the arc discharge to move
upward due to both thermal and electromagnetic effects as shown in the figure. As
the arc is driven upward it enters in the arc chute, consisting of splitters. The arc in
chute will become colder, lengthen and split hence arc voltage becomes much
larger than system voltage at the time of operation of air circuit breaker, and
therefore the arc is quenched finally during the current zero.
Methods of arc quenching

The main aim of the circuit breaker is to prevent the re-establishment of arcing after
current zero by creating a situation where in the contact gap will withstand the
system recovery voltage. Interrupting the arc it creates an arc voltage in excess of
the supply voltage. This circuit breaker increases the arc voltage by mainly three
different ways,
1. It may increase the arc voltage by cooling the arc plasma.
2. It may increase the arc voltage by lengthening the arc path.
Advantages
There is no chance of fire hazard caused by oil.
1. The breaking speed of circuit breaker is much higher during operation of air blast
circuit breaker.
2. Arc quenching is much faster during operation of air blast circuit breaker.
3. The duration of arc is same for all values of small as well as high currents
interruptions.
4. As the duration of arc is smaller, so lesser amount of heat realized from arc to
current carrying contacts hence the service life of the contacts becomes longer.
5. The stability of the system can be well maintained as it depends on the speed of
operation of circuit breaker.
Disadvantages
1. In order to have frequent operations, it is necessary to have sufficiently high-
capacity air compressor.
2. Frequent maintenance of compressor, associated air pipes and automatic control
equipment’s is also required.
3. Due to high-speed current interruption, there is always a chance of high rate of
rise of re-striking voltage and current chopping.
4.There also a chance of air pressure leakage from air pipes junctions.