Over-current protective devices (OCPDs) dissipate heat during normal operation of electrical systems. Depending on the type, rating and size of the OCPD (fuses and circuit breakers), the magnitude of energy loss varies.Eaton’s Evaluating Efficiency and Energy Losses of Various Over-Current Protective Devices white paper discusses a test program that quantified those losses for several typical fuses and circuit breakers.

Excerpt:

The devices in an electrical distribution system are a critical part of a facility’s infrastructure. These devices include transformers, conductors and over-current protective devices. They are selected based on performance considerations including cost, reliability and safety. The selection of these devices typically includes inputs from contractors, facility owners and engineers. Each of these stakeholders tends to focus on these performance considerations to different degrees.

Cost is always an important consideration for a facility. Everyone understands that these costs include the initial purchase price, the design, installation, start-up costs, etc., associated with a facility. However, there may be less obvious costs associated with the ongoing operation and maintenance of the facility. The more energy-efficient a facility is run, the lower the operating costs will be.

As mentioned above, electrical devices contribute in different degrees to the energy efficiency of a facility. Lower-efficiency electrical devices waste more energy, and as a result also contribute to the production of more greenhouse gas. One of these common…>>Read More