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Private Bag X2016, Isando 1600
1 Tripswitch Drive, Elandsfontein, Gauteng, 1401
cbi@cbi-electric.com
internationalsales@cbi-electric.com  (Outside Africa)
info@cbibreakers.com  (USA)
sales@cbi-electric.com.au  (Australia)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Circuit Breaker

Old Heinemann and Fuchs distribution boards do not hold the new QA range circuit breakers.

Answer

Correct, but you can buy adaptor plates that convert Heinemann and Fuchs distribution boards to accommodate the new mini rail style breakers.

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Is the kA rating on a circuit breaker really important?

Answer

Yes, it is one of the most important factors to take into account when selecting a Circuit Breaker.

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Circuit breaker is getting hot, how much heat is allowed?

Answer

All units will get hot under 100% rated current.  Dependent on the cable size used and the atmospheric temperature, the operating temperatures could be affected. 

All breakers are expected to operate at 40 Degrees Celsius. Thermal Breakers de-rate after 40 Degrees Celsius, but CBI hydraulic-magnetic circuit breakers do not de-rate until 85 Degrees Celsius.

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On electronically adjustable breakers can the Amp rating be adjusted while the breaker is live?

Answer

You could adjust it, but if you lower the amp rating, there is a risk of tripping the circuit breaker.

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Why would Curve 1 circuit breakers trip before Curve 2 circuit breakers?

Answer

Curve 1 should always trip last in a discriminated system as it has a slower tripping curve than a curve 2.  Curve 1 is the orange toggle breaker that is a slow tripping circuit breaker, has a 10-20x inrush current, whereas Curve 2 has a 5-10x inrush current rating.

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Earth Leakage

On 3 phase earth leakage devices is the 30 mA protection per phase or accumulative?

Answer

The earth leakage will sense over the 3 phases as a combined Leakage sensitivity.

More information: Earth Leakage Products

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Why does CBI earth leakage devices (RCDs) trip at 21 mA and not at 30 mA?

Answer

The wiring standard indicates that earth leakage units should trip strictly between 15 - 30 mA. As a quality manufacturer, CBI maintains a stringent safety margin from these limits i.e. it will be a few milliamps less than 30 mA.  Under normal circumstances, a leakage current is already present in most systems. Therefore when testing an installation and it trips well below 30 mA on your tester, that indicates that there could already be some leakage in the system.

More information: Earth Leakage Products

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Switch Disconnector

What is the difference between a switch disconnector and isolator?

Answer

An isolator and a switch disconnnector is exactly the same thing and has the same functionality, this is simply a case of two different names for the same product.

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Isolator

What is the difference between a switch disconnector and isolator?

Answer

An isolator and a switch disconnnector is exactly the same thing and has the same functionality, this is simply a case of two different names for the same product.

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Cascading System

Can any 6 kA breaker be used downstream in a cascaded system?

Answer

Only tested and approved 6 kA circuit breakers can be used.

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What does tested combination in a cascading system mean?

Answer

It is vital to ensure that the system you are using has been tested with the products been used.  As soon as a product is changed in the system it is no longer cascaded, and should not be used.  When cascading always refer back to the Manufacturer to ensure that the system you use is allowed.

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Can I use 3 kA circuit breakers in a cascaded system?

Answer

3 kA products have not been tested in any current cascade systems, so no it can not be used.

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Surge Protection

How would I know when to use a 1 pole SPD or 2 pole SPD?

Answer

It is always advisable to use a 2-pole unit, as surges can come through both Live And Neutral lines.

More information: Surge Protection

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Is surge protection devices only for lightning protection?

Answer

No, surge protection devices are used for surges in the system as well due to load shedding.  Factories that cause spikes in voltage, can also cause damaging surges in the system, which can cause damage to electronic equipment.

More information: Surge Protection

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Curves

Why would Curve 1 circuit breakers trip before Curve 2 circuit breakers?

Answer

Curve 1 should always trip last in a discriminated system as it has a slower tripping curve than a curve 2.  Curve 1 is the orange toggle breaker that is a slow tripping circuit breaker, has a 10-20x inrush current, whereas Curve 2 has a 5-10x inrush current rating.

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Astute Smart Controller (ASC)

What does a solid red light indicate?

Answer

This means the unit is powered on, but is not paired to a smartphone or tablet and is not connected to the internet.

More information: Astute Range

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Does my smartphone have to be on the same Wi-Fi connection as device to pair?

Answer

Yes, the same Wi-Fi connection is required to pair.  If you have a range extender that is closer to the Astute Smart Device, ensure that your smartphone is also connected to the extender and not main Wi-Fi Router.  After pairing is complete, the smartphone can use any internet connection (3G, LTE, Wi-Fi) to operate the app functions.

More information: Astute Range

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My Internet is down, how do I switch the device?

Answer

You can manually operate the ASC or ASI by pressing the Power Button (middle button) to switch it.  A red flashing light will indicate that the device is manually switched "ON".  The blue light will be off due to not having an internet connection.

More information: Astute Range

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Can the ASC be sealed?

Answer

Yes, it can, the ASC has an eyelet to add a seal.

More information: Astute Range

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Can I use the ASC for a DC application?

Answer

No, the ASC is for AC loads only.

More information: Astute Range

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