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Frequently Asked Questions

Circuit Breaker

Are reverse connections allowed on CBI circuit breakers?

Answer

Unless otherwise stated yes, CBI circuit breakers are reverse feedable.  Rule of thumb, if the circuit breaker has indications for line and load at top and bottom, it is not reverse feedable.

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Is the Amp rating on a 3 phase breaker per phase or accumulative?

Answer

It is per Phase.

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Will the breaker trip, even if the handle is blocked?

Answer

YES, absolutely it cannot be restrained from tripping if required as a safety measure!

Even with the handle held in the ON position, the breaker will trip if an overcurrent / overload trip occurs, safely disconnecting the load.

 

This feature is termed “trip free” and is contained in all relevant product specifications.

 

There would be no point in preventing a circuit breaker from full function. It is therefore very important to purchase circuit breakers from a good quality supplier, known to produce a quality product.

 

Circuit breakers form part of essential equipment employed to keep electrical equipment safe for use!

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Can I ensure that the breaker is not tripped unintentionally?

Answer

Handle Lock

Yes, busbar mounted circuit breakers have a special lock that makes it possible to lock the handle in the on or off position. Our front-mounted circuit breakers have different handles for managing unintentional tripping.

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Is the functionality of the breaker affected by the position in which it is mounted?

Answer

Mounting positions

Yes and no, mostly due to the technology of the circuit breaker employed.  For hydraulic magnetic technology refer to the diagram below.  The effect of gravity on the tripping mechanism is due, or not, to the gravity forces being influential on the mechanism.  For example, aiding the tripping will be faster and opposing tripping will be slower.

 

Circuit breakers using alternative technologies, thermal-magnetic and electronic magnetic, are not likely to be affected in a similar fashion.

 

The technology employed is not usually indicated on the body of the circuit breaker so that at any time there is the consideration to mount the circuit breaker away from the industry norm of vertical the manufacturer should be contacted to confirm if the proposed mounting has any effect.

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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)

My Astute Smart Device says Offline?

Answer

Check the internet and Wi-Fi connection.

 

More information: Astute Range

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New Huawei smartphone issues with the CBI Home App

Answer

If you have a new Huawei smartphone and you are battling to download the CBI Home App, kindly contact CBI for further instructions.

More information: Astute Range

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Can I add other devices to the CBI Home App?

Answer

You can add many CBI Astute devices.  The CBI Home App is also compatible with Smart Life or Tuya Smart Devices.

More information: Astute Range

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Connecting Issues

Answer

When trying to pair your Astute device and the blue LED goes off and then solid blue, but does not show up on your phone, this is caused by a router issue.  Follow the steps on the Router Issue Assistance manual.

More information: Astute Range

Download: 

PDF icon Router issue assistance manual

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What is the maximum range for the device?

Answer

A typical Wi-Fi connection needs to be within 20 meters of the Wi-Fi router.  Thick walls and other obstacles might affect the range.  Wi-Fi range extenders are commonly available from computer stores to extend your router's coverage.

More information:  Astute Range

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