The input machine must be chosen very carefully, delving into all the subtleties. Otherwise, the problems can be serious and irreversible.
Generally, users do not look at the power of the circuit breaker. They enter the store and take the first device that comes across on their way. Some are trying to get the cheapest switch, while others are looking for the most powerful.
But neither the first nor the second approach is correct. Before buying a device, you need to calculate the power of all devices that are included in the network. Already based on the figure received, you should choose an automatic machine. If an unsuitable device is installed, a short circuit or fire may occur. It is not necessary to mention that the equipment will suffer from this, this is understandable!
The number of kilowatts that the machine can withstand
Let's start with a selection of cables. When this stage is completed, we proceed to the choice of the machine. You need to understand how many kilowatts the machine and the cable can withstand.
I propose to move on to the main question. The switch must be chosen so that its power is as close as possible to the load of the electrical appliance. For example, let's take an electric boiler with a capacity of 6 kilowatts. It turns out that we need an automatic machine that can withstand at least 6 kW. However, a device that is too powerful will also not work, since it will not be able to turn off at a critical moment.
The easiest option is to use the numbers given in this table.
Turns out that
- 6 amp breaker withstands about 1.3 kW,
- 10 ampere - about 3.5 kW
- 16-ampere - about 3.5 kW,
- 25 amp - 5.5 kW
- and 32-ampere - 7 kW, respectively.
Using the above table, we come to the conclusion that for the normal operation of our boiler, with an estimated power of 6 kW, you need to take a 32 Amp machine. It is he who is closest to the calculated power.
But I would advise you to take a machine with slightly lower readings. Install a 25-amp circuit breaker, there is, of course, the risk that it will periodically turn off, as it will experience an overload. But on the other hand, you will be insured against overheating and ignition of the wiring, if you suddenly make a mistake and choose wires less than the required section.
By the way, I described how to choose the right wiring of the required section earlier in another article: "What is the maximum load that a wire with cross-sections of 1.5 mm² / 2.5 mm² / 4 mm² can withstand"
What is the risk of installing machines of too high power
The answer lies on the surface: if the wiring is overloaded, or any problems arise with the equipment, the machine will not turn off by itself. This will cause the insulation of the cables to melt. If the situation is not corrected, a short circuit will soon occur.
Therefore, it is impossible to select an automatic machine "at random"; It may seem overly complicated, but in reality everything is simple!
Thank you for reading this article to the end! I hope the information contained in it will be useful to you more than once!
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