Robust circuit breaker

Citation

(2004), "Robust circuit breaker", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 76 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2004.12776fad.007

Robust circuit breaker

Robust circuit breaker

Keywords: Circuits, Aircraft, Thermal efficiency

E-T-A Circuit Breakers has introduced a new, single-pole, aircraft-style thermal circuit breaker with temperature compensation and a trip-free mechanism. Available in versions handling up to 50 A, with or without an auxiliary contact, the high-performance circuit breaker is said to be suitable for harsh operating conditions in a wide range of applications.

The E-T-A 4140 High Performance Thermal Circuit Breaker is a temperature-compensated, single pole aircraft style circuit breaker, with full ASNE and NSA approvals for all aircraft applications. The threadneck, panel-mounted design features a push/pull, on/off manual actuation. An indicator band on the neck clearly shows the tripped/off position. The type 4140 has a trip-free mechanism which operates at very precise conditions of overcurrent. This prevents the destruction of wiring and components in the protected circuit and minimises the smoke and fire risks that overheating can cause.

A high tolerance to sudden current surges is in- built, reducing the risk of nuisance operation, and enabling an optimum match of cable size to circuit breaker rating with weight and cost saving benefits. By resetting the circuit breaker button, the circuit can be immediately re-powered if desired.

The E-T-A 4140 is available in a wide range of current ratings from 20 A to 50 A up to 115 V 400 Hz. It is temperature compensated in the range from -55°C up to +90°C, while qualified to operate in ambient temperatures up to +125°C. An optional auxiliary contact provides remote status signalling up to 0.5 A 28 V DC.

Details available from: E-T-A Circuit Breakers Ltd., Tel: +44 (0)1296 420336; Fax : +44 (0)1296 488497; E-mail: info@e-t-a.co.uk; Web site: www.e-t-a.com