Circuit protection | Eaton PSEC

9:15

Circuit protection is a system of devices used to protect electrical circuits from electrical faults such as short circuits, overcurrent, and high temperature. Circuit protection devices automatically cause a disruption in an electrical circuit when it recognizes an excess and unsafe load of power in a circuit. If unprotected, the excess and unsafe load of power can melt wire insulation and lead to fires. Common circuit protection devices include: • circuit breakers • fuses • trip units • protective relays Bri Groden, Educational Content Manager at Eaton’s Power Systems Experience Center (PSEC), explains how the electrification of everything increases the exposure to electrical risks. Bri then goes on illustrate what happens during overloads, short circuit, ground faults, and arc faults. We also discuss circuit protection in power systems such as utility, medium-voltage, and low-voltage applications. Bri also walks through coordination studies and explains interrupting rating, withstand rating, and short-time rating. With the increase in energy transition applications, Bri explains the difference between AC and DC circuits regarding the zero crossing. And finally, we explain how motor control centers house the devices that protect motors during startup and operation. Watch the Arc Flash Safety video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akJ_EKZHBcE Thank you for watching one of our many educational videos on the topic of power systems. Schedule a visit to one of Eaton's Power Systems Experience Centers in either Pittsburgh or Houston to learn more! To learn more about Eaton products and our Power Systems Experience Centers: http://eaton.com/experience To view more educational videos from Eaton's Power Systems Experience Centers: http://videos.eaton.com/experience Chapters 0:00 00:12 Intro 00:47 Causes of electrical hazards 01:05 Examples of electrical faults 03:54 Circuit protection in power systems 06:57 Coordination studies 07:35 DC circuit protection 08:17 Motor control centers