An Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) is a safety device used to detect and protect against electrical leakage or fault currents. It is designed to quickly interrupt the circuit and disconnect the power supply when an earth fault occurs.
Here's how an ELCB works:
1. Sensing: The ELCB continuously monitors the electrical current flowing through the circuit. It compares the current entering the circuit (phase current) with the current returning from the circuit (neutral current).
2. Imbalance Detection: If there is an imbalance between the phase and neutral currents, it indicates the presence of a leakage or fault current. This imbalance suggests that some current is "leaking" to the earth, which could be due to a person coming into contact with a live part or a faulty insulation.
3. Trip Action: When an earth fault is detected, the ELCB reacts by quickly opening the circuit, cutting off the power supply and preventing electric shocks or other hazards. It trips the circuit breaker, disconnecting the faulty circuit from the power source.
Applications of Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers:
1. Personal Safety: ELCBs are primarily used for protecting individuals from electrical shocks. They are commonly installed in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings to safeguard against electric shock hazards that could arise from faulty equipment, damaged insulation, or accidental contact with live parts.
2. Fire Prevention: ELCBs can also help prevent electrical fires. When an earth fault occurs, it may indicate a potential short circuit or arcing fault. By detecting and interrupting the faulty circuit quickly, ELCBs can reduce the risk of fire due to electrical faults.
3. Equipment Protection: In addition to safeguarding people and property, ELCBs can also provide protection to electrical equipment. They help detect faults that could damage appliances, machinery, or sensitive electronic devices due to electrical leakage or insulation breakdown.
Tripping time of ELCB are about in miliseconds.