The application of copper braided wire in molded case circuit breakers is mainly based on its unique physical and electrical characteristics, which can meet the requirements of circuit breakers for conductivity, flexibility, reliability, and heat dissipation. The following is a specific analysis of the reasons:
1. Excellent conductivity
-Low resistivity
-High current carrying capacity
2. Flexibility and resistance to mechanical stress
-Dynamic compensation
-Anti vibration fatigue
3. Heat dissipation and high temperature resistance performance
-Efficient heat dissipation
-High temperature resistance.
4. Reliable electrical contact and corrosion prevention
-Contact stability
-Antioxidant activity
5. Process adaptability
-Easy to install
-Diversified connection methods
Limitations compared to other materials
-Pure aluminum wire: Although low in cost, it has poor conductivity, is prone to oxidation, and lacks mechanical strength, making it unsuitable for high reliability scenarios.
-Copper aluminum composite wire: Although it can reduce costs, the interface welding process is complex, and long-term use may pose electrochemical corrosion risks (especially in humid environments).
Typical application
-Moving contact connection: Connect the moving contact of the circuit breaker to the terminal to compensate for the displacement during opening and closing.
-Grounding circuit: As a grounding wire, it ensures the rapid discharge of fault current.
-Modular expansion: In expandable circuit breakers (such as Schneider NSX), connect additional functional modules (such as leakage protection units).
Summarize
Copper braided wire has become the preferred material for current transmission and dynamic connection in molded case circuit breakers due to its high conductivity, high flexibility, high temperature resistance, and process adaptability. Although copper aluminum composite materials are gradually emerging, pure copper braided wire is still irreplaceable in high reliability, high current, or harsh environments.
