Oil Circuit Breakers (OCB)
The oil in OCBs serves two purposes. It insulates between the phases and between the phases and the ground, and it provides the medium for the extinguishing of the arc. When electric arc is drawn under oil, the arc vaporizes the oil and creates a large bubble that surrounds the arc. The gas inside the bubble is around 80% hydrogen, which impairs ionization. The decomposition of oil into gas requires energy that comes from the heat generated by the arc. The oil surrounding the bubble conducts the heat away from the arc and thus also contributes to deionization of the arc.
Main disadvantage of the oil circuit breakers is the flammability of the oil, and the maintenance necessary to keep the oil in good condition (i.e. changing and purifying the oil)
Mineral oil has better insulating property than air. In oil circuit breaker the fixed contact and moving contact are immerged inside the insulating oil. Whenever there is a separation of current carrying contacts in the oil, the arc is initialized at the moment of separation of contacts, and due to this arc the oil is vaporized and decomposed in mostly hydrogen gas and ultimately creates a hydrogen bubble around the arc. This highly compressed gas bubble around the arc prevents re-striking of the arc after current reaches zero crossing of the cycle. The Oil Circuit Breaker is the one of the oldest type of circuit breakers.
Types of oil circuit breakers
There are mainly two types of oil circuit breakers available
Bulk Oil Circuit Breaker or BOCB
Bulk Oil Circuit Breaker or BOCB is such types of circuit breakers where oil is used as arc quenching media as well as insulating media between current carrying contacts and earthed parts of the breaker. The oil used here is same as transformer insulating oil.
Minimum Oil Circuit Breaker or MOCB
These types of circuit breakers utilize oil as the interrupting media. However, unlike bulk oil circuit breaker, a minimum oil circuit breaker places the interrupting unit in insulating chamber at live potential. The insulating oil is available only in interrupting chamber. The features of designing MOCB is to reduce requirement of oil, and hence these breaker are called minimum oil circuit breaker.
Reliable Oil Circuit Breakers for High-Performance Power Protection
In high-voltage electrical systems, circuit breakers play a vital role in ensuring safety and operational efficiency. Among various types, oil circuit breakers are widely used for their excellent arc-extinguishing properties and durability. These breakers utilize insulating oil as both a cooling medium and an arc-quenching agent, making them highly effective in handling high current loads.
At Sri Sai Power Control, we specialize in providing top-quality circuit breaker solutions designed to enhance the reliability of your electrical systems. Our oil circuit breakers are engineered to withstand extreme conditions while offering superior protection against overloads and short circuits.
Why Choose Oil Circuit Breakers?
Oil circuit breakers are preferred in industrial and utility-scale power systems due to their ability to handle high voltages with efficiency. Some key advantages include:
Efficient Arc Quenching: The insulating oil quickly absorbs heat, reducing the chances of damage during fault conditions. High Durability: These breakers offer a long operational lifespan with minimal maintenance. Reliable Performance: They are designed to function effectively in both indoor and outdoor electrical networks. Cost-Effective Solution: Oil circuit breakers are an economical choice for power distribution systems requiring heavy-duty protection.
Applications of Oil Circuit Breakers
Oil circuit breakers are widely used in power stations, substations, and industrial electrical networks. They are ideal for medium to high-voltage applications where effective fault clearance is critical to maintaining uninterrupted power supply.
Get the Best Circuit Breaker Solutions with Sri Sai Power Control
At Sri Sai Power Control, we offer expert guidance, installation, and maintenance services for oil circuit breakers, ensuring safety and efficiency in your electrical systems. Whether you’re upgrading your power infrastructure or seeking a reliable circuit protection solution, our team is here to assist you with high-performance products tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to learn more about our circuit breaker solutions and enhance the reliability of your electrical network!